Sip of the Week: The Notorious BBG (Blood Orange, Bourbon, & Ginger)

I stumbled upon the most beautiful blood oranges during my grocery trip over the weekend, and immediately knew that a blood orange cocktail was calling my name. Not only do blood oranges make for the most beautifully colored cocktails, but the vibrant flavor of the fruit also makes them an ideal accompaniment to nearly any boozy indulgence.

Picture of two Notorious BBG cocktails with blood orange, bourbon, and ginger — Sneak peak at the finished product! Scroll down for the full recipe.

I had a hunch that I wanted to pair the blood orange with bourbon, and decided to spice up the drink with some homemade Honey Ginger Simple Syrup. Introducing: The Notorious BBG (Blood Orange, Bourbon, and Ginger). You just can’t go wrong with playing off of the bourbon’s sweet and spicy flavors! A splash of lemon juice lifts the spice of this blood orange and bourbon cocktail up and balances the sweet blood orange juice, making it a perfect springtime sip.

Close up of the cocktail and garnishes. — This beautiful cocktail is sure to catch attention with your guests!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this blood orange, bourbon, and ginger infused cocktail:

Honey Ginger Simple Syrup (makes 4-5 servings worth of simple syrup)

½ cup honey (quality matters here, I suggest using pure, local honey if you can find it!)

1 cup water

2 inch knob of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

The Notorious BBG cocktail with flowers in the background. — The ginger goes a long way in elevating the flavor profile of this cocktail. If you aren’t a big ginger fan, just cut back on the amount that you add to your simple syrup. If you love ginger like I do, add as much as you’d like! And check out my other ginger-y cocktail here!

The Notorious BBG Cocktail (makes 2)

4 ounces bourbon

1/3 cup fresh squeezed blood orange juice (approximately 2 blood oranges juiced)

1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice (approximately 1 small lemon)

2 ounces homemade Honey Ginger Simple Syrup

Candied ginger and blood orange slices (for garnish)

Directions for Making The Notorious BBG Cocktail

First, make the simple syrup. Heat the water and honey over medium heat until simmering. Add sliced ginger and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated by half and the syrup has a strong ginger flavor. Remove from heat and let cool.

Once your syrup is cooled, you can put together your cocktail!

Deep red color of the Notorious BBG cocktail and its garnishes. — Tip: if you’re concerned about your cocktail being watered down by ice cubes, opt for one giant cube (pictured here), OR, freeze some cubes of candied ginger and throw those in your cocktail to keep it chilled!

Juice approximately 2 blood oranges (1/3 cup worth of juice), and combine the with lemon juice, bourbon, and simple syrup. Mix well. For best results, chill in the freezer before serving. This really allows the flavors of the fruit, bourbon and honey ginger syrup to become one before it hits your glass. Pour the cocktail over ice and garnish with a blood orange slice and candied ginger.

Last, but not least, sip and enjoy The Notorious BBG!

This cocktail brings a punch of flavors in every sip, making it sweet, spicy, earthy, and refreshing. Better yet, it can be made for a single serving (or two), or can easily be made in bulk for your next big gathering. Pass the pitcher, please!

Caitlin holding a Notorious BBG cocktail over a bunch of flowers. — I don’t think this cocktail could be any more beautiful! Best served alongside beautiful flowers and sunny weather. Cheers!

Why not celebrate this beautiful springtime weather with The Notorious BBG this weekend? Send this recipe to a friend who you would sip this cocktail with!

Cheers, friends!

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