Hey friends! I’m thrilled to share another beloved drink recipe from So Radish – Summer Lovin’. This refreshing strawberry blood orange cocktail was a hit on our summer cocktail menu back in 2021 and quickly became one of our all-time best sellers. If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s light, fruity, and perfect for those warm summer days, this is the one for you. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase our homemade Strawberry Gin, which you can find the recipe for HERE.
The Story Behind the Summer Lovin’ Cocktail
The inspiration for this cocktail came when I was given a bottle of Natalie’s Blood Orange Juice to experiment with. I set out to create some bright summery cocktails for the blog, but this one was so good that I couldn’t resist serving it at the restaurant. The perfect addition to our menu, the Summer Lovin’ was not only delicious but also visually appealing – a colorful cocktail that would stand out on the table and bring a smile to your face even before you took the first sip.
The combination of strawberry gin, blood orange, elderflower, and lemon was a perfect match. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor profile, creating a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and complex. The Strawberry Gin adds a delightful sweetness, while the blood orange and lemon provide a tart, citrusy balance. The elderflower liqueur rounds it all out with a subtle floral note, making this cocktail a true celebration of summer flavors.
Ingredients
To make the Summer Lovin’ strawberry blood orange cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Strawberry Gin
- 1 oz Blood Orange Juice
- 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
- 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
Strawberry Gin
One of the key ingredients that make the Summer Lovin’ cocktail so special is our homemade Strawberry Gin (another recipe I created for the blog, then used at the restaurant). This gin infusion is a delightful twist on the classic spirit, adding a sweet, fruity note that’s perfect for summer cocktails. If you haven’t made it yet, be sure to check out the recipe HERE. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be used in a variety of drinks.
Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Blood Orange Cocktail
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon and blood orange juice are ideal, and will make a huge difference in the flavor of this strawberry blood orange cocktail. Natalie’s blood orange juice is also great, if you can find it. As for lemon juice, just squeeze it fresh. It makes a huge difference in the flavor!
- Use the Proper Equipment: Get a proper cocktail shaker or bar kit, if you don’t already have one. It will make a huge difference in the quality of your cocktails. This Barfly kit offers a more advanced option. You can also get the equipment individually (see recipe for equipment list and links).
- Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a touch more elderflower liqueur. Conversely, if you like it tarter, add a bit more lemon juice.
Pairing Suggestions
This strawberry blood orange cocktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegan dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Light Salads: The fresh, fruity notes of the cocktail complement light, summery salads perfectly. Try it with a strawberry spinach salad or a citrus avocado salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: The cocktail’s citrusy and slightly floral flavors make it a great match for grilled vegetables. Serve it with a platter of grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
- Vegan Sushi: The refreshing qualities of the Summer Lovin’ cocktail balance the flavors of vegan sushi rolls. Pair it with avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, or vegan dragon rolls for a delightful combination.
- Vegan BBQ: This cocktail is an excellent companion for vegan BBQ dishes. Enjoy it alongside BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, grilled corn on the cob, or smoky tempeh skewers.
- Vegan Cheese Platter: The subtle sweetness and citrusy notes of the Summer Lovin’ cocktail make it a great companion for a vegan cheese platter. Include a mix of soft and hard vegan cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts for a balanced pairing.
Closing Note
We hope you enjoy this refreshing and delightful Summer Lovin’ cocktail as much as we did at So Radish. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the unique, summer flavors of strawberry gin, blood orange, elderflower, and lemon. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to unwind after a long day, this strawberry blood orange cocktail is the perfect refreshment.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experience in the comments below and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram at @we_make_pretty. For more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our Rosemary Ginger Margarita and Lavender Lemonade recipes, along with the other delicious drinks on our blog. Cheers to a fantastic summer!
Summer Lovin’ Strawberry Blood Orange Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Strawberry Gin
- 1 oz Blood Orange Juice
- 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
- 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the Strawberry Gin, blood orange juice, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake It Up: Add ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
- Strain and Serve: Fill your glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass, over the ice.
- Garnish (Optional) : For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your Summer Lovin’ cocktail with a wheel of lemon or blood orange.
