Blood and Sand
Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and orange juice. An unusual but balanced equal-parts cocktail.
20%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
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.”
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
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Blood and Sand.
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
Blood & Sanguinello
Solerno blood orange liqueur and grapefruit juice create a brighter, tarter riff.
Changes
Ichor and Glass
Reimagines the drink as a stirred, spirit-only cocktail with orange liqueurs replacing juice.
Changes
Mezcal Blood and Sand
Smoky mezcal steps in for Scotch for a south-of-the-border twist.
Changes
Blood and Santa
Fernet-Branca and clementine juice give this holiday riff a minty bite.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Rusty Nail
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Screwdriver
Vodka and orange juice built over ice for a simple, refreshing highball.
Boulevardier
A whiskey-laced cousin of the Negroni that blends bold American bourbon with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth for a warming, ruby-hued sipper.