Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail Recipe

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A Blood Orange Margarita adds a fresh twist to the classic tequila cocktail. The sweet-tart flavor and vibrant red color make it perfect for parties, happy hour, or weekend sipping.

This recipe needs just 5 ingredients: fresh blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and ice.

The peak season for blood oranges runs from December through May, making spring the ideal time to mix up this drink. Their deep red juice creates a stunning cocktail that tastes as good as it looks.

These citrus-forward margaritas work well for both small gatherings and large parties since the recipe scales up easily. The ingredients can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail Recipe

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This fresh and citrusy cocktail combines tequila with sweet blood orange juice and lime for a colorful twist on the classic margarita.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Citrus juicer
• Margarita glass or rocks glass
• Ice

Ingredients

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz triple sec
• 1/2 oz agave nectar
• Salt for rim optional
• Blood orange wheel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

• Rim a margarita glass with salt if desired. Fill with ice and set aside.
• Add tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, triple sec, and agave nectar to a cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
• Double strain the mixture through both strainers into the prepared glass.
• Garnish with a blood orange wheel.

Notes

Blood oranges work best when they’re in season from December through May. Store-bought juice can work as a substitute.

The drink should be served right away while cold and fresh.

Regular oranges can replace blood oranges, though the color and flavor will be different.

For a spicy version, add 2-3 thin jalapeño slices to the shaker before mixing.

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Tasting Notes

Blood orange margaritas offer a bright, citrusy sweetness that balances perfectly with the tequila’s earthy notes. The fresh blood orange juice adds a refreshing tartness and stunning ruby-red color.

The taste starts with sweet and sour notes from the blood orange, followed by the smooth agave of the tequila. A hint of salt from the rim complements the drink’s natural flavors.

Key flavor components:

• Blood orange: Sweet-tart and berry-like
• Tequila: Smooth, earthy
• Triple sec: Orange sweetness
• Lime: Bright acidity
• Salt rim: Enhances other flavors

The texture is smooth and clean, with a pleasant thickness from the fresh-squeezed juice. Each sip ends with a clean, crisp finish that invites another taste.

The drink’s aroma carries notes of fresh citrus and light floral hints. The scent matches the vibrant color and sets up the taste experience.

This cocktail works well in both warm and cool weather. The bright flavors shine through whether served on the rocks or straight up.

Substitute

Blood oranges give margaritas a special red color and sweet-tart taste. When blood oranges aren’t available, regular oranges mixed with a few drops of grenadine make a good replacement.

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the tequila and triple sec. Mix orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup instead.

Add a splash of sparkling water for bubbles.

Other citrus fruits work well too. Try these swaps:

• Cara cara oranges – Pink flesh with less tartness
• Grapefruit – More bitter, but still refreshing
• Tangerines – Sweeter and less acidic
• Naval oranges – Classic orange taste

Can’t find fresh citrus? Use bottled juice as a backup. Mix 2 ounces orange juice with 1 ounce lime juice.

Change up the rim salt with these options:

• Tajin seasoning
• Sugar and chili powder
• Plain sugar
• No rim garnish

You can also trade the triple sec for other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. These give different flavor notes to the drink.

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