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Refreshing Blood Orange Bellini with Fresh Thyme

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A bright and elegant brunch cocktail combining fresh blood orange juice, sparkling wine, and a subtle herbal hint of fresh thyme for a refreshing and celebratory drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium blood oranges (about 4 oz / 120 ml juice)
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme per serving
  • 4 oz (120 ml) sparkling wine or champagne per drink (brut or extra dry preferred)
  • 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup per drink (optional)
  • 0.5 tsp (2 ml) lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roll each blood orange on the counter to loosen the juice. Cut in half and use a citrus juicer to extract about 4 oz (120 ml) juice. Strain if desired to avoid pulp.
  2. Gently bruise 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme with the back of a spoon to release oils. Muddle lightly in the juice or leave as garnish.
  3. In a small bowl or pitcher, combine 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup and 0.5 tsp (2 ml) lemon juice. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  4. Stir the blood orange juice with the syrup mixture. Taste and adjust for a bright, slightly tart, mildly sweet balance.
  5. Fill champagne flutes or tall glasses halfway with the blood orange mixture.
  6. Slowly top each glass with 4 oz (120 ml) chilled sparkling wine or prosecco, pouring gently to preserve bubbles.
  7. Garnish each glass with a fresh thyme sprig and optionally a thin blood orange slice on the rim. Serve immediately while sparkling.

Notes

Pour sparkling wine slowly over the back of a spoon to keep bubbles lively and the drink fizzy longer. Use ripe blood oranges for best flavor. Keep all ingredients chilled before serving. Fresh thyme is essential for the herbal note; dried thyme is not recommended. Juice and syrup mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. For non-alcoholic version, substitute sparkling wine with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

Nutrition

Keywords: blood orange bellini, fresh thyme cocktail, brunch drink, sparkling wine cocktail, easy bellini recipe, homemade bellini, fresh citrus cocktail

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/refreshing-blood-orange-bellini-recipe-easy-homemade-drink-with-fresh-thyme/