Blood Orange Cocktail: A Modern Twist on the Classic Godmother
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This recipe for a Blood Orange Cocktail puts a fresh, modern spin on the traditional Godmother cocktail. This stunning drink combines blood orange vodka, amaretto, and a special twist of citrus to create something truly special that’s perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or whenever you want to feel a little fancy! The best part? This blood orange vodka cocktail only takes about 10 minutes to make from start to finish!
Why I Love This Blood Orange Cocktail Recipe
I discovered this blood orange cocktail recipe while experimenting with a bottle of blood orange vodka we found at our local liquor store. Growing up, my dad owned the local tavern in our small farming community, and while I wasn’t allowed inside as a kid (he believed children didn’t belong in bars!), I developed a real appreciation for well-crafted cocktails as an adult.
What makes this blood orange vodka cocktail so special is how it balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. The blood orange brings a beautiful ruby color and citrus brightness, while the amaretto adds just the right amount of almond sweetness. Even my husband John, who usually sticks to his Old Fashioned or Rum Manhattan, makes this one regularly!
Key Ingredient Notes for Your Blood Orange Cocktail
While you’ll find the full recipe card below, I wanted to highlight what makes each ingredient special in this Godmother cocktail:
- Blood Orange Vodka: I use Effen brand for its smooth finish and authentic blood orange flavor. The natural tartness of blood oranges makes this less sweet than regular orange vodka. Look for it in the premium vodka section of your liquor store.
- Amaretto: This Italian almond liqueur adds warmth and sweetness. Disaronno or Lazzaroni work beautifully, but any quality amaretto will do. The almond notes complement the citrus perfectly.
- Angostura Bitters: Just one dash transforms this drink! The bitters add depth and complexity, balancing the sweetness. Don’t skip this – it’s what elevates this from good to amazing.
- Fresh Lemon Peel: Essential for the aromatic oils! Always use fresh lemon and twist it over the drink to release those fragrant oils before rubbing the rim.
- Blood Orange Wedge: Not just for looks! Fresh blood oranges are in season from December through May. They’re less sweet than regular oranges with hints of raspberry flavor.
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Blood Orange Cocktail
Before you head to the recipe card, here are some bartender secrets I’ve learned:
- Chill Everything: Keep your vodka in the freezer and chill your glass beforehand. A cold cocktail tastes infinitely better than a room temperature one.
- The Lemon Twist Technique: When twisting the lemon peel, hold it skin-side down over the drink and give it a firm twist. You’ll see the oils spray onto the surface – that’s liquid gold for flavor!
- Ice Matters: Use one large ice cube for stirring rather than several small ones. This chills the drink without diluting it too much.
- Measure Precisely: Cocktails are all about balance. Use a jigger or measuring cup for consistent results every time.
- Fresh Citrus Only: Never use bottled lemon juice or pre-cut garnishes. The fresh oils and juice make all the difference in this blood orange vodka cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While cocktails are best made fresh, you can prep for a party:
- Pre-measure the vodka and amaretto into a pitcher (refrigerate up to 4 hours)
- Cut your citrus garnishes and store in an airtight container
- Chill your glasses in the freezer
- Have your bitters and bar tools ready
For parties, you can batch this recipe! Simply multiply the ingredients by your guest count, pre-mix the vodka and amaretto, then add bitters and garnish each glass individually.
Variations to Try
- Winter Spice Blood Orange Cocktail: Add a cinnamon stick and star anise while stirring for warming spice notes
- Sparkling Godmother: Top with prosecco for a bubbly twist on this blood orange vodka cocktail
- Frozen Blood Orange Cocktail: Blend with ice and a splash of simple syrup for a slushy summer version
- Mocktail Version: Use blood orange juice, almond syrup, and sparkling water with a dash of orange bitters
- Herbal Twist: Muddle fresh thyme or rosemary before adding the other ingredients
Related Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy this blood orange cocktail, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other cocktail creations! My Cuban Manhattan brings similar sophistication with rum instead of vodka. For another citrus-forward option, try my Fresh Margarita Recipe that’s perfect for summer. And if you love Italian flavors, my Aperol Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, and Campari Cocktail are must-tries for aperitif hour!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a regular Godmother and this blood orange version?
A traditional Godmother cocktail contains just vodka and amaretto. My blood orange vodka cocktail version adds the citrus twist, bitters, and uses flavored vodka for a more complex, modern taste.
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Can I use regular vodka and blood orange juice instead?
While you can add 1/2 oz fresh blood orange juice to regular vodka, the blood orange vodka gives a more integrated flavor. If using juice, reduce the amaretto slightly to maintain balance.
Where can I find blood oranges?
Look for blood oranges in grocery stores from December through May. They have a distinctive dark red flesh and slightly bumpy, blushed skin. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and most supermarkets carry them in season.
What if I can’t find blood orange vodka?
Effen, Smirnoff, and Deep Eddy all make blood orange vodka. You can also infuse your own by steeping blood orange peels in regular vodka for 3-5 days!
Is this cocktail very sweet?
It’s pleasantly sweet but not cloying. The bitters and lemon oils balance the amaretto’s sweetness perfectly. If you prefer less sweet drinks, use 1/2 oz amaretto instead.
Notes:
- For best results, keep vodka in the freezer
- Fresh citrus is essential – never use bottled juice or dried garnishes
- This recipe easily multiplies for parties
- Blood oranges are in season from December through May
Cocktail-Making Equipment
Essential Bar Tools:
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pours
- Bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring
- Strainer (or use a slotted spoon)
- Sharp paring knife for citrus
- Coupe or martini glasses
Nice to Have:
- Cocktail shaker (though we stir this one)
- Channel knife for fancy citrus twists
- Large ice cube molds
Let’s Make It!
This blood orange cocktail has become one of my signature drinks, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too! The combination of blood orange vodka and amaretto creates something so much more sophisticated than the sum of its parts. That gorgeous ruby color and perfect balance of sweet and tart makes it ideal for everything from intimate dinners to festive parties.
Please let me know in the comments if you try this Godmother cocktail twist! I’d love to hear what you think and if you create your own variations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe – your feedback helps other readers discover this beautiful blood orange vodka cocktail!
Blood Orange Godmother Cocktail with a Twist
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 oz Blood Orange Vodka I used Effen brand
- ¾ oz Amaretto
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- lemon peel twist
- blood orange wedge
Instructions
- Combine blood orange vodka and amaretto together and stir with an ice cube until cold. Strain out ice and pour into a small coupe glass. Twist lemon peel essence over the drink and rub the peel over the rim of the glass before adding it to the drink.
- Add a wedge of a blood orange to the rim of the glass. Serve immediately.
Notes
Notes:
- For best results, keep vodka in the freezer
- Fresh citrus is essential – never use bottled juice or dried garnishes
- This recipe easily multiplies for parties
- Blood oranges are in season from December through May
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
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Originally published: January 25, 2018. Updated: December 9, 2025, 2025 – Enhanced with more detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions. No changes were made to the recipe.
I actually made this cocktail. I bought effen blood orange vodka on a whim and just happened to have amaretto and orange bitters. It was fabulous. I love amaretto and sours (my usual go to). This was amazing! Everyone at our picnic loved it too! Thank you for this post!
Thank you, Kathi! It’s such a fresh tasting cocktail.
Love new cocktail recipes. They are fun to share with guests
Goodness Julie, how did I miss this incredible post! It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and I want to and need to grab this glass from the screen and down it all in one go. Sure it would warm my insides, as it’s a gloomy, light snowy type of day over here. Loved reading your stories and learning that your Dad owned the local tavern. Bet he came up with some great mixers. The blood oranges surely stand in the spotlight! I had no idea there was a Blood Orange Vodka and I’ll bet with the Amaretto this was a winner! Cheers my friend!! ~clink~
Thank you, Loretta! I think people of our parents’ era like an occasional mixed drink and they’re making a comeback. I just had a blood orange for lunch minus the booze LOL. They are almost like a grapefruit and an orange combined since they aren’t as sweet. The first time I cut one open boy was I surprised. I think they’re so striking though. They could have named them a garnet orange. That would have sounded a little more appetizing. This one would definitely warm your bones and it goes down pretty darned easy too.
These were great for our happy hour at Home last night! My husband LOVED THE blood orange flavor and I know we’ll be making them again!
Thank you, Michele! John and I enjoyed this one too. Cheers!
Julie, this cocktail looks so tasty. It sounds tasty as well since you mentioned how it’s a twist on the traditional Godmother cocktail. Learning to mix drinks is something I’ve always wanted to try. That’s why I’m considering getting a liquor license.
Thank you, Becca! I’ve always been intrigued with mixing drinks too! At one time I thought about bartender school but the hours weren’t feasible at the time. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy your day!
Don’t you just love all the different flavored vodkas? At a liquor store recently the owner said he was getting rid of all the flavored gins – no demand. Not so with the vodkas! Never knew what a “godmother” cocktail was but now I do!
You know I’ve never had a desire to buy flavored gin. I’m not even a super Tanguery fan but I do like some of those flavored vodkas! Vodka can really bite though so some of the cheap ones are pretty icky. The one I bought was really nice.
I like Effen too – I have a cucumber vodka (Moscow Mules) Meant to tell you how pretty your glasses are. The pictures from above really make your cocktail “shine”
Effen is really a nice product! I found those little glasses in an antique shop. They’re perfect for little sippers like this. I’ll have to pick up some of the cucumber! Enjoy your day Judi!
Hope you had fun with all that experimenting. We did some research on the perfect Margarita a few years ago and my husband has refused to have another ever since. He did not feel so good the next day.. I am made of sterner stuff and would never turn one down.,
On the plus side we did discover the perfect recipe for a crowd…who enjoyed them at a party a week later.
I love a great margarita Liz! The problem with blogging is that I’m often creating at 10:30 in the morning LOL! Hope you are doing well!
Yum! Your garnish is so glitzy. 🙂
Thank you, Josette! Those blood oranges are so striking in their color.
Loved reading the post Julie and to know a bit more about you :).
This cocktail actually look a like the GODFATHER of all the drinks
Thank you, Sonal! My dad was a bit strict but always a gentleman and taught us the way girls should be treated. I dearly miss him!