Blood oranges are another winter treat (they’re best late September through February) and their elegant, deep red color lends itself perfectly to holiday cocktails. The slightly bitter flavor of the blood orange and addition of fresh thyme makes for a sophisticated twist on a classic martini. If you’re a vodka martini fan you can substitute your favorite plain vodka for the gin.
- 4 ounces gin (such as Bradford Distillery)
- 2 ounces blood orange juice
- ½ ounce Cointreau Blood Orange (regular Cointreau or Triple Sec can be used for a lighter orange flavor)
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Blood orange twists
Rub thyme leaves in your hands to release oils and add to cocktail shaker. Shake gin, blood orange juice, and Cointreau over ice with the thyme. Strain into glasses and garnish with blood orange twists.