One sunny afternoon, I decided to experiment with some fresh blood oranges I found at the Napa farmers’ market. The result? A refreshingly zesty blood orange margarita! This vibrant cocktail quickly became my go-to drink for summer gatherings.
Imagine the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of citrusy zing and a smooth tequila kick. Every sip is like a burst of sunshine in a glass.
Trust me, this margarita will be the star of your next get-together! Ready to shake things up? Here’s how you can make your own!
Blood Orange Margarita Ingredients
A blood orange margarita combines the classic flavors of a margarita with the vibrant taste of blood oranges. My recipe puts a fresh spin on this delightful cocktail. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tequila – Use any good-quality blanco tequila. I love this brand, but your favorite will work great too!
Blood Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed blood orange juice is the star of this drink. It adds a unique, sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color. If you don’t want to make your own, I recommend using Fresh Victor.
Lime Juice – Adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the blood orange. Fresh lime juice is best, but storebought works too.
Cointreau or Triple Sec – A splash of orange liqueur enhances the citrus flavors and gives the margarita its classic taste.
Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup – To sweeten the drink to your liking. Adjust the amount based on how sweet your blood oranges are.
Salt – For rimming the glass. I prefer coarse sea salt, but kosher salt works well too.
Ice Cubes – Margaritas are always better when served on the rocks!
Instructions:
Rub the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge and dip it in a plate of salt.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, fresh blood orange juice, lime juice, Cointreau or Triple Sec, and agave nectar or simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
Fill the prepared glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
Sweeten to taste if needed.
Garnish with a blood orange slices or a lime wedge.
Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing blood orange margarita!
Recipe Variations
Cara Cara Orange Margarita: Swap the blood orange juice for the sweeter, pink-hued juice of Cara Cara oranges. This will give your margarita a unique, slightly tangy twist with a beautiful color.
Orange Jalapeño Margarita: Add a spicy kick by muddling a few slices of fresh jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Use regular orange juice or blood orange juice for a sweet and spicy combination.
Ginger Orange Margarita: Add a splash of ginger syrup or muddle fresh ginger in the shaker. This variation pairs well with the citrus flavors and adds a warm, spicy note.
Coconut Orange Margarita: Add a splash of coconut cream to the mix for a tropical twist. This creamy variation blends beautifully with the citrusy flavors.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Margarita: Use freshly squeezed orange juice in place of blood orange juice. This creates a classic, bright, and refreshing citrus flavor that’s perfect for a traditional margarita with a fresh twist.
FAQs
Can you substitute regular orange juice for blood orange juice?
Yes, if you can’t find blood oranges, you can substitute regular orange juice for blood orange juice in the recipe. The orange flavor will be sweeter and less tangy compared to blood oranges, which have a unique tartness and berry-like flavor. This will result in a more traditional citrusy margarita.
What are blood oranges vs navel oranges vs regular oranges? A navel orange is a sweet, seedless orange with a distinct navel-like formation at one end. A blood orange has a deep red or crimson flesh and a tangy, berry-like flavor. Regular oranges, like Valencia, are juicier and often used for fresh juice, with a balanced sweet-tart taste.
Blood Orange Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz Fresh Blood Orange Juice
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 0.5 oz Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup
- Salt (for rimming the glass)
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Rub the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge and dip it in a plate of salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, fresh blood orange juice, lime juice, Cointreau or Triple Sec, and agave nectar or simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Fill the prepared glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Sweeten to taste if needed.
- Garnish with a blood orange slice or a lime wedge.
Notes
Conclusion
As citrus season brings a burst of fresh flavors, the beautiful blood orange stands out with its vibrant color and unique taste. This blood orange margarita is the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any sunny day. Cheers to enjoying the season’s best with a cocktail that’s both refreshing and delightful!
