This prohibition era cocktail was named after the 1922 film Blood and Sand, the story of a young boy who becomes a famous bull fighter staring Rudolph Valentino.

It seems like an odd mixture, but it works. What you get is a well balanced drink with a hint of fruitiness and some kick.

Top bartender Dale DeGroff tells the the story of how he thought it would be “god awful” until he tried it. So good, in fact, BarSmarts named the Blood and Sand as one of 25 cocktails every bartender should know.

Blood and Sand

3/4 oz. Scotch Whisky
3/4 oz. Cherry Heering
3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
3/4 oz. Orange Juice (preferably fresh squeezed)

Combine ingredients in a shaker with a scoop of ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with an orange peel.

more drink of the week cocktails