Blood Orange Simple Syrup

This Blood Orange Simple Syrup is an excellent way to enhance your beverages and desserts with a bold citrus flavor and a beautiful ruby-red color. Made from fresh blood orange juice, thinly sliced orange wheels, sugar, and water, it encapsulates the essence of winter citrus in every drop. Its ideal balance of sweetness and acidity makes it a crucial component for cocktails, mocktails, teas, and even baked items. Whether poured over pancakes, blended into lemonades, or used as a glaze, this syrup adds a vibrant citrus burst that elevates any dish to a new level. Easy to prepare yet immensely versatile, this syrup is essential for any kitchen.

Blood oranges, celebrated for their rich red flesh and intricate flavor, have been treasured for centuries, especially in Mediterranean countries like Italy and Spain, where they flourish under the warm sun. Their distinctive taste, sweet yet subtly tart with notes of raspberry, has made them a sought-after ingredient in various culinary traditions, from traditional Sicilian granitas to Spanish sangrias. This Blood Orange Syrup offers a contemporary way to harness the essence of this lively citrus fruit, turning it into a syrup that elevates beverages, desserts, and even savory recipes.

In contrast to traditional simple syrups, this variant includes both the juice and delicately sliced blood orange wheels, enhancing the citrus infusion and resulting in a complex, slightly bittersweet flavor profile. It’s a seasonal treat, especially during winter when blood oranges are at their best. Whether you’re crafting a festive cocktail, elevating homemade lemonade, or drizzling it over pancakes, this syrup offers an effortless way to add elegance and vibrant flavor to your dishes.

For more traditional syrup flavors, try rich demerara syrup or brown sugar simple syrup.

For fruity beverages, try apple cider mocktail, peach mocktail, cranberry mule mocktail, raspberry mocktail, peach lemonade, blueberry matcha latte, or blackberry mocktail.

For festive cocktails, try apple cider martini, apple cider mule, raspberry margarita, raspberry martini, raspberry mule, strawberry martini, blueberry gin cocktail, London mule, kiwi gin cocktail, or gin and tonic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Citrus Flavor: The sweet-tart taste of blood oranges makes this syrup uniquely refreshing. It has subtle hints of raspberry and a slight floral undertone. This syrup enhances cocktails, mocktails, teas, and desserts with a vibrant citrus punch that stands out from regular orange-based syrups.
• Vibrant Color: The intense ruby-red shade of blood oranges beautifully infuses this syrup, enhancing the visual appeal of any drink or dish. Whether poured over pancakes or mixed into a cocktail, the deep color adds a touch of sophistication and makes beverages more festive and inviting.
• Simple to Prepare: This recipe calls for only four easy-to-find ingredients and requires very little effort. With a basic simmering method, even novices can craft a delicious, high-quality syrup at home without needing any specialized tools or skills.
• Versatile Applications: This syrup’s versatility is among its standout features. It serves well in cocktails such as margaritas, martinis, and mules, as well as mocktails, iced teas, and lemonades. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully as a drizzle over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and yogurt, or even as a glaze for cakes and pastries.
• Seasonal and Special: Blood oranges are at their best in winter and early spring, making this syrup a unique treat that highlights this limited-time fruit. It’s an excellent way to infuse seasonal flavors into your kitchen, suitable for festive holiday drinks, Valentine’s Day cocktails, or even to add a refreshing twist to summer beverages.

Ingredients

• Blood Oranges: Blood oranges are a colorful winter citrus, recognized for their rich ruby-red shade and unique sweet-tart taste featuring hints of raspberry and floral undertones. Their vibrant color is due to anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that are uncommon in other citrus varieties. Generally available from December to April, blood oranges are a sought-after ingredient that brings visual flair and intricate citrus flavors to dishes. Their juice and zest produce a perfectly balanced syrup, elevating everything from cocktails to desserts with a naturally bold and refreshing flavor.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

• Orange Alternatives: In the absence of blood oranges, you can use regular oranges, cara cara oranges, or a combination of navel oranges with pomegranate juice to replicate the unique color. Regular oranges provide a sweeter, milder flavor, whereas cara cara oranges introduce a subtly tangy and floral note, and pomegranate juice contributes a deep red color. Or you can use other fruit, and make other delicious syrups, like strawberry syrup, raspberry syrup, blackberry syrup, blueberry syrup, peach syrup, apple brown sugar syrup, or cranberry syrup.
• Sugar Alternatives: Rather than using granulated sugar, consider honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to modify the flavor profile. Honey imparts a subtle floral sweetness that complements citrus notes beautifully. Maple syrup offers a rich, caramelized flavor, perfect for autumn and winter beverages. Coconut sugar brings a hint of earthiness and a less processed sweetness, appealing to some preferences. I also tried making this syrup with light brown sugar.
• Customize the Sweetness: You can modify the liquid-to-sugar ratio in this syrup to match your preferences. This recipe includes 1 cup of water, ½ cup of fresh blood orange juice, and ½ cup of sugar, but feel free to try out different ratios. To create a lighter, less sweet syrup, reduce the sugar even more. If a richer, more concentrated syrup is your goal, increase the sugar or allow it to simmer longer for thickness. Adjusting this balance helps you customize the syrup for various applications, whether in beverages or desserts.
• Herbal and Spice Infusions: Enrich the flavor profile by incorporating herbs or spices while simmering. A sprig of rosemary or thyme pairs wonderfully with citrus, providing a fresh herbal scent ideal for cocktails. Meanwhile, cinnamon sticks or star anise contribute warmth and nuanced spiced depth, making the syrup a fantastic complement to winter beverages such as hot toddies or mulled cider.
• Alcohol-Infused Version: After the syrup has cooled, add a splash of Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or orange liqueur for a boozy variation. This not only enhances the orange flavor but also makes it a ready-made cocktail mixer for margaritas, sangrias, or whiskey sours.
• Thicker Syrup for Drizzling: To create a richer, thicker consistency suitable for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or cakes, reduce the amount of water slightly or let the syrup simmer longer. This concentrates the flavors and creates a more syrupy texture, making it ideal as a dessert topping.

How to Make Blood Orange Simple Syrup

As we are utilizing the entire sliced orange, I suggest washing the oranges prior to juicing and cutting into wheels.

Step 1: Add ½ cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan. Juice 2-3 blood oranges directly into the pot, making sure to catch any seeds. Add thinly sliced blood orange wheels for extra flavor and infusion. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer (not boil) for about 10 minutes, allowing the orange slices to release their oils and deepen the flavor. Stir occasionally but avoid vigorous boiling.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Blood Oranges: Freshly squeezed blood orange juice always yields the best flavor and the brightest color. Bottled juices often contain preservatives and may lack the natural vibrancy of fresh citrus. When selecting blood oranges, look for ones that feel heavy for their size, as they will be the juiciest.
• Avoid Over-Boiling: Simmer the syrup gently instead of boiling it hard. Excessive boiling may break down the natural citrus oils, leading to a somewhat bitter flavor. A gentle simmer allows the blood orange wheels and juice to infuse properly, preserving the vibrant citrus taste.
• Enhance Color Naturally: To intensify the syrup’s red hue, add a handful of crushed raspberries or a splash of pomegranate juice while simmering. This will not drastically change the flavor but will make the syrup even more visually striking.
• Strain for a Smooth Syrup: If you prefer a perfectly smooth syrup with no pulp or zest, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before storing. However, if you like extra citrus intensity, leave some of the orange zest and wheels in the jar, which will continue infusing the syrup over time.
• Utilize a Small Funnel for Effortless Pouring: When pouring syrup into a storage jar or bottle, a small funnel can help avoid spills and maintain a tidy process. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with narrow-neck bottles or glass jars. Additionally, a funnel keeps your workspace neat and simplifies the task of dividing the syrup into several containers if required.
• Store Correctly: To maintain the freshness of your syrup, place it in a clean, airtight glass jar and refrigerate for up to two to three weeks. For extended storage, freeze it in ice cube trays, allowing you to thaw small portions as necessary. This method is particularly useful for preparing quick cocktails or flavored sparkling waters at a moment’s notice.

How to Use Blood Orange Syrup

This versatile Blood Orange Syrup Recipe can be used in a variety of ways, from cocktails and mocktails to desserts and breakfast dishes. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:

In Drinks:

• Cocktails: Add it to margaritas, martinis, whiskey sours, or gin and tonics for a touch of sweetness. A dash of this syrup elevates the flavor and appearance of your go-to beverages.
• Mocktails: Combine with sparkling water, ginger beer, or lemonade for a refreshing, alcohol-free beverage featuring a citrusy twist.
• Teas and Lattes: Mix a spoonful into hot or iced tea for a zesty citrus infusion, or blend it into a latte for a distinct, lightly sweet enhancement.
• Lemonades and Spritzers: Mix fresh lemon juice with still or sparkling water to create a delightful homemade blood orange lemonade or spritzer.
• Smoothies and Shakes: Add it to fruit smoothies or milkshakes for added sweetness and a touch of citrus.

In Desserts & Breakfast:

• Pancakes, waffles, and French toast: Drizzle it over your breakfast favorites as a syrup alternative.
• Yogurt & Oatmeal: Stir it into yogurt or drizzle it over oatmeal for a naturally sweet and citrusy flavor boost.
• Cakes and Cupcakes: Apply it to cakes or cupcakes prior to frosting to maintain moisture and infuse a hint of blood orange flavor.
• Ice Cream & Sorbet: Pour over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or blend it into homemade sorbet for a refreshing citrus touch.
• Cocktail Garnish: Dip fruit slices in syrup and use them as garnishes to enhance flavor.

In Savory Dishes:

• Glaze for Roasted Meats: Apply it as a glaze on roasted chicken, pork, or salmon for a sweet and tangy finish.
• Salad Dressings: Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a quick, citrus-infused dressing.
• Cheese Pairings: For a gourmet touch, Drizzle over a cheese platter with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.

Recipe FAQs