Make the Blood & Sand cocktail, a classic scotch-based drink combining sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juice. Smooth and balanced, it’s a unique blend of smoky and fruity — ideal for adventurous drinkers and fans of vintage recipes.
Add scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well for 15 seconds until chilled.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a brandied cherry for added depth.
Roast duck with cherry glaze
Grilled sausages or cured meats
Dark chocolate truffles
Aged cheddar or gouda
Beet salad with citrus dressing
Its balance of rich and bright notes makes it great with savory, smoky, or fruit-accented bites.
Choose a mild blended scotch — avoid heavily peated varieties unless you want a smokier twist.
Fresh orange juice is key — bottled juice will make the drink taste flat.
Blood orange juice can add a dramatic twist if in season.
If you want a deeper color, try Cocchi Vermouth di Torino or a richer cherry liqueur.
For a stirred version, skip the orange juice (or reduce it) and add a dash of orange bitters instead.
Named after the 1922 silent film Blood and Sand, this cocktail was first published in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. Despite its odd mix of ingredients, the Blood & Sand has become a beloved classic, showing off how well scotch can play with fruit and vermouth in a shaken drink.
1 servings