Blood and Sand Cocktail

If you want to drive yourself crazy, make this drink.

I am kidding, of course, but only half so as that was very much how I felt when trying to source the ingredients for it earlier this week.  The “blood” in this cocktail refers to blood orange juice, which is all well and good if said oranges are in fact, in season (Almost, but not quite.) or available where you are (Not where I am, I can confirm.).  The next best thing to fresh then is a bottled pressed juice, and I found that this particular brand worked really well.

The second unique ingredient here is a Danish liqueur called Cherry Heering.  Unlike other ruby red libations of a similar flavor, it derives its color directly from cherries that are crushed and soaked in a blend of spices and spirits, and aged for several years; it can be pricey but you are paying for the real deal, so to speak.  The responsible food blogger in me then wondered whether it was even worth it to post this at all.  The other part of me – the one that loves classic cocktails – decided to give it a go, and after trying it, I think you should/hope you will too.

Given the time of year and the gory connotations in its name, I ran with a theme when photographing my drink, but I can assure you that it will go down just as smooth on this frightful night as it will in the dead of winter (Fireside, après ski, maybe?).  I am guessing it’ll be easier to find the oranges then too.  : )  The spooky storms we have been having here lately – with wind and rain and sun all jumbled together – only added to my fun.  I am hoping that they move out of town tonight though – and whether you are tricking or treating, that you have the Happiest Halloween!

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