Blood Orange Margarita Drink

This blood orange margarita delivers bright and refreshing flavors that are deliciously tart with just the right amount of sweetness. 

Recipe for Blood Orange Margarita 

While there are many options for flavored margarita mixes on the market, there’s just something about the flavors you get from using fresh ingredients that really make for the tastiest cocktail. And it doesn’t have to be complicated! We’ve taken our tried and true classic margarita recipe and adapted it to incorporate the subtly sweet and tangy flavor of blood orange juice to make a vibrant margarita that is sure to be the star of any cocktail hour. 

What is a Blood Orange Margarita?

A blood orange margarita incorporates blood orange juice into the mix, giving the margarita a sweeter citrus note and beautiful blood orange color. 

What is the difference between a blood orange margarita and a margarita?

The key difference between a blood orange margarita and a classic margarita is the addition of blood orange juice, which gives the mix a red-orange hue and a slightly sweeter flavor. 

What is in a Blood Orange Margarita? 

This blood orange margarita recipe is so easy and can be whipped up in just a few minutes. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 cup of tequila
• ½ cup of Triple Sec
• ⅓ cup of blood orange juice
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of agave syrup 

Blood Orange Margarita Ingredient Modifications

This blood orange margarita recipe is so tasty and balanced as written, but if blood oranges are out of season or you’re looking to change things up a bit, here are a couple of ideas:

• Use different oranges – while the flavor of blood orange juice tends to be a little sweeter and tangier than your traditional navel orange, you can really use whatever orange is in season (Cara Cara oranges also bring a delicious sweetness).
• Add a peppered rim – add a couple of teaspoons of pepper to your salt rim for a twist on your traditional margarita dressing. 
• Give it some sparkle – leave a couple of inches at the top of your glass so that you can add a splash of sparkling water (blood orange sparkling water would be so tasty) as a topper for some extra bubbles and a fun pop to your drink.

Supplies Needed to Make this Recipe

• Pitcher or Mason Jar 

How to make Blood Orange Margarita

Here’s how you’ll quickly whip up this beautiful cocktail:

1. Squeeze your citrus – if you weren’t able to find bottled freshly-squeezed juice at the store (some local markets will carry fresh-squeezed juices for the ultimate in ease!), the first thing you’ll do is squeeze your oranges and lime. 
2. Add ingredients to a mason jar or pitcher – add the tequila, Triple Sec, orange juice, lime juice, and agave to a mason jar or pitcher and stir to combine. Chill the mix in the fridge if you’re not ready to serve right away. 
3. Prep your glasses – salt the rims of your glasses by running a wedge of blood orange or lime around the outside rim of the glass and dipping it in salt. Then, carefully add ice so as not to knock the salt off of the rim. 
4. Pour and enjoy – pour your margarita over the ice, serve, and enjoy!

How to salt the rim for Blood Orange Margaritas

Salting the rim of your glass is a really easy step and makes a difference in the brightness of flavor in your margarita. 

1. Prep the rim – using a wedge of your blood orange or some of the margarita mix, coat the rim of your glass. 
2. Dip in the salt – add a couple of tablespoons of salt to a small saucer or shallow bowl, then tilt your glass to dip the outside edge in the salt. Rotate your glass to coat the entire rim (or a portion of it if you prefer). Tap off any excess salt.

For more tips, salt recipes, and fun ways to salt the rim of your margarita glass, check out our Margarita Salt article. 

What do I serve with a blood orange margarita?

You can’t go wrong with the classic chips and authentic guacamole pairing. Some other really tasty options are carne asada tacos with adobo lime marinade, shrimp tacos with cilantro citrus sauce, or Instant Pot carnitas tacos. 

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