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Loading...The Blood and Sand Cocktail is a sweet concoction of Scotch, cherry brandy, sweet vermouth, and orange juice. This scotch-based cocktail makes for a perfect night-cap by the fire or liquid time-travel into the early Hollywood era, whose namesake comes from the 1922 silent film, Blood and Sand, about a Spanish bullfighter. Its reddish color alludes to a bullfighter’s cape, and has a taste that balances fruity with smokey, bitter with sweet.
Tools
- Jigger
- Shaker
- Strainer
- Cocktail glass
- Peeler
Ingredients (One Serving)
- 3/4 ounce scotch
- 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
- 3/4 ounce cherry liqueur
- 3/4 ounce orange juice, freshly squeezed
Garnish: orange peel
How to Make
Measure equal quantities of the four main ingredients and pour into a shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled. Strain into a cocktail or martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
Nutrition Facts and ABV
- ABV (alcohol by volume): 15.2%
- Calories: 153 calories
- Total carbohydrates: 13.5 grams
- Total sugar: 13.2 grams
Some spirit recipes aren’t available. As such, some nutrition content may be estimated.
History
Though the precise origins of the drink are unknown, its recipe first appeared in The Savoy Cocktail book, published in 1930. The 1922 silent romance, Blood and Sand, is lauded as one of the early Hollywood films that supported LGBTQ+, as its female director, Dorothy Arzner, was open about her relationship with another woman and maintained a successful and cutting-edge directing career. The film was re-released in 1941 as a “talkie”, starring famous actress Rita Hayworth and won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. While these events explain a logical chronology of the drink’s name and its boost in popularity 20 years later, its inception remains a mystery.
FAQs
What kind of scotch works best in the Blood and Sand?
A blended scotch like Monkey Shoulder works best in the Blood and Sand.
When is the best time to drink this cocktail?
The rich and spicy-sweet flavor makes it a great seasonal drink for late autumn and early winter. Though it is served chilled, the taste is sure to warm you up all the way down to your toes.
Is this a well-known cocktail?
Almost 100 years old, the Blood and Sand has seen its fair share of cocktail glasses, but many modern drinkers are unaware of this drink nor its intriguing cinematic backstory.
Can any of the ingredients be substituted?
As a Scotch-based cocktail, the Scotch is non-negotiable, but the cherry liqueur can be swapped for syrup. This will retain its famous red color, increase the sweetness, and reduce the ABV content.
