Vampire's Kiss Cocktail

This Halloween cocktail is mixed directly in the glass for a brisk, refreshing drink with vivid color and a balanced sweet-tart profile. Cranberry and lime provide the main structure, vodka gives the spine, and a small amount of club soda keeps the finish light. The blood-orange garnish adds aroma and a seasonal look.

By Julienne

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 30 ml simple syrup optional, to taste
• 240 ml vodka chilled
• 480 ml cranberry juice cold
• 60 ml fresh lime juice freshly squeezed
• 600 g ice cubed
• 240 ml club soda chilled
• 1 each blood orange thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

1. If using simple syrup, add 30 ml to a large pitcher. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice, then stir well to combine. The liquid is evenly mixed and uniformly deep red.
2. Fill each of 4 highball glasses with about 150 g ice, then divide the cocktail base evenly among the glasses. Each glass is about three-quarters full and well chilled.
3. Top each glass with 60 ml club soda and stir gently once or twice to preserve the bubbles. A light fizz rises at the surface without overflowing.
4. Garnish each drink with a thin blood-orange slice and serve immediately. The garnish is visible and fragrant at the rim.