Blood brother

Blood Brother

(0 ratings)

A striking modern tequila cocktail with cinnamon warmth and a dramatic red wine float.

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Highball Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (155ml)
  • Blanco Tequila 
    60 ml
  • Cinnamon Syrup 
    30 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Orange Bitters 
    2 dash
  • Red Wine 
    15 ml
  • Lemon Wheel 
    1 wheel

Instructions

Step

Chill your highball glass by placing in freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail.

Step

In a cocktail shaker, combine 60ml blanco tequila, 30ml cinnamon syrup, 22.5ml fresh lime juice, and 2 dashes orange bitters.

Step

Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds to properly chill and dilute the mixture.

Step

Fill the chilled glass with crushed ice and strain the shaken mixture over the ice.

Step

Carefully pour 15ml red wine over the back of a bar spoon held just above the drink’s surface to create a floating layer.

Step

Garnish with a thin lime wheel if desired and serve immediately to preserve the layered effect.

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger
Fine Mesh Strainer
Bar spoon

Description

The Blood Brother is a contemporary tequila-based cocktail known for its bold visual presentation and complex flavor profile. Combining the clean agave notes of blanco tequila with warming cinnamon syrup, bright lime juice, and aromatic orange bitters, this drink is finished with a dramatic float of red wine that creates stunning layers and adds tannic depth to the final sip.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (155ml)
Calories
185
ABV
22 %
Alcohol
18 g
Carbs
12 g
Carbs from Sugar
11 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.1 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Sulfites

Tips & Notes

  • Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor - bottled juice will significantly diminish the cocktail's quality.

  • Make homemade cinnamon syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with cinnamon sticks, then straining - it elevates the drink with richer, more natural spice.

  • Pour the red wine float slowly and steadily over the back of a bar spoon to achieve clean, distinct layers for maximum visual impact.

  • Choose a bold, dry red wine like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon for the float to ensure proper color contrast and complement the drink's flavor profile.

  • Crushed ice is preferred over cubed ice as it provides better texture, slower dilution, and enhanced cooling effect.

While not ideal, you can use simple syrup with a pinch of ground cinnamon, but the flavor won’t be as integrated. Cinnamon syrup provides a smoother, more balanced spice profile that’s essential to the Blood Brother’s character.

If the wine sinks and mixes, the drink will still taste delicious but lose its dramatic visual appeal. Practice the pouring technique slowly over a bar spoon, and ensure your base cocktail isn’t too dense from over-dilution.

Blanco tequila is preferred for its clean agave flavor that doesn’t compete with the cinnamon and wine. Aged tequilas will add oak and vanilla notes that can muddy the cocktail’s intended flavor profile.

Properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade cinnamon syrup will last 2-3 weeks. Keep it in a clean, sealed container and check for any signs of fermentation or off-odors before use.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Blanco Tequila
    60 ml
  • Cinnamon Syrup
    30 ml
  • Lime Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Orange Bitters
    2 dash
  • Red Wine
    15 ml
  • Lemon Wheel
    1 wheel

Method

  1. Chill your highball glass by placing in freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 60ml blanco tequila, 30ml cinnamon syrup, 22.5ml fresh lime juice, and 2 dashes orange bitters.
  3. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds to properly chill and dilute the mixture.
  4. Fill the chilled glass with crushed ice and strain the shaken mixture over the ice.
  5. Carefully pour 15ml red wine over the back of a bar spoon held just above the drink's surface to create a floating layer.
  6. Garnish with a thin lime wheel if desired and serve immediately to preserve the layered effect.