If you like your margaritas fresh, fun and not fussy, this Blood Orange Margarita is for you. Juicy blood oranges bring a deep citrus flavor, sweetness and gorgeous ruby color that will stop someone in their tracks. Just four ingredients, a good shake, and you’ve got yourself a margarita that feels way fancier than it actually is.
The margarita is my most shaken-up cocktail by far. If I'm expecting a bunch of people, I make my a Batch of my Margaritas instead.
But this one. This one is special.
It's so beautiful and easy at the same time. You can impress your guests in less than 2 minutes. Promise.
"What Do Blood Oranges Taste Like?"
Great question! Blood oranges taste kinda like if a regular orange and a raspberry had a juicy little baby. 🙂
They’re sweet and tangy with a deep, citrus flavor and a touch of something floral or berry-like that you don’t get from navel oranges. It’s subtle, but it makes a big difference in this cocktail.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Smart Swaps)
- Blood Orange Juice
→ Surprisingly, the best time to buy blood oranges( in the US) is from December to May. You want to use freshly squeezed blood orange juice instead of bottled for that bright red color. - Tequila
→ I only use blanco or reposado, but feel free to experiment with mezcal if you want a smokier finish
→I love Epsolon tequila, Altos, 1800, and Patron. - Cointreau
→ You can swap with any orange liqueur like Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or something else.
→ Cointreau helps to balance out the tartness. - Lime Juice
→ Freshly squeezed is a must!
Tips to Make It Taste (and Look) Amazing
- Go by weight – Heavier = juicier!! You want one that feels dense for its size.
- Ignore the peel color – Some have a red blush, others look like regular oranges.
- Check the skin – It should be smooth and slightly glossy, not wrinkly or dried out.
- Give it a gentle squeeze – A little give is good, but it shouldn't feel mushy.
- Know your types (check the labels) and use what works best for your taste buds!
- Moro: dark red flesh, bold and tart
- Tarocco: sweeter, less red, super juicy
- Sanguinello: mild flavor, great for juicing
Delicious Variations to Try
Make it a Spicy Blood Orange Marg!
→ Add muddled jalapeño or jalapeno-infused tequila
→ Rim with Tajín + cayenne for extra heat
Blend With Ice For a Frozen Version
→ Add ingredients to the blender with lots of ice
→ Use frozen blood orange cubes for extra chill + color!
When & Where to Serve Blood Orange Margaritas
Summertime is the obvious time to serve margaritas, but don't skip those winter months!
I already mentioned that blood orange season is from December through May, so consider shaking up this margarita over the holidays! Add a white salt rim to represent snow and a rosemary garnish to keep it warm and seasonal.
Other Popular Margaritas To Try!
Blood Orange Margarita (Not Too Sweet!)
Ingredients
Method
- Dip the rim of two lowball glasses into honey followed by a mixture of tajin and coarse sea salt. (Optional, but it's pretty and tasty!)
- Add all ingredients to a large cocktail shaker with lots of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds and pour into glasses. Add more ice if needed and serve with a straw. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- A blood orange margarita actually works in any season but is surprisingly best during blood orange season which is December-May.
- Feel free to make this sweeter if your blood oranges are on the less sweet side. Use 0.5-1 oz of simple syrup or swap the lime juice for 1 oz of sour mix if you wish.
- Want to make it wintery? Add cinnamon/salt/sugar on the rim with a rosemary sprig. ❄️
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!