The Best Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
I adore adding blood oranges’ effervescent, citrusy brightness to a classic margarita. My recipe unfailingly mixes 2 oz tequila and 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec in what can only be described as the standard prep for a margarita.
Freshly squeezed blood orange juice takes the place of the usual lime juice and in my mind is the next best twist on this drink after drinking it frozen or straight up. A 1 oz addition of this elixir, with a 1/2 oz tint of tart lime juice added, makes the margarita I want to think of when stirred, shaken, and/or enjoyed over ice.
Ingredients
Tequila: A distilled liquor that provides a vibrant yet earthy flavor that is essential for margaritas.
Cointreau/Triple Sec: Liqueur flavored with oranges; imparts a sweetness and depth of flavor that is citrusy.
Juice of Blood Orange: Full of vitamins and antioxidants; imparts a sweet, tart, vivacious color.
Lime Juice: Abundant in vitamin C; contributes acidity and an invigorating, tangy taste.
Liquid sugar is simple syrup.
It sweetens things without changing their texture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Blood orange slice or lime wedge, for garnish
- Salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
1. If you would like to salt the rim of your glass, here is how to do it: Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of the glass. Then, dip the rim into a plate of salt to coat it.
2. Pack a cocktail shaker full of ice cubes.
3. Add 2 oz of tequila to the cocktail shaker.
4. Pour 1 oz of Cointreau or triple sec into the shaker.
5. Weigh and pour 1 oz of freshly squeezed blood orange juice into the shaker.
6. Squeeze 1/2 oz of lime juice freshly from the lime.
7. Add 1/2 oz of simple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
8. Fasten the lid on the shaker, and shake it with plenty of energy for about 15 seconds or until the liquid inside is really cold.
9. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice cubes.
10. Garnish your invigorating margarita with a blood orange slice or a lime wedge, then enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Lime wedge
2. Plate (for salt)
3. Glass
4. Cocktail shaker with lid
5. Ice cubes
6. Jigger or measuring tool
7. Knife
8. Citrus juicer or reamer
9. Strainer (if not included in the shaker)
10. Spoon or muddler (optional, for simple syrup if needed to stir)
FAQ
- Can I use regular orange juice instead of blood orange juice?While you can use standard orange juice, blood orange juice contributes a remarkable flavor and color that makes this margarita stand out.
- What type of tequila is best for this margarita?The best choices are good-quality blanco or reposado tequila because they complement, rather than overpower, the citrus flavors.
- How do I make simple syrup?To create basic syrup, mix together equal measures of sugar and water in a saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove and apply heat. Once the mixture is warm, stir it until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool before using it in cocktails or other beverages.
- Can I make this margarita ahead of time?Mixing it fresh is the best option, yet you can make the juice and simple syrup ahead of serving time. Combine all the elements except the ice and keep them in a glass container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to sip, pour it into a glass over ice.
- Is it necessary to rim the glass with salt?The glass can be rimmed with salt, which is optional and dependent on personal taste. Or rather, it can be rimmed with something that makes the glass almost, but not quite, like a martini.
- What can I use as a garnish besides a blood orange slice?For added flair, consider using a twist of orange or lime peel or a lime wedge as a garnish.
- Can this recipe be doubled or tripled for a party?Indeed, just multiply the components by the number of servings required and blend in a larger pitcher.
Substitutions and Variations
Tequila: Use mezcal instead for a smoky flavor.
Use Grand Marnier for a richer taste, or use Cointreau or triple sec.
Juice of blood oranges: Substitute standard orange juice for a flavor that lacks the punch of a blood orange.
Lemon juice: Try lime juice for a different citrus profile.
Simple syrup: You can achieve an even deeper sweetness by using honey or agave nectar.
The Best Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
My favourite The Best Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Lime wedge
2. Plate (for salt)
3. Glass
4. Cocktail shaker with lid
5. Ice cubes
6. Jigger or measuring tool
7. Knife
8. Citrus juicer or reamer
9. Strainer (if not included in the shaker)
10. Spoon or muddler (optional, for simple syrup if needed to stir)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Blood orange slice or lime wedge, for garnish
- Salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. If you would like to salt the rim of your glass, here is how to do it: Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of the glass. Then, dip the rim into a plate of salt to coat it.
2. Pack a cocktail shaker full of ice cubes.
3. Add 2 oz of tequila to the cocktail shaker.
4. Pour 1 oz of Cointreau or triple sec into the shaker.
5. Weigh and pour 1 oz of freshly squeezed blood orange juice into the shaker.
6. Squeeze 1/2 oz of lime juice freshly from the lime.
7. Add 1/2 oz of simple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
8. Fasten the lid on the shaker, and shake it with plenty of energy for about 15 seconds or until the liquid inside is really cold.
9. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice cubes.
10. Garnish your invigorating margarita with a blood orange slice or a lime wedge, then enjoy!