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This blood orange vodka cocktail, the Winter Sunset on the Seine, is sweet, tart and sophisticated. You’ll definitely want to imbibe while this beautiful citrus is in season!
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The Winter Sunset on the Seine is my riff on a delicious concoction I had several years ago while on vacation. It’s made with French spirits and seasonal blood orange, noted for its vibrant color. It’s reminiscent of a sunset sky, non?
I am a sucker for citrusy cocktails — margaritas, mules, palomas, caipirinhas — you get the idea. So, yep…when the opportunity presents itself to break out the juicer, I’m all over it!
What goes into this blood orange vodka cocktail?
Cîroc — A French vodka, it’s unique for being produced from grapes versus grain. It’s also distilled five times compared to the two or three distillations of other vodkas, resulting in a smooth, citrusy finish.
Domaine de Canton — Also produced in France, this is a ginger liqueur with a brandy base. It has a sweet and spicy finish. It’s one of my all-time favorite spirits to mix with!
Peychaud’s Bitters — I picked this over Angostura because I felt its flavor better complimented the other ingredients. I think orange bitters would work really well in this, too. The bitters offer a subtle little twang.
Blood orange + lime juices — Blood oranges are only in season from December through about April. They tend to be sweeter than your average orange, but have a gorgeous red flesh which produces a vibrant red juice as well. The lime’s tartness adds a nice balance to the sweet ingredients.
Honey — You can substitute agave nectar or simple syrup instead, but I think the honey adds a nice earthy element.
How to make a Winter Sunset on the Seine
There’s not much to it! Combine all the ingredients in a shaker over ice and shake it until the shaker is super cold. Strain it into a pretty glass and float a slice of blood orange on top.
Recipes that go great with a Winter Sunset on the Seine
The sweet-tart quality of this blood orange vodka cocktail is the perfect accompaniment to spicier dishes!
- Air Fryer Spicy Fish Sandwiches with Creamy Yogurt Slaw
- Spicy Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings
- Easy Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Sweet Potato
- Kimchi Grilled Cheese
And, check out my Cranberry-Lime Natale Sparkler, too! Another tart cocktail made with granita, it’s perfect for winter holidays and hot summer nights alike.
(Hey…drink responsibly, ok?)
Winter Sunset on the Seine Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Cîroc vodka
- 1½ oz Domaine de Canton
- ½ oz honey agave or simply syrup
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz blood orange juice
- 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
- blood orange slice to garnish
Instructions
- Pour all the ingredients into a shaker over ice.
- Shake until the shaker gets really cold, then strain into a glass.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Yes please! Vodka and citrus are two of my favorite things. Yum!
Mine, too!
I love that this cocktail has lime and blood orange juice! Looks amazing!
thank you!
This drink looks so beautiful and I love the French influence.Great idea!!
Thank you!
sounds like a great drink to try with just a few ingredients also cheaper than getting outside. thanks for sharing