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Blood Orange Margaritas bring a splash of vivid color and zesty citrus kick to any get-together or quiet night in. This easy mix of freshly squeezed blood orange juice with tequila blanco and lime makes a bright drink that feels like you're on a mini getaway with every sip.
I first whipped these up during a summer cookout and everybody couldn't stop talking about the sunset color and tangy flavor. People always ask me how to make these blood orange margaritas before they head home.
- Tequila blanco: Go for a middle-range brand with fresh citrus hints as it forms the main base of your drink
- Fresh blood orange juice: Its rich ruby color makes this cocktail pop and tastes sweet with hints of berry Go for fruit that seems heavy when you pick it up
- Fresh lime juice: Vital for cutting the sweetness with sharp tang Choose plump limes that yield slightly to pressure
- Cointreau or other triple sec: Gives a nice orange scent plus extra sweetness A quality triple sec really makes a difference
- Simple syrup or agave: Ties everything together and softens the sourness Mix equal amounts sugar and water to make your own
- Tajin or salt for rimming: Adds an extra flavor punch with each drink If you enjoy heat go for tajin otherwise try some flaky salt
- Ice: Cools everything down and slightly waters it down so flavors blend nicely
- Orange and lime slices for decoration: They make your glasses look fancy Pick smooth-skinned fruit for better slices
Detailed Making Steps
- Add Ice To Your Shaker:
- Drop ice into your cocktail shaker until it's about a third full. This will cool your margarita properly without making it too watery too fast.
- Mix Your Liquids Together:
- Add tequila blanco, freshly squeezed blood orange juice, fresh lime juice, cointreau, and simple syrup into the shaker with the ice. Getting the amounts right means your drink will taste perfectly balanced.
- Shake It Well:
- Close your shaker tight and shake hard for around twenty seconds. This not only makes it cold but also puts tiny air bubbles in the drink for a smooth texture.
- Get Your Glasses Ready:
- Wipe a cut lime piece around your glass edges then dip the wet rim into a flat dish with tajin or salt for good coverage. Put fresh ice cubes in each glass, filling them halfway.
- Pour And Garnish:
- Slowly strain your shaken drink mix into your prepared glasses, sharing it equally between them. Float a slice of lime or blood orange on top for extra color and smell. Now your drink's ready to enjoy.
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Blood oranges top my list of winter citrus fruits. I track them down at local markets every year because they taste uniquely sweet with almost flowery notes. The first time I brought these margaritas to a family cookout, my uncle said he'd found his new favorite drink and wanted nothing else at summer gatherings after that.
Keeping It Fresh
Any extra margarita mix (without ice) will stay good in your fridge for a day or two in a sealed container. If you make it ahead, just give it a quick shake before you pour. Don't store it with fruit slices in the mix or it might get too bitter as it sits.
Swap These In
Can't find blood oranges? Try cara cara oranges for a similar pretty color though they'll taste a bit milder. Don't have cointreau? Just use another orange liqueur like grand marnier or any decent triple sec. You can use agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a gentler sweetness.
Pair It With
Enjoy blood orange margaritas alongside a big plate of salty chips and fresh guacamole to balance the tangy drink. For an extra fancy touch, stick blood orange and lime slices in ice cube trays before freezing. These pretty cubes keep drinks cold and look amazing on any table.
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Background Story
Margaritas run deep in Mexican food traditions and often show up during parties and celebrations. Blood oranges add a touch of Mediterranean flair and they're best used in late winter and early spring when you can get them freshest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Does bottled blood orange juice work?
Fresh juice tastes best, but bottled ones will do in a pinch. Stick to 100% juice with no added sugars for vibrant flavor.
- → What’s a good tequila choice?
Tequila blanco is crisp and clear, while reposado adds a light oak touch. Go for quality for smoother sips.
- → How do I add Tajin to the rim?
Run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass. Dip it in Tajin spread on a plate, pressing gently to coat it well.
- → What’s a replacement for triple sec?
Swap it with orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier or curacao. Adjust sweetness for different brands to suit your taste.
- → Can I prepare this drink ahead?
Mix everything but the ice a few hours before. Chill it and finish with ice, garnishes, and rims right before serving.
- → What garnishes work for this?
Pop on a blood orange slice, lime wedge, or both for an eye-catching and aromatic finish.