Blood Orange Sparkling Vodka

When it comes to making cocktails at home, my general method is always something simple involving great quality spirits and fresh in-season ingredients. And with Vodka-Picking Season here, Hangar 1 Vodka is my spirit of choice. Distilled from grains and grapes, it is perfectly balanced straight vodka.

For this cocktail, I made tarragon simple syrup. Creating unique simple syrups are easy and fun to do, and something I like to keep on hand for cooking, baking, and cocktail making. And with winter here I have been incorporating citrus into our meals and drinks, especially blood oranges. Their bright flavor and color are the perfect ingredient for a Valentine’s Day Cocktail! Squeeze the oranges, saving the juice, and then make the simple syrup ahead of time, that way you have all of the makings ready for this Blood Orange Sparkling Vodka.

Blood Orange Sparkling Vodka

Hangar 1 Straight Vodka
4 blood oranges (1 reserved for garnish)
5 sprigs tarragon ( 1 reserved for garnish)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Sparkling water

To Make Tarragon Simple Syrup:
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan. Cook, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add tarragon. Let steep for up to 2 hours. Then remove tarragon and reserve. 

To Make Blood Orange Sparkling Vodka:
1/2 part simple syrup
2 parts blood orange juice
1 part Hangar 1 Straight Vodka
Sparkling Water

Fill a glass with tarragon simple syrup, blood orange juice and vodka stirring together. Add a handful of ice cubes and top with sparkling water. Garnish with blood orange slices and tarragon sprigs.

this post was sponsored by Hangar 1 Vodka, all thoughts and opinions are my own.