Blood Orange Vodka Martinis

Happy Friday everyone!  I've got the day off, so I'm planning on doing a little house cleaning (been trying to avoid this, but the procrastination must end!) and catching up on a little studying. 

Last week's drink poll is the reason behind this concoction!  I was kind of scared to put it on the list because I didn't know if I could find Blood Oranges, but of course, our local Whole Foods did not disappoint.  Although, I wasn't expecting to pay $5 for 4 oranges.  But what's a little splurge every now and then!

We drank these (well, my friend Becca and I drank these - the boys stuck with their beers) last Saturday night in celebration of our 1 year engagement.  Well, we weren't really celebrating that, but just having a normal game night amongst friends, that just so happened to fall on the night of our 1 year of being engaged.  It's crazy to think about, because Andy and I have been together for about 4 years now, but we don't really have a "set" anniversary date.  It's like every day is our anniversary because we just enjoy eachother and are thankful for eachother's company every day!  (I know, that was cheesy... but sometimes love is cheesy!)




Ingredients:

2 parts vodka
2 parts freshly squeezed blood orange juice
1/2 part simple syrup (easily made by bringing equal parts sugar and water to a boil and letting cool after sugar dissolves)
1/2 part triple sec
ice

This is more like a ratio, more than anything.  But really, aren't most drinks like that?

I'll have to say that I got a little carried away on the liquor and these babies are somewhat strong, so definitely add more juice if you feel that way.

Combine vodka, blood orange juice, simple syrup, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker. 

Fill about 3/4 full of ice. 

Shake, shake, shake.  I'm not gonna lie, this is my favorite part!

Pour into a martini glass. 

Drink.

These were definitely delicious.  With my 4 blood oranges, I think I managed to have about 3 rounds of drinks, which isn't bad.  Especially since I only put $5 in this drink, and 3 of these at a bar would probably be $9 a piece!  Sometimes drinking at home is always better... cheaper AND safer!

And if you wanted to make this nonalcohol, you could always substitute the vodka (and leaving out the triple sec, too) with sparkling water or soda water.  Or just double up on the juice!  Hope you guys have a great weekend... I know I'm sure gonna try!