Blood Orange Sparkler

I love color and blood oranges have to be one of my favorite fruits from a color standpoint. I particularly love that a blood orange could look mostly like a standard orange on the outside, but when you cut into it you find a beautiful deep crimson surprise. In case you were curious the wonderful red color of the flesh is due to the presence of antioxidant pigments seen in many flowers and fruit but not typically found in citrus fruit.

This syrup is very easy to make and packs a lot of flavor. I’ve paired it with Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) or any sparkling wine to make a Sparkler. For a recent dinner party, I poured it into a clear glass pitcher (must show off the color!)  and had it at the bar. In addition to serving it with Prosecco we also mixed it with vodka and bubbly water to make a slightly sweet cocktail.

Living in the northeast, especially during this winter, citrus fruits are a small glimpse of warmer weather. Most blood oranges are grown in Italy, so while you’re sipping this beverage imagine yourself sitting along the Mediterranean coast in much warmer weather.