Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Blood Orange Margarita Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Blood Orange Margarita is a twist on the classic Margarita, which originated in Mexico in the 1930s. This version features the unique flavor of blood oranges, which are known for their deep red color and rich, berry-like taste. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing, fruity drink with a hint of tartness.

  • The Margarita is said to have been created by a bartender named Carlos Herrera in Tijuana, Mexico.
  • Blood oranges are native to the Mediterranean region and have become popular in cocktails due to their distinct flavor and color.

How Blood Orange Margarita Tastes?

The Blood Orange Margarita has a sweet, tart, and slightly bitter taste with a hint of citrus. The blood orange juice adds a rich, fruity flavor that complements the tequila and lime juice, while the orange liqueur adds a touch of sweetness.

Interesting facts about Blood Orange Margarita

  • Blood oranges get their red color from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that may have health benefits.
  • The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and there are countless variations on the classic recipe.
  • Blood oranges are in season from December to May, making this cocktail a great choice for winter and spring celebrations.

Ingredients

  • Tequila: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Blood orange juice: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Ice: As needed
  • Salt: For rimming the glass
  • Blood orange slice: 1
  • Garnish: Mint sprig

Tequila

  • Tequila: The heart and soul of the margarita. It adds warmth and depth. Opt for a blanco for a cleaner taste. Without it, say adios to the margarita magic!

Emma Rose

Blood Orange Juice

  • Blood Orange Juice: The star of this twist on a classic. It provides a vibrant color and a sweet-tart flavor. Without it, you'll miss out on that gorgeous hue and tangy kick.

Alex Green

Fresh Lime Juice

  • Fresh Lime Juice: A zesty touch to balance sweetness. It's like the life of the party - without it, things just aren't as lively. Too much, and your lips will pucker more than a grandma aiming for a smooch!

Mary Mitkina

Orange Liqueur

  • Orange Liqueur: Think of it as the best supporting actor, offering complexity and reinforcing the citrus profile. Without it, the cocktail may lack depth. Triple sec or Cointreau are your amigos here.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

  • Simple Syrup: The peacemaker between sweet and sour. Strike the right balance and keep everyone happy! Don't let your margarita turn into a sourpuss.

Alex Green

Ice

  • Ice: The unsung hero. It chills, it dilutes, it brings everything together. It's the middle man in the deal between the other ingredients.

Mary Mitkina

Salt

  • Salt: The trusty sidekick that enhances flavors. Rim your glass like a pro, and you elevate the whole experience. Just don't overdo it - you're not salting a snowy sidewalk!

Emma Rose

Blood Orange Slice and Mint Sprig

  • Garnish: The final flourish! A dash of color and a whisper of minty aroma. It's like putting a bow on a gift - totally optional, but oh so nice.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Blood Orange Margarita Drink

  1. Prepare the glass:
    • Wet the rim of a rocks or margarita glass with a lime wedge.
    • Dip the rim in salt to coat it evenly.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
    • 2oz tequila
    • 1.5oz blood orange juice
    • 0.5oz fresh lime juice
    • 0.5oz orange liqueur
    • 0.5oz simple syrup
    • Add ice to fill the shaker halfway.
  3. Shake well until chilled and well-mixed.
  4. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice.
  5. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
  6. Garnish with a blood orange slice and a mint sprig.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh-squeezed blood orange and lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the simple syrup to your preferred level of sweetness.
  • For a smoky twist, try using mezcal instead of tequila.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Grilled shrimp or lobster tacos with a hint of lime to complement the citrus notes.
  • Fresh oysters can be a delightful contrast with the sweet and acidic nature of the margarita.

Mexican cuisine

  • Fish tacos with a fruit salsa to mirror the fruitiness of the blood orange juice.
  • Chips and guacamole as the creaminess of the avocado balances the acidity of the cocktail.

Spicy Foods

  • Jalapeño poppers or spicy wings. The sweetness of the cocktail can cool down the heat.

Desserts

  • A light vanilla-flavored dessert such as panna cotta or flan, allowing the margarita’s citrus notes to shine.

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What you could change in Blood Orange Margarita

  • If blood oranges are not available, you can use regular oranges or a combination of orange and pomegranate juice.
  • You can replace the orange liqueur with triple sec or another orange-flavored liqueur.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Blood Orange Margarita

  • Add a 0.5 oz of mezcal for a smoky twist.
  • The smokiness adds depth and pairs beautifully with the sweet citrus.

Spicy Blood Orange Margarita

  • Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • The spice adds a delightful kick that plays well with the blood orange's sweetness.

Herbal Blood Orange Margarita

  • Replace the simple syrup with honey syrup and add a sprig of rosemary to the shaker.
  • This gives an aromatic herbal twist that complements the citrus while adding a touch of elegance.

In case you forgot basics how to make Blood Orange Margarita

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Blood Orange Margarita

What type of tequila should I use for a Blood Orange Margarita?

You should use a high-quality 100% agave tequila. Blanco or silver tequilas are typically preferred for margaritas as they have a smooth taste that blends well with the other ingredients.

Is it recommended to pre-chill the glass?

Yes, pre-chilling the glass can help your margarita stay cold for longer. You can do this by putting your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you're ready to make your drink.

Can I make a Blood Orange Margarita in advance?

The mixed components of a margarita can be combined and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few hours in advance but add the ice just before serving.

What can I serve with a Blood Orange Margarita?

The Blood Orange Margarita pairs well with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and grilled shrimp, as well as spicy foods.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Blood Orange Margarita?

Yes, you can substitute the tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit or leave it out altogether. Replace the orange liqueur with an orange extract for a non-alcoholic version.

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