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Blood Orange Spritz

Bright, bubbly, and impossibly easy, this Blood Orange Spritz is the kind of drink that feels festive without any fuss. Sweet-tart blood orange juice meets refreshing sparkling water for a fizzy refresher that’s equally at home on a sunny patio or beside a cozy window. It’s a sparkling little pick-me-up that looks stunning in the glass and tastes like a small celebration.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of the same old sodas and sugary bottled mixers, this recipe is perfect because it swaps artificial flavors for vibrant, freshly squeezed citrus and keeps things light with sparkling water while still delivering big flavor.

Ingredients

Fresh blood orange juice
Sparkling water
Ice (optional)
Blood orange slices (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Blood Orange Spritz

Squeeze the juice from fresh blood oranges into a glass. Start with ripe, deep-red blood oranges for the most intense color and flavor—two medium oranges typically yield about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of juice, depending on size and juiciness. If you like a slightly sweeter drink, taste the juice first and add a small spoonful of simple syrup or honey only if needed.
Fill the glass with ice if desired. Large, clear ice cubes melt more slowly and dilute less, keeping the spritz bright for longer. For an especially dramatic presentation, use a single large sphere or cube.
Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Add the sparkling water slowly so you preserve as much effervescence as possible—pouring over the back of a spoon helps. The ratio is up to you; a common starting point is 1 part juice to 2 parts sparkling water, then adjust to taste.
Garnish with a slice of blood orange. A thin wheel of blood orange threaded onto the rim or floated in the drink adds color and aroma. For an extra touch, lightly zest a bit of orange peel over the top to release the essential oils.
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing drink! Because there’s no stabilizers or pre-made syrup, this spritz tastes best the moment you make it—bright, bubbly, and fragrant.

Best Way to Store Blood Orange Spritz

Pre-mixed (juice + sparkling water): Best consumed immediately; if necessary, refrigerate at 34–40°F (1–4°C) and consume within 4–6 hours to retain bubbles.
Freshly squeezed blood orange juice (alone): Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 34–40°F (1–4°C) for up to 48–72 hours; stir gently before using.
Sparkling water (opened bottle): Keep refrigerated at 34–40°F (1–4°C) and use within 24–48 hours for best carbonation; reseal tightly.
With ice or garnishes: Do not store—prepare fresh for serving.

Serving Suggestions for Blood Orange Spritz

Glassware: Serve in a tall Collins glass or a stemmed wine glass to showcase the color and effervescence. A coupe works nicely if you prefer a smaller portion.
Garnishes: Besides a wheel of blood orange, try a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory-herb aroma, or a thin twist of orange peel to add concentrated citrus oil.
Pairings: This spritz pairs beautifully with light dishes—fresh salads, grilled shrimp, citrusy ceviche, or soft cheeses. For sweet pairings, shortbread or a citrus tart make a lovely match.
Occasion ideas: Serve as a pre-dinner aperitif, a brunch refresher, or a non-alcoholic option at a party. To make it a boozy cocktail, add a splash (1–1.5 oz) of Aperol, Campari, or gin and top with prosecco for a festive twist.

How to Make the Best Blood Orange Spritz — Tips on Technique and Timing

Use the freshest fruit you can find. Blood oranges vary in color and sweetness depending on the variety and ripeness—look for deep red flesh and fragrant skin.
Chill your sparkling water and glasses ahead of time so you preserve fizz longer. Cold liquids retain carbonation better than room-temperature ones.
Taste as you go. The natural sweetness of blood oranges can vary; if the juice tastes very tart, balance with a touch of simple syrup, agave, or a small amount of sugar dissolved in the juice before adding sparkling water.
Keep the bubbles: Add sparkling water as the final step and stir minimally to avoid flattening the drink. Pouring over ice also helps maintain chill without immediately diluting the carbonation.

tips to make Blood Orange Spritz

Use room-temperature oranges for easier juicing; cold oranges can be harder to squeeze.
Roll each orange on the countertop firmly with your palm for 20–30 seconds to release more juice.
If you want a slightly sweeter spritz without sugar, use a bottle of naturally flavored sparkling water (citrus or orange) instead of plain.
To make multiples for a party, prepare the juice ahead and keep chilled; add sparkling water only when serving to preserve effervescence.
For a clearer drink, strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds before combining.

Variations

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz (bullet style): Add 1–1.5 oz Aperol and 2–3 oz prosecco to the glass before topping with sparkling water for a bitter-sweet, boozy spritz with a gorgeous red hue. Garnish with an orange slice.
Alcohol-free, herbal variation (paragraph style): For a more complex non-alcoholic version, steep a small sprig of rosemary in the freshly squeezed blood orange juice for 10–15 minutes, then strain. Combine with sparkling water and a touch of honey or agave if needed. The herbal note complements the citrus and makes the spritz feel more grown-up without alcohol.

FAQs
Q: How long will the fresh-squeezed juice last?
A: Fresh blood orange juice keeps 48–72 hours in the fridge in an airtight container; flavor and brightness are best on day one.

Q: Can I use bottled blood orange juice or concentrate?
A: Yes. Bottled juice works, but freshness and flavor intensity may be reduced. If using concentrate, dilute according to package instructions and taste before adding sparkling water.

Q: How do I prevent the drink from going flat?
A: Add sparkling water at the last moment, keep ingredients cold, and stir very gently. Serve in chilled glasses for maximum fizz.

What about allergens or dietary concerns?

This spritz is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. If adding spirits or commercial mixers, check labels for allergens.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a gathering?
A: You can juice the blood oranges ahead of time and keep the juice chilled; however, for best bubbles, add sparkling water just before serving.

Troubleshooting and Extra Notes

Too tart? Add a small amount of simple syrup, honey, or agave to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and increase gradually.
Too flat? If your sparkling water seems lifeless, try a fresh bottle and ensure both the juice and water are well-chilled. Cold ingredients help maintain carbonation.
Not very red? Blood orange color varies—some varieties are lighter. Flavor is still likely excellent; if color is important, blend in a splash of pomegranate juice (a little goes a long way).

A few serving and presentation pointers to elevate the experience

Rim the glass with sugar: For a festive, slightly sweet finish, run a wedge of blood orange around the rim and dip it in superfine sugar before pouring. This adds sparkle and a hint of sweetness at first sip.
Layer flavors visually: Pour the juice first, then add a small amount of liqueur (if using), followed by prosecco or sparkling water poured gently to create subtle layers.
Ice choices: Big cube(s) melt slower and dilute less, which is especially helpful if you prefer to savor the drink slowly. Crushed ice can be used for a more casual, summery feel but will dilute faster.

Nutrition and health notes

Blood oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, notably anthocyanins, which give them their signature red color. This makes the spritz a light, hydrating choice with some nutritional benefit compared to sugary sodas.
Because the base recipe uses only juice and sparkling water, it’s relatively low in calories compared with cocktails that include syrups or liqueurs—calorie content will rise if you add spirits or sweeteners.

Pairings and occasions

Brunch: Pair with avocado toast, ricotta pancakes, or a citrusy fruit salad.
Appetizers: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, marinated olives, crostini, or a light goat cheese platter are great matches.
Dinner: Complement grilled fish, chicken with lemon-herb marinade, or a light pasta with olive oil and herbs.
Parties: Offer both the non-alcoholic spritz and an alcoholic version (Aperol or prosecco added) so guests can choose.

Sourcing and seasonal notes

When to buy: Blood oranges are typically in season from December through April in the Northern Hemisphere, though availability can vary by region. Try farmers’ markets first for the freshest, most flavorful fruit.
If out of season: Substitute with a mix of regular navel oranges plus a small splash of pomegranate or cranberry juice for color and a hint of tartness.

Quick hosting checklist for serving a crowd

Juice blood oranges in the morning or the day before and refrigerate the juice in a sealed container.
Chill bottles of sparkling water (and prosecco if using) in advance.
Prepare garnishes (sliced wheels, sprigs of herbs) and keep them covered in the fridge.
Set out glasses and ice just before guests arrive; assemble drinks quickly to preserve bubbles.

Final thoughts on style and simplicity
This Blood Orange Spritz is proof that exceptional flavor doesn’t require fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and a couple of simple techniques—fresh juicing, chilled components, gentle mixing—you get a drink that’s visually striking and refreshingly balanced. It’s flexible, too: tweak the sweetness, add a splash of spirit for an aperitif, or keep it alcohol-free for a bright, healthful refresher.

Conclusion

If you want inspiration for a boozy blood orange spritz that leans into Aperol and bubbly, check out this lovely adaptation from How Sweet Eats: a blood orange Aperol spritz recipe from How Sweet Eats. For another take with clear instructions and pretty photos, see the version at Scratchmade Southern: Scratchmade Southern’s Blood Orange Aperol Spritz.