I used to save my drink posts for Fridays. But then I got out the champagne on a Wednesday evening. And then I remembered that some like to refer to Thursday as Thirsty Thursday. Though I don’t know if anyone actually does that for real after college. My friends and I often say it to each other jokingly and I’m sure you could find an e-mail or two between me and Chels with the subject line “Thirstyyyy Thursday!” (we are known for our inventive e-mail subject lines).
But these days, you can often find me on Thursday evenings sipping some tea or V8 (love it? hate it? I’m V8 addicted!). OK, and maybe a glass or two of red wine on occasion. I’m not sure if that qualifies as Thirsty Thursday behavior. Though I guess it does beat the alternative. Get out the V8 whooo!!! Chug chug!
In any event, I spotted a recipe for fizzy blood-orangeade and was immediately attracted to it. Um, with some champagne added in, of course. Popping open a bottle on “hump day” is exactly what the week needed. And now that it’s Thursday, it’s even more appropriate. Plus, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and uh, the ginger-ale bottle is green? Whatever, it’s alcohol and that’s all you really care about on St. Patty’s Day, right? That’s what I thought. This drink is really more of a summer drink, but I just couldn’t wait any longer. And you shouldn’t either.
Blood Orange Sparkler (serves 1):
• Ice
• 1/2 C ginger-ale (the “high-quality” kind is better, but I had to run to 7-11 for this)
• 3/4 C fresh blood orange juice
• 1/4 C orange juice
• 1/2 C champagne
It was cold and I was feeling lazy and didn’t feel like walking to the grocery store, though I knew I wanted to make this drink. Since I set up my mobile office at Bruegger’s for the day (best mobile office ever!), I decided to run into Trader Joe’s to see if, by chance, they had blood oranges. And they did!! A whole bag of them for under $3. Score!
Every time I cut open a blood orange, I marvel at its beauty.
I got started on juicing the oranges.
And then Chris walked in the door and proclaimed the kitchen looked like a scene from Dexter. Dexter, by the way, is a very excellent show. And this is coming from someone who really only likes reality television and shows like Greek (so sad it’s over!) and Parenthood (best show on television!). By the way, what did everyone think about the Bachelor? I was happy initially, but really disappointed that I don’t think they’re going to work out. Also, I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. watching All. 3. Hours. Because I have an addiction and couldn’t go to bed until it was done.
Oh, back to the blood oranges. Yup, they can get a little messy. But messy cooking is my favorite kind of cooking.
Juicing the oranges was really the hardest part of this whole production (which you should get a reamer for). The rest is just opening bottles and pouring liquids in… mixologist style.
And then I discovered the perfect welcoming spring drink. That will be delightful all summer long. Speaking of, I keep forgetting I have a pool at my apartment building since I didn’t move in until August last year. Then all the sudden I’ll remember and get SO ridiculously excited. Memorial day, can you please hurry up? This is my new pool drink.
To be honest, it’s really like a fancy mimosa. But when I say fancy, I mean it’s so, so much better. And prettier. And larger.
Also, blood oranges will be added to every fruit salad I make from now on.
Because we all needed one more reason to be excited for summer, right? But for now, it’s St. Patrick’s Day, so you should probably go have a Guinness or something. Though temperatures did reach 60 today, so maybe this drink is quite appropriate.
What drinks make you crave summer?
Happy almost weekend 
[Sues]
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Love blood orange, and that looks like such a refreshing beverage. Also – I wish we have Trader Joe’s here. Have a lovely weekend!
These look great! Blood oranges always kind of scare and impress me at the same time. This would be a great party drink, you could make a pitcher of the mixer in advance, and add the champagne in for serving!
I would chug this like you chug V8!
I love blood oranges and this sparkler sounds fantastic. And yes, I think for St. Paddy’s (or Thirsty Thursday) as long as there’s alcohol, all is well!
Oh how I love Blood Oranges. You are so right, this is the perfect poolside drink! Bring on Summer!
-Kim
Those blood oranges are gorgeous! I’ve actually never seen Dexter but someone else made the same reference regarding the blood oranges recently.
oh this drink is way too fun – sangria definitely makes me crave summer (and Spain)!
This is my kind of cocktail!! Light, citrusy, and not much alcohol haha! This makes me want to mix up something yummy! I never make myself cocktails at home, but maybe that should change
ooo that looks delightful! i’ve never had a blood orange – do they taste any different?? mmmm yum!!
Ooh love V8 and blood oranges. But they both make a big mess! (especially if the V8 falls out of your fridge onto the floor, cover breaks, and goes everywhere. Not that this EVER happened to me.)
I adore blood orange anything. I have a bottle of sparkling blood orange juice in the fridge from Trader Joe’s and tend to have that with champagne or with some vodka.
That looks so delightful. My friend and I are planning a champagne evening Saturday night, so perhaps some blood orange juice may need to be added! I got that same bag at Trader Joe’s, so I suppose that would be the perfect use for them
Laura
Great cocktail to start the week-end.!
What a pretty drink. Blood oranges make everything better! I was excited to find them at Trader Joe’s, too and ours carries cara cara oranges. Score.
Can I get one of these tonight? Please!
I am 29 and my girlfriends and I still enjoy Thirsty Thursday….it’s always ladies night…no matter what! Either at the bar or home in our comfy clothes with a bottle of vino
This drink is definitely invited to my first “”Thirsty Thursday, Patio Party” yes, I still host patio parties…:)
Blood orange is such a gorgeous fruit – I absolutely love the color of that drink!
Mojitos and margaritas totally remind me of summer
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I really want to make this! I’ve never worked with blood oranges (such a shame) but since I have a REAL juicer this is the perfect opportunity.
PS Jealous that you have a pool
PPS I thought Chantal was going to win.
This looks like one delicious drink! The addition of blood orange juice is awesome. I’m bookmarking this one, as I can think of plenty of occasions I can serve this.
i love frosty margaritas.
Question, what is the difference in flavor of a blood orange vs a regular orange (if any)?
GREAT colors! Oooo this just looks wonderful… would it be bad to say I could go for one right now?
my good friend has a blood orange tree, that i covet. talk about the perfect post-Patty’s day Brunch drink!
That is one pretty orange! I’m heading to Trader Joe’s! Great looking cocktail, adding this to the list! One of my favorites is White Sangria!
These look amazing guys!! I love mimosa’s so this takes it to a whole new level!!!
That looks so beautiful! And it sounds delicious, to boot! Next time I throw a party I will definitely be making these.
This is so pretty! I have been wanting to experiment with blood oranges more – this would be an easy peasy way to start!
Blood oranges look amazing! They’re definitely a stand out fruit. Love the drink. It looks so refreshing!
@Monique and @Amy- I find blood oranges to be a bit sweeter than naval. You know how often when you peel an orange, you never know what it’s going to be like? Blood oranges all seem to be sweet a juicy
Not a HUGE difference, but the color is stunning!
That looks like a great way to welcome spring! I too love Parenthood! Best show!! And same thoughts about The Bachelor… though I’m hopeful they can pull through now that they can actually see each other.
Just looking at your photo makes me thirsty- this is a must try for my summer beach vacation!
Blood orange = good. Champagne = great. Blood Orange + Champagne = Excellent! Glad you bended the rules and enjoyed this drink on a Thurs
Very pretty. And better than soda for sure!
Blood oranges are so pretty – love this drink! I’ll take one any day of the week
hahaha omg! i literally just posted a post that i used blood orange and champagne as well. I’ve had some pretty serious fails recently so i was determined to make something delicious, and the key was champagne! My recipe was just blood orange, champagne (andre) and cointreau and it turned out AMAZING. the downside was that I had to juice 20 blood oranges but it was so worth it.
Yum! I love Blood Oranges.
Sounds uber good! Another is the Chilton. Vodka, club soda, lots a lemons squeezed into and salt the rim! Greeattt summer drink!