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Whip up these sublime Blood Orange Margaritas! Take advantage of the gorgeous citrus in the market to make these deeply hued, delicious margaritas!

The color alone makes this Blood Orange Cocktail a show stopper, but they are also tasty and refreshing.

Blood Orange Margaritas in stemmed cocktail glass in front of oranges and a crystal ice bucket.
Table of Contents hide
1 Why You Should Make these Orange Margaritas
2 Expert Tips
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 More Delicious Cocktail Recipes:
5 Blood Orange Margarita Recipe

Why You Should Make these Orange Margaritas 

  • I have to admit that a classic margarita is my absolute favorite cocktail, but the aroma of this combination of oranges and limes swayed me to the dark side, the blood orange side.
  • Just look at the vibrant color of these margaritas! That makes these an easy sale!
  • Even if you can’t find blood oranges, it’s OK use your favorite juice orange. Any orange margarita is delicious!

Expert Tips

  • PRO-Tip: Use the best tequila for the best margaritas. It should be made with 100% agave spirits.
  • PRO-Tip: Squeeze your own juice. It will taste so much better than if you make it with bottled juices.
  • If you don’t have Cointreau on hand, feel free to use another orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.
  • Don’t use a bottled mix. The basic recipe is very easy and you can tweak it to your palate.
  • Garnish your rim with either salt or coarse sugar. The salt can be margarita salt which is specifically made to use for margaritas or kosher salt.
  • Use ice cubes, not crushed ice in your cocktail shaker. The crushed ice will melt more quickly and dilute your margaritas.

Blood Orange Margaritas in a martini glass on a red napkin

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Blood Oranges?

Blood oranges are oranges with a high level of anthocyanin which gives them a crimson hue. A natural mutation of a regular sweet orange brought about this beautiful variety with a taste that’s a cross between an orange and raspberry, and tarter than a sweet navel orange.

Cool weather helps promote the production of anthocyanin, so the best growing season is between December and May. Grab some when they’re in season, and squeeze the juice to keep in the freezer for a quick margarita fix!

Blood oranges are gorgeous in salads, orange curd, and cocktails! Their deep color makes for an exquisite presentation!

How Do You Make a Blood Orange Margarita?

First, in a pitcher, mix together the lime juice, sugar, and water until the sugar is dissolved, then add the rest of the ingredients.

Rub the rims of the margarita glasses with the cut side of half of a lime. Dip the rim into coarse salt or sugar to garnish.

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, add about half the margarita mixture, then shake for about 15 seconds or until the mixture is chilled. Strain into the glasses.

Garnish the glasses with a slice of blood orange or a slice of lime if desired and serve!

More Delicious Cocktail Recipes:

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Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
The Recipe:

Blood Orange Margarita Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Yield 9

A vibrant twist on the margarita featuring blood oranges

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup silver tequila
  • 1/2 cup Cointreau
  • 2 cups fresh blood orange juice (about 6 oranges)
  • A lime half for moistening the glass rims
  • Kosher salt or sugar, for the rims of the glasses

Instructions

  1. Juice the blood oranges.
  2. In a pitcher, stir together the lime juice, sugar and ¾ cup water until the sugar has dissolved. Add the tequila, Cointreau and blood orange juice.
  3. Rub the rims of three 6-ounce martini glasses with the cut side of a lime half.
  4. Spread coarse salt or sugar on a small plate and press the rims of the glasses until coated.
  5. Fill a cocktail shaker about ¾ full of ice and measure in 1½ cups of the cocktail mix for 3 drinks. Cover and shake for about 15 seconds to thoroughly chill the mixture.
  6. Strain into the glasses. Garnish the glasses with a slice of blood orange and a slice of lime if desired.

Notes

Adapted from Rick Bayless via Cooking on the Ranch

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 147Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 82mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g

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© Liz Berg
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex / Category: Cocktails