Tag Archive: Classic Cocktails

Aug 11

Blood and Sand Revisited

Blood and Sand Revisited Cocktail

Blood and Sand Revisited Cocktail

The Blood and Sand Cocktail dates back to the 1920s.  It was named after the movie Blood and Sand starring Rudolph Valentino.  Many versions are possible, and there’s some dispute as to the original recipe.  In fact, the first known publishing of the recipe occurred in 1930 in the Savoy Cocktail Book (according to Wikipedia).

Based on my research, the Blood And Sand Original goes something like this…

 

 

Blood And Sand (1922 Version)

The Blood

3/4 Ounce Sweet Red Vermouth

3/4 Ounce Cherry Brandy (I’m guessing Hiram Walker)

The Sand

1 Ounce Blended Scotch (probably Dewar’s)

1 Ounce Orange Juice (possibly using Blood Oranges)

Directions

The blood and sand are shaken well with ice.  The cocktail is either served up in a coupe glass or possibly over ice in a rocks or Manhattan glass.  Flame a zest of orange over the glass (if you have a fire permit).

Discussion

While this version tastes OK, it’s a bit smokey and the drink’s color is strange.  It looks a little like – well – bloody sand!  Rather than start a range war about what was really in the classic Blood and Sand Cocktail, let’s move on to modern versions!

Blood And Sand Revisited (My Version)

The Blood

1 Ounce Lillet Rouge Aperitif

1 Ounce Cherry Heering (or your favorite Cherry Wishniak)

The Sand

1 Ounce Jack Daniels Whiskey

1 Ounce Orange Juice (Tropicana, Florida’s Natural or fresh)

Directions

The blood and sand are shaken well with ice.  The cocktail is either served up in a coupe glass or possibly over ice in a rocks or Manhattan glass.

Discussion:

This version is my undisputed favorite so far.  Some may find it too sweet or complain that Jack overpowers the taste profile.  In that case, try adjusting the amounts.  There are many more variations in the works – so stay tuned!