Bottomless Blood Orange Recipe

Optional sugared rim

If you want a sugared rim, rub a blood orange wedge around the rim of a large wine glass or highball, then dip the rim into a shallow plate of granulated sugar. Set the glass aside to let the sugar adhere.

Place 2–3 blood orange wheels in the bottom of the glass (or slip one onto the rim) and add a sprig of mint for aroma. Chill the glass briefly in the freezer while you mix the drink if desired.

In a cocktail shaker (or a large jar), combine 1 cup fresh blood orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons simple syrup. Fill the shaker halfway with ice.

Add 6 fl oz vodka and 2 fl oz Aperol to the shaker. Secure lid and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold (this chills and lightly dilutes the mixture).

Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice (use a large ice sphere or several large cubes to slow dilution).

Top the drink with 4 fl oz chilled club soda (adjust to taste) to give a bright effervescence — pour gently to preserve bubbles.

Garnish with remaining blood orange wheels and a mint sprig. If you prepared a sugared rim, make sure the sugar remains intact while you pour.

Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon. For a "bottomless" style (self-refill), keep extra chilled club soda and the stirred cocktail base in separate pitchers so guests can top off their own glasses as needed.