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This vibrant blood orange margarita transforms the classic cocktail into a stunning ruby-hued drink that balances sweet, tart, and citrus notes perfectly. The combination of fresh blood orange juice with traditional margarita ingredients creates a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail that's perfect for entertaining or simply elevating your happy hour.
I first created these blood orange margaritas for a winter dinner party when the citrus was at its peak season. The vibrant color stunned my guests, and now it's become my signature cocktail during blood orange season. The gorgeous ruby hue alone makes it worth making.
Ingredients
- Tequila blanco: Provides a clean agave flavor that allows the blood orange to shine without the aged notes of darker tequilas
- Fresh blood orange juice: Delivers both dramatic color and sweet citrus flavor with subtle raspberry notes
- Fresh lime juice: Adds essential brightness and authentic margarita tang
- Cointreau or triple sec: Contributes necessary orange essence and balances the tartness
- Simple syrup or agave nectar: Provides adjustable sweetness without overwhelming the fruit
- Tajin or salt for rimming: Adds a savory contrast that enhances the sweet citrus flavors
- Ice: Chills and slightly dilutes, creating the perfect drinking temperature
- Orange and lime slices: Provide elegant garnish and visual appeal
How To Make Blood Orange Margaritas
- Prepare Your Shaker:
- Fill a large cocktail shaker about one third full with ice cubes. Using fresh ice ensures your cocktail gets properly chilled without excessive dilution. The ice should make a pleasant sound when added to the metal shaker.
- Combine The Liquids:
- Pour 4 ounces of tequila blanco, 3 ounces of freshly squeezed blood orange juice, 2 ounces of fresh lime juice, 2 ounces of Cointreau, and 1 ounce of simple syrup or agave into the ice filled shaker. The precise measurements ensure perfect balance between the sweet, tart, and alcoholic components.
- Shake Thoroughly:
- Secure the top of your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This not only chills the cocktail but also creates the perfect dilution and integration of flavors. You should feel the shaker become frosty and cold in your hands.
- Prepare The Glasses:
- Run a lime wedge around the rims of two glasses, then dip the moistened edges into a small plate of Tajin or salt until evenly coated. This creates a beautiful contrasting rim that enhances the flavors of the cocktail. Fill each glass with fresh ice.
- Serve And Garnish:
- Strain the cocktail evenly between the two prepared glasses. The margarita should have a gorgeous ruby red hue. Garnish with fresh blood orange and lime slices for both visual appeal and aroma enhancement. The garnish should rest partially on the rim or float atop the drink.
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Blood oranges hold a special place in my heart since discovering them during a trip to Sicily, where they grow abundantly. The anthocyanin pigments that give blood oranges their distinctive color also provide subtle flavor notes you simply cannot find in regular oranges. Every time I make this cocktail, I remember wandering through Sicilian markets with vendors proudly displaying these ruby treasures.
Seasonal Considerations
Blood oranges have a relatively short season, typically from December through May, with peak flavor in the winter months. Their limited availability makes these margaritas a special seasonal treat worth celebrating. If you find yourself with an abundance of blood oranges, consider juicing and freezing in ice cube trays to enjoy these margaritas beyond the growing season. Each cube can be thawed when needed for an off-season treat that maintains much of the fresh flavor.
Make It Your Own
This versatile recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences. For a spicier version, muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding other ingredients. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the simple syrup to half an ounce. For a more complex flavor profile, substitute reposado tequila for the blanco, which adds subtle vanilla and oak notes. Those avoiding alcohol can create a virgin version using orange bitters and sparkling water in place of the tequila and triple sec.
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant margaritas pair beautifully with Mexican cuisine, particularly dishes featuring citrus or seafood. Try serving alongside fish tacos, ceviche, or citrus-marinated grilled chicken for a complementary meal. The cocktail also makes a stunning addition to brunch, replacing the traditional mimosa with something more exciting. For special occasions, create a blood orange margarita bar with various rimming options like vanilla salt, demerara sugar, or classic Tajin.
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Storage Tips
While margaritas are best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare the mixture without ice up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator, then shake with ice just before serving. The blood orange juice may separate slightly during storage, so a quick stir before shaking will restore the proper integration. Avoid storing with ice for extended periods, as excessive dilution will weaken the flavors and vibrant color that make this cocktail special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the key ingredient in Blood Orange Margaritas?
The star ingredient is freshly squeezed blood orange juice, which gives the drink its vibrant color and unique flavor.
- → Can I use a substitute for tequila blanco?
Yes, you can use reposado tequila for a slightly aged and richer flavor, though tequila blanco keeps it light and crisp.
- → What can I use instead of cointreau?
You can substitute cointreau with another triple sec or even orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for a slight twist.
- → How do I rim the glass with tajin or salt?
Run a lime wedge along the glass rim, then dip the rim into a plate of tajin or salt until evenly coated. This adds flavor and texture to each sip.
- → Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Yes, replace tequila and triple sec with sparkling water, orange juice, and a splash of lime juice for a citrusy mocktail.