How to Make a Blood Orange Vodka Martini

blood orange vodka martini in a martini glass

A blood orange vodka martini delivers vibrant citrus flavor, smart color, and a gently bittersweet twist on the classic. For the home bartender, crafting this cocktail offers a chance to learn refined shaking, proper ingredient selection, and thoughtful finishing touches. Whether you’re new to martini recipes featuring blood orange vodka or searching for a reliable go-to method, the following guide focuses on strong flavor with elegant, professional presentation.

Essential Ingredients for a Blood Orange Vodka Martini

60 ml quality vodka (unflavored or blood orange–infused, see tips below)
45 ml freshly squeezed blood orange juice (ideally strained)
15 ml triple sec or orange liqueur (Cointreau or similar)
5 ml fresh lemon juice (balances the blood orange’s sweetness)
Optional: 5–10 ml simple syrup (for extra sweetness, depending on your blood orange’s tartness)
Ice (for shaking)

Step-by-Step Method: Mixing the Martini

Add 60 ml vodka, 45 ml blood orange juice, 15 ml triple sec, and 5 ml lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
Add 5–10 ml simple syrup if a touch sweeter is preferred.
Fill the shaker with plenty of ice to the top.
Shake hard for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker frosts.
Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass for optimal clarity and chill.

Choosing the Right Vodka for Maximum Flavor

Vodka is the backbone of this martini. You’ll get the cleanest canvas from a smooth, mid- to top-shelf unflavored vodka, which lets the blood orange and liqueur flavors shine. For a richer citrus character, blood orange–infused vodka offers bold aroma and color—just reduce the triple sec slightly to avoid overpowering sweetness.

For sharp freshness and authenticity, unflavored vodka plus fresh juice produce the classic balance.
Blood orange vodka intensifies fruit notes—ideal for winter citrus season or when seeking a modern flavor profile.
Avoid ultra-sweet, artificially flavored vodkas; they tend to suppress the blood orange’s bright, natural complexity.

Shaking Technique: Achieving a Crisp, Cold Finish

Shaking is crucial when working with fresh juice in vodka martini recipes. A vigorous shake chills the blend, incorporates air, and creates a silky mouthfeel without clouded texture. Always use plenty of ice and a tight seal on your shaker to maximize dilution and aeration.

cocktail shaker preparing blood orange vodka martini

Garnishes and Add-Ons: Customizing Your Martini

A blood orange wheel on the rim is elegant and visually striking, but you can experiment with other add-ons to enhance aroma or flavor complexity. If you’re aiming for a drier style, a lemon twist or aromatic bitters can dial up sophistication. For even more fruit expression, try floating a small spoonful of blood orange liqueur on top before serving.

Blood orange wheel or zest as garnish
Lemon peel for brightness, expressed over the drink
1 ml orange bitters for complexity
5 ml blood orange liqueur floated on top for a richer aroma

blood orange vodka martini with blood orange garnish

Expert Tips for Balanced Flavor

Taste your blood orange juice before mixing—the sweetness and acidity can swing from fruit to fruit. Adjust syrup and lemon accordingly.
Double-strain the finished drink through a fine mesh to remove pulp and shards of ice for a crystal-clear martini.
Pre-chill your serving glass in the freezer or with ice water for five minutes to keep the drink brisk and inviting.