If you’re looking to impress your friends with a cocktail that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, the Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This spirited drink brings together the tart vibrance of blood orange, the sweet punch of blueberries, and the rich warmth of whiskey for a uniquely refreshing twist on a classic sour.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vibrant Flavors: The tangy blood orange and juicy blueberries create a perfect balance against the smooth whiskey.
Simple Preparation: Just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal steps mean it’s easy to make even when guests arrive unexpectedly.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The vivid color and fresh garnishes make this cocktail a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Versatile Mixer: Perfect for casual get-togethers or a sophisticated evening, this recipe fits every occasion.

Two short glasses filled with a deep pink drink and ice cubes sit on a rustic brown surface. Each glass is topped with long, curly orange peel twists. Around the glasses are several slices of dark red blood oranges, fresh blueberries, and scattered small orange flower petals. There are also a few purple and dark red flowers placed among the fruit slices, adding color contrast. The scene is vibrant and fresh, with rich reds, purples, blues, and orange tones creating a natural and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this cocktail, we kept it beautifully simple with fresh, whole ingredients that truly shine through. Each element plays an essential role—from the tart blood orange juice that adds a zingy brightness, to the blueberries that offer a burst of natural sweetness and stunning color.

Fresh squeezed blood orange juice: The base of this cocktail, providing fresh citrus notes and that gorgeous deep reddish hue.
Fresh blueberries: These add a sweet, fruity depth and blend into a vibrant purple color that’s just delightful.
Whiskey: Choose your favorite kind, whether it’s bourbon or rye, for a smooth warmth that ties everything together.
Fresh orange wedges: For a bright, zesty garnish that elevates the cocktail’s visual appeal.
Ice: Essential for chilling and diluting just the right amount, making your cocktail perfectly refreshing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to tweak and make this recipe your own! The Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour Recipe is incredibly adaptable, whether you want to play with flavors, cater to dietary needs, or simply indulge your personal preferences.

Use different berries: Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries to change up the fruity flavor and color.
Try flavored whiskey: A honey or spiced whiskey can add an extra layer of complexity and warmth to the cocktail.
Sweeten to taste: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup or a drizzle of honey.
Make it sparkling: Top off the cocktail with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.

How to Make Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

Step 1: Create the Blueberry-Orange Puree

Start by combining the fresh blood orange juice and blueberries in a small saucepan. Gently simmer for a few minutes until the blueberries soften, releasing their sweet juices and merging beautifully with the citrus. Once ready, blend this mix until it’s silky smooth and brilliantly colored. Then, let it cool—this puree is what makes the cocktail truly pop!

Step 2: Chill Your Glasses

Fill four cocktail glasses with ice cubes to get them nicely chilled while you prepare the rest of the drink. Nothing beats a cold glass when it comes to enjoying a refreshing whiskey sour!

Step 3: Shake and Serve

Grab your cocktail shaker and add half a cup of the cooled orange-blueberry puree along with 4 ounces of whiskey and a generous handful of ice. Shake it well to combine and chill the mixture perfectly. Strain it carefully over the ice-filled glasses, garnish with fresh blood orange wedges, and repeat with the remaining ingredients. Cheers to magic in a glass!

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Pro Tips for Making Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

Juice Freshness is Key: Always use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for that vibrant tang — it makes a big difference in flavor.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Allow the puree to cool completely before shaking to avoid watering down your cocktail with melting ice.
Shake Vigorously: A good hard shake ensures all the flavors blend beautifully while chilling the drink evenly.
Serve Immediately: This cocktail tastes best fresh, so pour and garnish right after shaking for the best experience.

How to Serve Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

The image shows two clear round glasses filled with a deep purple-red drink with ice cubes floating on top. Each glass is garnished with a twisted orange peel resting on the surface of the drink. Around the glasses on the white marbled surface, there are slices of dark red blood orange, whole blueberries, small dark purple flowers, and scattered small orange flower petals. The drink looks cold and refreshing with a rich color contrast between the orange peel and the purple-red drink. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

Garnishes are your chance to add flair and freshness to this sour. I love using fresh blood orange wedges—they echo the fruit’s bright flavor and add a stunning pop of color right on the rim of the glass. You can also toss in a few whole blueberries or even a sprig of mint for an herbal hint.

Side Dishes

A Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour pairs wonderfully with light appetizers. Think charcuterie boards with cured meats and cheeses, or crispy calamari. Even savory nuts or spiced popcorn work beautifully to complement the cocktail’s fruity tang and whiskey warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve this cocktail in coupe glasses and rim them lightly with sugar mixed with a bit of finely grated orange zest. You could also layer in crushed ice and garnish with edible flowers for an elegant presentation that will wow your guests instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover orange-blueberry puree, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the whiskey separate to avoid diluting its flavor. When ready to serve again, just shake the ingredients fresh with ice.

Freezing

This cocktail isn’t ideal for freezing because the fresh juices and texture can change significantly. Stick to making it fresh for the best experience and vibrancy.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this drink—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and refreshing. Instead, prep fresh batches or keep leftovers chilled until serving time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen blueberries can work well if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them before combining with the blood orange juice to simmer. This helps release their flavor and soften them for blending.
What type of whiskey is best for this cocktail?

Bourbon and rye whiskey are both fantastic choices. Bourbon adds a sweeter, fuller body, while rye will bring a spicier, sharper edge. Pick what suits your taste best!
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! The Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour Recipe is naturally vegan since it uses only fruits, whiskey, and ice. Just make sure your whiskey brand is vegan, as some use animal products in filtering.
How can I adjust the sweetness if it’s too tart?

If the cocktail feels too tart, you can add a splash of simple syrup or honey during the shaking step. Start with a small amount, taste, then add more if needed so it’s perfectly balanced for you.

Final Thoughts

The Blood Orange Blueberry Whiskey Sour Recipe is one of those drinks that not only tastes fantastic but also lights up any gathering with its stunning color and fresh flavors. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet feels like a sophisticated treat. So go ahead—whip up this cocktail, pour yourself a glass, and savor every delicious sip. Cheers to your new favorite!