This classic blood orange margarita recipe has a wonderful citrus flavor. Don't have blood oranges on hand? Make this recipe with any kind of citrus-- classic lime, orange or grapefruit juice.
Drinks are not like children. It is perfectly okay to choose a favorite and this is mine! You can use the recipe with lime juice for the best classic margarita or grapefruit juice for a paloma. I've done it all three ways and they all turn out delicious! I don't know about you, but margarita Saturday feels like a tradition I can get on board with right now. It's the little things right? Pair these margaritas with this taco board for a casual date night in.
How To Make This Blood Orange Margarita - Step by Step
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Juice the blood oranges and set aside.
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Add the salt to the juicy cutting board and combine and set aside. It really doesn't require very much juice at all to add the citrus flavor and the pink color. Too much juice and your salt will start to dissolve. Run the fleshy part of a squeezed orange along the rim of your glass and then tip the glass over on the cutting board to add the salt to is.
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Add the juice, tequila, cointreau and simple syrup to the shaker. Shake to combine.
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Add ice and garnish.
What Are Blood Oranges?
A Delicious Citrus Cocktail
This drink is not just my current favorite, this drink is my cocktail spirit animal. It combines the scent and taste of citrus which instantly transports me back to sunny California with a classic cocktail that fully appeals to my Austin, Texas roots.
Do I Need Simple Syrup In This Blood Orange Margarita?
Yes! A homemade simple syrup is the secret ingredient of all great cocktails, but especially of great margaritas like this one.
Top Tips For This Blood Orange Margarita
- A basic simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in water. example- One cup sugar dissolved in one cup of water. We usually make larger batches and keep on hand in the refrigerator.
- Moisten the rims of glasses with the cut side of a lime or blood orange half. Spread coarse salt on a small plate, then upend the glasses into the salt to crust the rims. You can also use the cutting board option as we detail in the recipe card.
- Fill a cocktail shaker about ½ full of ice before adding the margaritas. Cover and shake for about 15 seconds to thoroughly chill the mixture.
- Opt for silver or blanco tequila, it's a clear liquor and means the cocktail won't come out muddy.
Check Out These Other Great Cocktails
- Cocktail Hour || Sidecar Cocktail Recipe
- Cocktail Hour || Stone Fruit Summertime Sangria
- Cocktail Hour || Springtime Whiskey Sour Recipe
- Cocktail Hour || Mexican Vanilla Moscow Mules
Have you tried this Blood Orange recipe? Feel free to leave a star rating and I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
Blood Orange Margaritas with Citrus Salt
Ingredients
- ½ c blood orange juice (about 2 large blood oranges-- you can substitute lime juice for a classic recipe)
- ¾ c. tequila (I love Casamigos!)
- ¼ c Cointreau
- ½ c water
- ½ c sugar
- rosemary and extra orange slices for garnish optional
- salt for the rim of the glasses optional
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat to create a simple syrup. Stir slowly until sugar has completely dissolved. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool.
- Juice the blood oranges and set aside.
- Add the salt to the juicy cutting board and combine and set aside. It really doesn't require very much juice at all to add the citrus flavor and the pink color. Too much juice and your salt will start to dissolve. Run the fleshy part of a squeezed orange along the rim of your glass and then tip the glass over on the cutting board to add the salt to is.
- Combine the juice, tequila, cointreau, and simple syrup in a large cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake rapidly.
- Strain cocktail into salted rim glasses filled with ice and enjoy!
Nutrition
Photography by Katie Jameson
Jennifer says
I've been waiting for this recipe!! It looks so good!! I would probably need to add the simple syrup as I prefer slightly sweeter drinks!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated