In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and the fresh zest from one medium blood orange. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until the sugar becomes fragrant and clumpy — doing this helps release oils from the zest that ultimately infuse your sugar with more flavor. Whisk in 1/3 cup whole milk, 3 tablespoons canola oil, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 large egg until well combined. Sprinkle in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and use a rubber spatula to mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter.