Blood and Sand is a 1920s Scotch cocktail named after a bullfighting film. It is made with equal parts Scotch, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth and orange juice.
It sounds odd on paper but tastes rich and fruity, and it is one of the best Scotch cocktails for people who do not like Scotch.
- Whisky: Blended Scotch
- Glass: Coupe
- Method: Shaken
- Time: 5 minutes
- Makes: 1 serving
Blood and Sand Ingredients
For one drink, you will need:
- ¾ oz (22 ml) Scotch whisky
- ¾ oz (22 ml) Cherry Heering
- ¾ oz (22 ml) sweet vermouth
- ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh orange juice
- Ice
- Orange twist, to garnish
How to Make a Blood and Sand
- Add all four ingredients to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake hard for 12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe.
- Express an orange twist over the top and use it as a garnish.
What Does Blood and Sand Taste Like?
Cherry, orange and sweet vermouth, with malty Scotch and a trace of smoke underneath.
Tips for a Better Blood and Sand
- Use fresh orange juice. Blood orange juice is a good seasonal option.
- Cherry Heering is the standard liqueur. Avoid sweet cherry brandies.
- Use a gentle, malty blend. A peat monster will drown the fruit.
Blood and Sand Variations
- Smoky Blood and Sand: Replace half the Scotch with a lightly peated single malt.
- Rye Blood and Sand: Use rye for more spice.
- Spritz: Strain over ice and top with soda or prosecco.
Best Whisky for a Blood and Sand
A soft blended Scotch such as Dewar's 12 or Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Blood and Sand: quick answers
Is Blood and Sand sweet?
It is fruity and moderately sweet. The orange juice and Scotch keep it from being cloying.
What can replace Cherry Heering?
Luxardo cherry liqueur or another dark cherry liqueur will work.
Why is it called Blood and Sand?
It is named after a 1922 bullfighting film starring Rudolph Valentino. The red colour is a nod to blood and the sand of the bullring.
More Whisky Recipes
Try Rob Roy · Rusty Nail · Penicillin, or browse all whisky recipes. Learn more in our Blended Scotch style guide.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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