Blood Orange Almond Sparkler: A Festive and Delicious Recipe

Blood oranges are a winter citrus treasure, bursting with vibrant color and a unique, slightly tart flavor that sets them apart from regular oranges. When combined with the delicate nutty notes of almond and the effervescence of sparkling wine or soda, they create a truly special and celebratory drink. This Blood Orange Almond Sparkler recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch with friends, or simply a sophisticated treat on a cozy evening. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Festive and Elegant:** The deep red hue of the blood orange juice mixed with the shimmering bubbles makes this drink incredibly eye-catching.
* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The tartness of blood orange, the sweetness of almond syrup, and the crispness of sparkling wine create a perfectly balanced and refreshing flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and only a few simple ingredients. It’s ready in minutes!
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Use different types of sparkling wine or substitute with sparkling soda for an alcohol-free version.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a bridal shower, or simply want to elevate your weekend brunch, this Blood Orange Almond Sparkler is the perfect choice.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Blood Oranges:** Look for firm, heavy blood oranges with smooth skin. Moro blood oranges have the deepest red color, while Tarocco blood oranges are sweeter and less tart. Sanguinello blood oranges are also a good option. You’ll need enough to juice for each serving.
* **Almond Syrup (Orgeat):** Orgeat is a sweet syrup flavored with almonds, sugar, and orange flower water. It adds a delicious nutty flavor and a touch of sweetness to the drink. You can find it at most liquor stores or online. Alternatively, you can make your own (recipe below).
* **Sparkling Wine (Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne):** Use your favorite type of sparkling wine. Prosecco is a great affordable option, while Cava offers a similar flavor profile at a slightly higher price point. For a truly special occasion, Champagne is the ultimate choice. You can also use sparkling rosé for a beautiful color variation.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Fresh rosemary sprigs, blood orange slices, toasted almond slivers, or candied orange peel add a festive touch and enhance the visual appeal of the drink.
* **Ice:** While optional, a few ice cubes can help keep the drink chilled, especially if you’re serving it outdoors or on a warm day.

## Equipment

* **Juicer:** A citrus juicer (either manual or electric) is essential for extracting the juice from the blood oranges. A handheld citrus reamer also works.
* **Measuring Spoons or Jigger:** For accurately measuring the almond syrup.
* **Champagne Flutes or Coupe Glasses:** These elegant glasses are perfect for serving sparkling wine cocktails. You can also use wine glasses if you prefer.
* **Bar Spoon or Stirrer:** For gently stirring the ingredients together.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the blood orange slices and other garnishes.

## How to Make Blood Orange Almond Sparkler: Step-by-Step Instructions

**Yields:** 1 serving
**Prep time:** 5 minutes

**Instructions:**

1. **Chill Your Glasses (Optional):** Place your champagne flutes or coupe glasses in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to chill them. This will help keep your drink cold for longer.
2. **Juice the Blood Oranges:** Cut the blood oranges in half and juice them using a citrus juicer. You’ll need about 3-4 ounces (90-120 ml) of fresh blood orange juice per serving. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp, if desired. I prefer a little pulp.
3. **Add Almond Syrup:** Pour 0.5 – 0.75 ounces (15-22 ml) of almond syrup (Orgeat) into the chilled glass. Adjust the amount of syrup according to your preference. If you like a sweeter drink, add more syrup; if you prefer a tarter drink, add less.
4. **Top with Blood Orange Juice:** Gently pour the fresh blood orange juice over the almond syrup.
5. **Top with Sparkling Wine:** Slowly top the glass with chilled sparkling wine, leaving about an inch of space at the top. This helps prevent the drink from overflowing.
6. **Gently Stir:** Use a bar spoon or stirrer to gently stir the ingredients together. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the sparkling wine to lose its bubbles.
7. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig, a blood orange slice, toasted almond slivers, or candied orange peel. Get creative and use whatever garnishes you like!
8. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Blood Orange Almond Sparkler immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Making the Best Blood Orange Almond Sparkler

* **Use Freshly Squeezed Blood Orange Juice:** Freshly squeezed juice will always taste better than store-bought juice. It has a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
* **Chill All Ingredients:** Chilling the blood orange juice, sparkling wine, and glasses will help keep the drink cold and refreshing.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of almond syrup to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more syrup; if you prefer a tarter drink, add less.
* **Use High-Quality Sparkling Wine:** The quality of the sparkling wine will affect the overall taste of the drink. Choose a sparkling wine that you enjoy drinking on its own.
* **Don’t Over-Stir:** Over-stirring the drink can cause the sparkling wine to lose its bubbles. Gently stir the ingredients together just enough to combine them.
* **Get Creative with Garnishes:** Garnishes add a festive touch and enhance the visual appeal of the drink. Use whatever garnishes you like, such as fresh rosemary sprigs, blood orange slices, toasted almond slivers, or candied orange peel.
* **Make a Pitcher:** To make a pitcher of Blood Orange Almond Sparkler, simply multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you want to make. Mix all of the ingredients together in a pitcher except for the sparkling wine. Add the sparkling wine just before serving to prevent it from going flat.
* **For a non-alcoholic version:** Replace the sparkling wine with sparkling water or club soda. You can also add a splash of blood orange soda for extra flavor.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Blood Orange & Rosemary Sparkler:** Muddle a sprig of fresh rosemary in the bottom of the glass before adding the other ingredients. The rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy note to the drink.
* **Blood Orange & Ginger Sparkler:** Add a small piece of fresh ginger to the glass before adding the other ingredients. The ginger adds a spicy, warming flavor to the drink.
* **Blood Orange & Cranberry Sparkler:** Add a splash of cranberry juice to the drink for a festive twist. The cranberry juice adds a tart, fruity flavor and enhances the red color of the drink.
* **Blood Orange & Pomegranate Sparkler:** Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a beautiful and festive touch. The pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweet and tart flavor.
* **Use Different Citrus:** If you can’t find blood oranges, you can substitute with other types of citrus, such as regular oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different.
* **Make it a Mocktail:** For an alcohol-free version, substitute the sparkling wine with sparkling water, club soda, or ginger ale. You can also add a splash of blood orange soda for extra flavor.
* **Homemade Almond Syrup (Orgeat):** Making your own orgeat syrup is surprisingly simple. You can control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

## Homemade Almond Syrup (Orgeat) Recipe

**Yields:** About 1 cup
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup blanched almonds
* 2 cups water
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon orange flower water (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Toast the Almonds:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the blanched almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
2. **Simmer Almonds in Water:** In a saucepan, combine the toasted almonds and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. **Strain the Almonds:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a nut milk bag or a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the almonds. Discard the almond pulp.
4. **Make the Syrup:** Return the almond liquid to the saucepan and add the sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. **Simmer the Syrup:** Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the syrup has slightly thickened.
6. **Add Flavorings (Optional):** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange flower water and almond extract, if using.
7. **Cool and Store:** Let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Brunch:** Serve Blood Orange Almond Sparkler at your next brunch gathering. It pairs perfectly with eggs benedict, pancakes, or waffles.
* **Holiday Parties:** This drink is a festive addition to any holiday party. Serve it with appetizers like cheese and crackers, mini quiches, or bruschetta.
* **Bridal Showers:** The elegant and celebratory nature of this drink makes it perfect for bridal showers.
* **Romantic Dinners:** Impress your loved one with a Blood Orange Almond Sparkler during a romantic dinner. It pairs well with seafood, chicken, or pasta dishes.
* **Dessert:** Serve this drink as a light and refreshing dessert alternative. It pairs well with chocolate cake, fruit tarts, or ice cream.

## Storage Instructions

It’s best to make and serve the Blood Orange Almond Sparkler immediately. The bubbles in the sparkling wine will dissipate over time, so the drink will lose its fizz if it sits for too long. If you need to prepare the drink in advance, you can juice the blood oranges and store the juice in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, don’t add the sparkling wine until just before serving. Store any leftover almond syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without garnish): The nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and amounts used, especially the brand and type of sparkling wine and the amount of Orgeat. It’s best to use a nutritional calculator for the most accurate values.

* Calories: ~150-200
* Carbohydrates: ~20-30g
* Sugar: ~20-30g
* Fat: ~0g
* Protein: ~0g

## Final Thoughts

The Blood Orange Almond Sparkler is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s a burst of winter sunshine, a whisper of almond sweetness, and a celebration in every sip. It’s a drink that elevates any occasion and makes you feel like you’re indulging in something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to create a drink that will delight your senses and impress your guests. Cheers to the Blood Orange Almond Sparkler – a taste of winter magic in a glass!

Enjoy!