Blood Orange Margarita Recipe

There are few things as delightful as the craft of a cocktail. I relish the marriage of flavors that yield something sweet, something savory, or something spicy that you can’t quite put your finger on.

Visual appeal counts too—the best cocktails have that “wow factor” when they’re served. A Blood Orange Margarita checks all the boxes for me.

When I shake one up, I feel like I’m hitting the mother lode of mixology with an eye-popping drink that’s also palate-pleasing.

Ingredients

Blood Orange Juice:
This is full of vitamin C and antioxidants; gives a sweet, tart taste.

Silver Tequila:
Agave that has gone through fermentation has a clean, smooth flavor and a low carb count.

Cointreau:
Sweetness and citrus aroma from orange liqueur; flavor profile enhanced.

Fresh Lime Juice:
Rich in vitamin C; strengthens the immune system; induces sourness.

Simple Syrup:
Sugar that has been dissolved; optional sweetness, balances tartness.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 cup blood orange juice (approximately 2 to 3 blood oranges)
• 1/2 cup silver tequila
• 1/4 cup Cointreau or triple sec
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional, to taste)
• Salt for rimming the glass (optional)
• Blood orange slices for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Ice cubes

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Instructions

1. To ready your cocktail glasses, take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of the glass. Then, set the glass rim side down into a plate of salt to coat the rim.

2. Ice cubes should be put in the glasses and the glasses set aside.

3. In a cocktail shaker, mix the blood orange juice, silver tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, and fresh lime juice.

4. Fill the shaker about three-quarters full with ice cubes.

5. Ensure the shaker is closed tightly, then shake the contents with vigor for approximately 15 to 20 seconds, or until the mixture is chilled to your liking.

6. Sample the blend; if you would like it to be sweeter, add the simple syrup and shake once more to amalgamate.

7. Pour the mixture into the prepared glasses, over the ice cubes.

8. Each glass should be garnished with a slice of blood orange and a lime wedge.

9. Enjoy your Blood Orange Margarita! Serve it right away for best results.

10. For an optional festive touch, you can rim the glasses before pouring the margarita. To do so, mix sea salt, in a 1:1 ratio, with chili powder.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail glasses
2. Knife (for cutting limes and blood oranges)
3. Cutting board
4. Lime squeezer or citrus juicer
5. Plate for salt
6. Cocktail shaker
7. Set of measuring cups and spoons
8. Mixing spoon or bar spoon
9. Optional: Zester (for additional garnish effects or zesting)

FAQ

• What type of tequila is best for a Blood Orange Margarita?For a clean, crisp flavor that goes well with blood orange juice, silver or blanco tequila is recommended.
• Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?You can use standard oranges, but blood oranges impart a unique hue and slightly different flavor that enhances the margarita.
• Is the simple syrup necessary?The simple syrup is optional and can be adjusted to taste, especially if the blood oranges are very sweet.
• How do I make simple syrup?Make a simple syrup using equal parts sugar and water. Combine the sugar and water in a heat-safe container. Heat the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
• What can I use instead of Cointreau or triple sec?Any orange-flavored liqueur may serve as a substitute, but take heed of the sweetness: it may upset the drink’s equilibrium.
• How do I prepare the glass with a salted rim?Take a lime wedge and rub it around the rim of the glass. After this, take the glass and dip the rim into coarse salt that has been spread on a plate.
• Can I make this drink in advance?For optimal flavor, prepare and serve the margaritas fresh, but you can mix the juice with tequila and Cointreau ahead of time and keep it chilled.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup of regular orange juice (substitutable with blood orange juice)
1/2 cup tequila, either reposado or blanco (for silver tequila)
1/4 cup Grand Marnier (substitute Cointreau or triple sec)
Two tablespoons lemon juice (substituted with fresh lime juice).
1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar (for simple syrup)