Blood and Sand
Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and orange juice. An unusual but balanced equal-parts cocktail.
20%
ABV
151
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Garnish with orange twist
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe glass
Garnish
Expressed orange twist
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a blended Scotch with some smoke
Shake hard to develop a light citrus froth
Flame the orange peel for extra aroma
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Blood and Sand.
Blood & Sanguinello
A modern interpretation of the Prohibition-era Blood and Sand cocktail, elevated by using distinctly flavored Sanguinello blood orange juice for a complex, balanced drink that bridges classic sensibilities with the modern palate.
Ichor and Glass
A mythological creation inspired by the golden ichor of the gods, this ethereal cocktail blends cognac with honeyed ambrosia and celestial botanicals for a divine drinking experience.
Mezcal Blood and Sand
A modern, smoky reinterpretation of the contentious Scotch classic, the Blood and Sand, transformed by the complex, layered, and assertive character of mezcal.
Blood and Santa
A festive twist on Blood and Sand with Islay Scotch, cherry liqueur, Fernet-Branca, and fresh clementine juice—a holiday-themed modern classic.
Other Variations
Scotch-Forward
Increase the whisky to 1.5 oz for more malt character.
Changes
Drier Version
Cut the orange juice and cherry brandy for a less sweet profile.
Changes
Better Blood and Sand
Adds lime juice for welcome acidity.
Changes
History & Heritage
“First printed in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, the drink took its name from Rudolph Valentino's 1922 bullfighting film *Blood and Sand*. Its equal-parts formula puzzled bartenders for decades, but modern tweaks—like boosting the Scotch and trimming the juice—have restored its reputation as a balanced marriage of smoke, fruit, and sweet vermouth.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bobby Burns
Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine stirred into a silken, honey‑herbal Manhattan cousin named for the great Scottish poet.
Rob Roy
The Scotch Manhattan—blended Scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters stirred silky cold with a cherry garnish.
Blood & Sanguinello
A modern interpretation of the Prohibition-era Blood and Sand cocktail, elevated by using distinctly flavored Sanguinello blood orange juice for a complex, balanced drink that bridges classic sensibilities with the modern palate.