Blood Orange Bourbon Smash – Bright, Bold & Perfect for Fall
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Blood Orange Bourbon Smash

A stunning show-stopper, this bourbon cocktail balances the rich warmth of whiskey with bright citrus and a touch of maple for sweetness.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

A vibrant blood orange bourbon smash over crushed ice, garnished with a fresh blood orange slice and sage sprig against a black background.
Ingredients
  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 1 oz fresh blood orange juice

  • ¾ oz lemon juice

  • ½ oz maple syrup

  • Splash of club soda

  • Crushed ice


Instructions
  1. Add bourbon, citrus juices, and maple syrup to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.

  3. Top with a splash of soda water.

Notes from the Bar

Sage Garnish

A fresh sage sprig adds an earthy aroma and stunning visual contrast, or muddle a leaf directly into the cocktail for a subtle herbal layer.


Citrus Tip

Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the brightest color and flavor; Cara Cara oranges work in a pinch.


Bourbon Choice

A smooth, caramel-forward bourbon enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.


Ice Matters

Crushed ice keeps the drink light and refreshing. Perfect for serving in a short rocks glass.


Presentation

Garnish with a blood orange wheel and sage for a truly “wow” moment at your fall table.

Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.

Make It a Date Nite

This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.

Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.

For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.

Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.

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Our latest blog posts for inspiration, reflections, and recipes.

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At Kevin & Kate, we share recipes, cocktails, and home inspiration designed to make every day feel a little more intentional. Date Nite brings connection back to the table — through good food, good drinks, and time well spent together.

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