This Spooky Scotch Cocktail Is Actually a Classic

This classic cocktail’s name is a tribute to the 1922 silent movie "Blood and Sand", which stars Rudolph Valentino as a young Spaniard who eventually becomes a great matador. Made with a blend of Scotch, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and freshly squeezed orange juice, the Blood & Sand is fruity and smoky. This is an excellent, approachable drink for people who aren’t sure they like Scotch. —Lucy Simon

Frequently asked questions

What is Scotch? 

Scotch is a type of whiskey, but not all whisky is Scotch. Known for its distinctly smoky flavor, Scotch is whisky that is distilled in Scotland from primarily barley. Scotch gets its smoky flavor from a process where malted barley is dried using peat fires; the smoke from those fires imparts flavor. It’s important to note that not all Scotch is smoky, and the levels of smokiness can range between different styles and regions within Scotland. Try a range of Scotch to learn what your preferences are when it comes to smokiness. 

How to store vermouth

Unlike most ingredients on a typical bar cart, vermouth is actually a type of wine. Once being exposed to oxygen, wines begin to change in flavor. While vermouth has a longer shelf life compared to table wines, it’s important to store it with care and consume it relatively quickly. Store open bottles of vermouth in the refrigerator, it should stay flavorful and delicious for about a month. 

Notes from the test kitchen

We recommend using Heering cherry liqueur in this cocktail. It has a rich rust color, silky mouthfeel, and a deep, jammy cherry flavor that is both tart and sweet. Heering’s richness blends seamlessly with the Scotch and sweet vermouth, and the orange juice in this drink adds a hit of much needed brightness. —LS