Blood Orange Margaritas
Spring is very near, but it’s still citrus season and also happens to be the weekend, so let’s make a batch of blood orange margaritas! This tart and refreshing twist on classic margaritas, highlights one of the most beautiful citrus fruits with its natural garnet tones! And with just five ingredients from start to finish, including fresh squeezed blood orange juice, is sure to be a lovely transitional cocktail as we bid farewell to winter and welcome longer and warmer days ahead!
Blood Orange Margaritas
Tart and citrusy blood orange margaritas made with simple and delicious ingredients, garnished with a salted rim and dehydrated blood orange, for your seasonal sipping!
We’ve shared many margarita recipes over the years and this blood orange variation is sure to be a new favorite!
The Key Ingredient: Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are the key ingredient in today’s margarita. Their visual appeal and flavor is nothing short of inspiring to work with and photograph!
The flesh of sliced blood orange is unique, with variations of orange, red and burgundy tones. And when paired with the cocktail ingredients, results in a vibrant ruby-like margarita reminiscent of a sunset! Flavor-wise blood oranges are bright and citrusy but with a hint of berry, complimenting the fresh squeezed lime, cointreau and tequila in such a refreshing way!
Where to find Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are seasonal produce, available from late December to mid March at grocers in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve read that the season can extend as far as May in some of the warmer climates in the US and can be found at local farmers markets as well. Don’t miss the opportunity to give them a try!
Best tequila for margaritas
The flavor and quality of tequila really makes a difference in the overall taste of any margarita! I highly recommend using mid to top shelf Tequila for the best margarita experience! Patron, Casamigos Respisado and 1800 Silver are my personal favorites.
How to make blood orange margaritas on the rocks
To make these margaritas at home, start by making a quick batch of simple syrup!
Easy blood orange simple syrup
Heat 1 part sugar to 2 parts water and one blood orange sliced, in a pot over medium high heat. Bring to a simmer and then to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove syrup from heat, strain and cool completely before mixing the cocktails.
On the rocks
Make ice cube blocks in a silicone square ice mold if you have them on hand. The larger cubed ice is nice for drinks on the rocks because it’s slow to melt and and won’t water down the cocktails. Choose a shallow drinking glass for the large ice cubes to fit into.
Salted Rim
Although a kosher salted rim is classic on a margarita, it is totally optional. Rim the glass with salt or seasoning of choice from lava salt, to chili powder or Tajin.
Mixing the margaritas
To mix the margaritas, juice 2 blood oranges and 4 medium limes and transfer to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then pour in tequila, cointreau and simple syrup.
Shake.
Rim 2 glasses with fresh lime juice and kosher salt. Pour the blood orange margaritas evenly between both glasses.
Garnish with fresh or dehydrated blood orange segments or wheels.
Blood Orange Margaritas
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blood Orange Margaritas
- Cuisine: Cocktails
Description
Tart and fruity blood orange margaritas made with simple and delicious ingredients, garnished with a salted rim and dehydrated blood orange, for your seasonal sipping!
Ingredients
- 2 cups water ;
- 1 cup granulated or raw/organic sugar
- 1 blood orange sliced into rounds
- Cubed ice
- 2 blood oranges freshly squeezed (one additional orange for garnish)
- 4 medium limes freshly squeezed
- 3 oz Tequila of choice (mid to top shelf recommended)
- 2 oz Cointreau or orange liqueur
- 2 oz Simple Syrup
- Kosher, blood orange wheels, or lime wedges for garnish
- Thinly slice blood orange into rounds
Instructions
Simple Syrup:
- Heat the sugar, water and blood oranges on the stove top to a rolling boil.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes then remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
- Strain.
- The syrup will keep for up to 4 weeks in a sealed container in the fridge.
Blood Orange Margaritas:
- Make ice cube blocks in a silicone square ice mold if you have them on hand. The larger cubed ice is nice because it melts slow and won’t water down cocktails.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Rim 2 glasses with fresh lime and kosher salt.
- Juice the blood oranges and limes and transfer to the cocktail shaker.
- Pour the tequila, cointreau and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Shake!
- Place the cubed ice in the glasses and evenly pour the margarita mix between the two glasses.
- Garnish with blood orange wheels.
- Cheers!
Easy Homemade Dehydrated Blood Oranges:
- Place blood orange rounds evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Place in oven at 155 degree Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours, flipping the oranges halfway through.
- Let cool before using and store in an airtight container.
Whether you’re hosting an upcoming gathering or simply in the mood for a refreshing cocktail over the weekend, the blood orange margaritas are a wonderful choice!
They’re gorgeous, flavorful, tart and refreshing and easily adaptable to suit ingredient preferences.
Bookmark or save the quick recipe to Pinterest for your upcoming happy hour! Also visit my Amazon Shop for cocktail supplies!
Cheers!
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