I was messing around with some smoky scotch, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, and fresh orange juice when I accidentally came up with this cocktail that tastes amazing and kinda hits that perfect sweet, tangy vibe, making it feel like the best drink to unwind with after a long day.

I love the Blood And Sand cocktail because it mixes a smoky scotch with a cherry flavor and a touch of sweet vermouth, plus some fresh orange juice. I think its natural citrus vitamins and lower sugar from the juice make it a cool drink with unique nutrition value.
Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities
- 0.75 oz Scotch Whisky (preferably a smoky one)
- 0.75 oz Cherry Heering
- 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 0.75 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- Optional: Orange peel for garnish
How to Make this
1. Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it up with plenty of ice.
2. Pour 0.75 oz of smoky Scotch Whisky into the shaker.
3. Add 0.75 oz of Cherry Heering next.
4. Then pour in 0.75 oz of Sweet Vermouth.
5. Follow that with 0.75 oz of fresh orange juice.
6. Give everything a good shake for about 15 to 20 seconds until it’s nice and chilled.
7. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
8. If you like, twist a strip of orange peel over the drink and then drop it in as a garnish.
9. Enjoy your cocktail slowly to really appreciate the blend of flavors.
10. Remember to sip responsibly and have fun with it!
Equipment Needed
1. Cocktail shaker – to mix and chill your drink with ice
2. Ice – to keep all the ingredients nicely chilled
3. Jigger or measuring cup – for accurately measuring out the 0.75 oz portions
4. Strainer – to keep the ice out when you pour the drink into the glass
5. Chilled cocktail glass – for serving the cocktail at the proper temperature
6. Knife and cutting board – in case you need to trim a piece of orange peel for garnish
7. Citrus juicer – useful if you’re squeezing fresh orange juice yourself
FAQ
-
What does the Blood And Sand Cocktail taste like?
It has a unique mix that is both smoky and fruity. The Scotch gives it a spicy kick while the Cherry Heering and orange juice add sweetness. -
Can I use a non-smoky scotch?
You can but a smoky scotch is pretty much a must for the full traditional flavor. Non-smoky variants might not get that signature taste. -
How do I best mix the ingredients?
Just add all the liquids in a shaker with ice and give it a good shake for about 15 seconds, then strain it into a chilled glass. Easy peasy. -
What do I use for a garnish?
A thin twist of orange peel works perfect and adds a nice aroma to every sip. -
Can I make it ahead and store it?
It is best enjoyed fresh. But if u really must, keep it in the fridge for up to a day and just give it a quick stir or shake before serving.
Blood And Sand Cocktail Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- For a smoky Scotch Whisky, if you cant find one you can mix a lighter Scotch with a few drops of liquid smoke for that flavor
- Instead of Cherry Heering, you might use a quality cherry brandy or even a cherry liqueur like Luxardo which works pretty well
- If you dont have Sweet Vermouth, try using another red vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or even a sweet red wine that has a similar profile
- When fresh orange juice isnt available, 100 percent pure orange juice from the store can do the trick
- If you dont have an orange peel for garnish, a small twist of lemon peel can add a nice citrusy accent instead
Pro Tips
Here’s a few pro tips to up your cocktail game:
1. Make sure you use lots of ice in your shaker. It’s the key to keeping your drink super chilled without watering it down too fast when you shake it.
2. Pre-chill your cocktail glass in the freezer or with a bit of ice water. A cold glass helps maintain the temperature of the drink longer.
3. When you shake the mix, give it a solid shake for 15 to 20 seconds. It might sound like a lot, but a good, vigorous shake will blend the flavors perfectly. Try not to rush it!
4. For the garnish, twist your orange peel slowly over the drink to release the oils. This little trick can boost the aroma and really bring out the citrus note.
To make the cocktail, grab a shaker and fill it up with heaps of ice. Pour in 0.75 oz of smoky Scotch whisky, then add 0.75 oz of Cherry Heering followed by 0.75 oz of sweet vermouth and 0.75 oz of fresh orange juice. Now, shake everything together for about 15 to 20 seconds until well chilled. Strain the mixture into your pre-chilled cocktail glass. If you like, twist an orange peel over the drink and drop it in for garnish. Enjoy your cocktail and remember to sip responsibly!

Blood And Sand Cocktail Recipe
My favorite Blood And Sand Cocktail Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cocktail shaker – to mix and chill your drink with ice
2. Ice – to keep all the ingredients nicely chilled
3. Jigger or measuring cup – for accurately measuring out the 0.75 oz portions
4. Strainer – to keep the ice out when you pour the drink into the glass
5. Chilled cocktail glass – for serving the cocktail at the proper temperature
6. Knife and cutting board – in case you need to trim a piece of orange peel for garnish
7. Citrus juicer – useful if you’re squeezing fresh orange juice yourself
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz Scotch Whisky (preferably a smoky one)
- 0.75 oz Cherry Heering
- 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 0.75 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- Optional: Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it up with plenty of ice.
2. Pour 0.75 oz of smoky Scotch Whisky into the shaker.
3. Add 0.75 oz of Cherry Heering next.
4. Then pour in 0.75 oz of Sweet Vermouth.
5. Follow that with 0.75 oz of fresh orange juice.
6. Give everything a good shake for about 15 to 20 seconds until it’s nice and chilled.
7. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
8. If you like, twist a strip of orange peel over the drink and then drop it in as a garnish.
9. Enjoy your cocktail slowly to really appreciate the blend of flavors.
10. Remember to sip responsibly and have fun with it!









