Blood Orange Gin Sour: Flawless Gin Sour Recipe
Sep 17, 2025
The Blood Orange Gin Sour is a vibrant, elegant twist on the classic gin sour cocktail. It features the sweet-tart flavor of fresh blood orange juice, perfectly balanced by a botanical gin base, tart lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Considered one of the most compelling blood orange cocktails for its stunning ruby-red color and nuanced flavor profile, this recipe is easy to execute at home. This gin sour uses aquafaba for a silky, luxurious texture, ensuring a fresh, bright, and unforgettable drink.

The Blood Orange Gin Sour Recipe
Ingredients for a Single Blood Orange Gin Sour
- 2 oz gin (we like @13thcolony)
- .5 oz blood orange juice
- 1 oz El Guapo™ Lemon Cordial
- 2 tbsp aquafaba (viscous liquid inside a chickpea can)
- 3 dashes El Guapo™ Love Potion #9 Bitters
- A slice of dried orange or fresh orange peel, for garnish
How to Make the Perfect Blood Orange Gin Sour
- Add all ingredients into a shaker tin.
- Dry shake for 15 seconds to emulsify the aquafaba and create a frothy texture.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a slice of dried orange or a fresh orange peel.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tart, and Zesty
This gin sour is a beautifully balanced drink. The gin provides a clean, botanical base, while the blood orange juice offers a vibrant, bittersweet flavor. The El Guapo™ Lemon Cordial adds a zesty, citrus-forward sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the blood orange. The bitters introduce a final layer of aromatic spice, and the aquafaba creates a luxurious, silky foam that is visually stunning and adds to the cocktail's smooth texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gin sour?
A gin sour is a cocktail that combines gin, a citrus juice (typically lemon or lime), and a sweetener. The drink's name comes from its signature balance of sweet and sour flavors, often with a frothy texture from egg white or a substitute like aquafaba.
What does a blood orange cocktail taste like?
A blood orange cocktail has a flavor profile that is both sweet and tart, with a hint of raspberry-like bitterness. The blood orange provides a deeper and more complex citrus flavor than a standard orange, making it a favorite for sophisticated drinks.
What is aquafaba, and can I make this cocktail without it?
Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It is a popular vegan substitute for egg white in cocktails because it creates a similar frothy, silky foam when shaken. You can make the cocktail without it, but you will miss the luxurious texture.
Can I substitute blood orange juice?
While fresh blood orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute it with a combination of orange juice and a dash of cranberry juice to mimic its color and bittersweet notes.