Balanced Blood and Sand Scotch Cocktail
A classic Scotch cocktail blending equal parts Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and fresh orange juice for a harmonious fruity and smoky drink. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together blended Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 0.75 oz blended Scotch whisky
- 0.75 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.75 oz cherry liqueur
- 0.75 oz fresh orange juice
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 piece for garnish orange twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with 0.75 oz blended Scotch whisky, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 0.75 oz cherry liqueur, and 0.75 oz fresh orange juice along with ice cubes to chill.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 4: Garnish with one fresh orange twist by expressing the oils over the drink and placing it on the rim.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the balanced fruity and smoky flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Balanced Blood and Sand Scotch Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Balanced Blood and Sand Scotch Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover balanced blood and sand scotch cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Balanced Blood and Sand Scotch Cocktail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Balanced Blood and Sand Scotch Cocktail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What should I serve with Balanced Blood and Sand Scotch Cocktail?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
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