Dishing Up the Dirt

Blood Orange & Honey Thyme Cocktails

This post is sponsored by Jameson Whiskey. All opinions are my own.

In case you forgot, let me remind you that Saturday is Valentines Day. A day to celebrate love.  And whether you are dining with your girlfriends, lover, mother, father, cat, dog, or solo I have a tasty drink that will make you feel unconditionally loved.

I’m dedicating this cocktail to my valentine. This year instead of cracking open champagne we’re going to break out the whiskey and clink glasses to toast our love. My farmer husband prefers whiskey over bubbly and I want to treat him to something I know he’ll enjoy.

 

My valentine still makes my heart flutter.

We made a batch of these whiskey cocktails last weekend to give this recipe a test run and we we’re blown away by the lovely combination of freshly squeezed blood oranges with the honey-thyme simple syrup. The bite from the whiskey adds a great dimension and I’m excited to share this recipe with you all!

We enjoyed our drinks with a few appetizers. Heart shaped toast with some of our favorite toppings. Avocado, Beet Butter and Moroccan Carrot Hummus. Both Taylor and I agree that the beet butter just might be the best (if you haven’t tried my recipe yet you should whip some up asap!)

This year our Valentines Day plans include a square dance at the local grange, these cocktails and as many heart shaped toasts as we can eat. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate love. Cheers!

Blood Orange & Honey Thyme Cocktails

Prep Time: 15 minutes    Cook Time: 5 minutes    Serves: 2

Cocktail
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 5-6 blood oranges)
  • 4 ounces Jameson Whiskey 
  • 4 Tablespoons honey thyme simple syrup (more or less depending on sweet preference)
  • Ice cubes
  • splash of club soda
Honey-Thyme Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme

Preparation

  1. In a medium sized saucepan bring the water and honey to a boil. Once boiling remove from the heat and set aside. Add the thyme sprigs, cover the pan and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Discard the thyme and pour the simple syrup into a glass jar and place in the fridge to cool.
  2. In a cocktail shaker combine the blood orange juice, whiskey, 4 Tablespoons simple syrup and shake well. Pour into glasses and top with a splash of club soda and garnish with a thyme sprig.

Notes

*Store extra simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 month.


Leave a Reply

12 thoughts on “Blood Orange & Honey Thyme Cocktails

  1. Ashlae says:

    You had me at whiskey. Also.. you’re a FARMER? Be still my heart. I’m a wannabe farmer here in Denver. Living the city life and commuting out to a local (urban-isn) farm to milk goats and muck chicken coops. But dang what I would give to have rows, on rows, on rows of vegetables like you’ve got there.

    1. Andrea says:

      Cheers to whiskey girl! If you ever find yourself in Oregon come swing by the farm. XO

  2. dana says:

    Dude, YES. Gimme like ten of those.

    1. Andrea says:

      Let’s catch up over a drink in Portland soon Dana!

  3. Abby says:

    My husband and I took a trip to Ireland a few months ago and toured the Jameson Distillery. Such a cool experience – they take great pride in their products and it shows! Also, I absolutely love your blog! Your creativity in recipe development and beautiful photography keep me coming back. Thanks!

    1. Andrea says:

      Abby! That’s so rad that you got to visit the Jameson Distillery! I’m totally jealous. Thank you for the lovely comment and for following the blog. xoxo

  4. Square dancing?! You and Taylor are truly in your element 🙂 Enjoy your cocktails!

    1. Andrea says:

      Marisa! A good old honkey tonk is just what the doctor ordered for us! Cheers my friend. XOXO

  5. Sarah says:

    Where exactly does this honkey tonk go down???

    1. Andrea says:

      Sarah it’s at the Rockford Grange!

      1. Sarah says:

        That sounds so fun but we’re not experienced line dancers. Need we be? What time on Sat?

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