Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail

Blood oranges are so stunning and make the most amazing Blood Orange Margarita Cocktails. Grab some quick before their short season is over!

Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail with Orange and Lime Garnish

I can not post this cocktail today and ignore the events of this week. My heart is breaking and quite frankly, I’ve been anxious like everyone else. I’ve struggled to regain a sense of normal but am trying to today after staying glued to the news for the past two days. I hope everyone reading this is safe and your family is secure and that we see brighter days ahead. Our country is better than this but we all have to strive to make it so.

I made this Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail this past weekend and had planned to have it post early this morning as I typically do for cocktails on Friday. But time and place flew out the window so I’m only finishing up now and it’s 9:30am. Still, this is a good one and if you need a cocktail this weekend like many of us do, one with the beautiful blood orange fruit is perfect this time of year.

As I will so often, I’m offering up a really old post as new again. This was originally published eight years ago and the images were ready for a redo. Plus this is such a beautiful and delicious cocktail, I know that new readers will love discovering it!

I remember when I used to be so stuck on my favorite margarita recipe that I seldom ventured far from it. On top of that I thought margaritas were pretty much a ‘summer only’ cocktail. Luckily I have not only have ventured far and wide with fruit choices but if I had never gone beyond summer fruits I would have also never had this amazing cocktail, only possible with the short lived winter blood orange.

While there is something about that cold and icy drink that’s just perfect for having friends over during warmer months along with guacamole, chips and either fajitas or barbecue ribs, the fact that I’m making country style pork ribs in a pressure cooker today might have something to do with this update.

I thought this margarita with fresh, seasonal citrus would be great with pork and a fresh slaw. I wish I could tell you it was also balmy and warm outside in January but that would be a lie. In Denver, 40 is warm and hey, there is no snow, so I’m good with pretending that summer is around the corner!

Quartered Blood Oranges

If you’ve never had a blood orange and are wondering why it’s called that, well, now  you know. Isn’t that color beautiful? The flavor is different too; they have less of a citrus bite to them and are also a bit sweeter.

They are gorgeous and finding these beauties is always a real bright spot in the middle of winter. I don’t see them much at my regular grocery store but have good success at either Sprouts or Whole Foods so take a peek there if you run into the same dilemma; they are so worth it.

Blood Orange Margarita

Beyond the oranges I do think a couple of things are imperative for making really good margaritas.

  • Use good tequila – I didn’t have my standard on hand that I use for margaritas which is Cuervo 1800; a reposado tequila meaning that it’s been aged a bit but less than one year. Not quite a high caliber sipping tequila but even a bit of aging makes for a much smoother tequila and that improvement is evident in a cocktail. All I had on hand to make this cocktail was a pricey sipping tequila. Not necessary but what a fine cocktail it made.
  • Please don’t use cheap Triple Sec – Triple Sec is merely artificially flavored sugar water. Nuff said? I use Patron’s Citronge or any other orange liqueur made from the actual essence of orange; all are good. If you have Grand Marnier you can use it but something less pricey is fine too; save your Grand Marnier for over rocks.
  • Fresh lime juice and obviously fresh orange juice – even if you can’t locate blood oranges and want to try this with regular oranges I don’t recommend using frozen or bottled OJ. Buy some oranges and give them a quick squeeze…besides you needs some slices for garnish right?

Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail with Orange and Lime Garnish

Go now and grab some blood oranges and try this cocktail…it is now officially my ‘winter’ margarita…make it yours too! Have a good weekend and relax with a great cocktail.

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Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail Garnished with Orange and Lime Slices

Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail with a Salt and Sugar Rim and Garnished with Fruit Slices

Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail with Orange and Lime Garnish

Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail

Creative Culinary
A simply gorgeous cocktail best enjoyed seasonally with fresh blood oranges.
4.93 from 14 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 Cocktails
Calories 522 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • Sugar
  • 2 ounces Orange liqueur
  • 2 ounces fresh lime juice
  • 3 ounces blood orange juice 2-3 oranges
  • 3 ounces tequila preferably reposado
  • salt for the rim lime/orange wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Make a simple syrup by combining water and sugar over medium high heat. Heat until sugar is dissolved; remove from heat and let cool.
  • Combine equal parts of salt and sugar and spread on a saucer. Rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge and then dip the edge into the salt/sugar combination.
  • Combine 3 oz of simple syrup with orange liqueur, lime juice, blood orange juice and tequila in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake for approximately 30 second until ice cold.
  • Fill glasses with ice and pour mixture into the glasses. Garnish with an orange slice and lime section.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail
Serving Size
 
1 grams
Amount per Serving
Calories
522
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
660
mg
29
%
Carbohydrates
 
95
g
32
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
84
g
93
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

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78 Comments

  1. Ever since I found this recipe on your blog a couple of years ago I anxiously await the arrival of blood oranges in my local market. This is simply outstanding and thought it was time I told you so! Thanks for this and so many more great cocktails Barb.

  2. Good to see this one return! You’re definitely the Margarita Queen — you’ve made so many different ones, all really interesting. Gorgeous color on this! And great flavor too, I’ll bet. 🙂

    1. After more than 6 years I almost don’t consider posts to be returning as much as getting their first real look. So many great recipes no one has ever seen! 🙂

      I’m good with being the Margarita Queen…I do love them and as much, I love making them!

  3. LOVE this recipe! I have made these 3 different times lately because they are so good! My friends loved them last night! I just wish I had made more! I made them ahead of time and put in a pitcher, then just shook them in a mixer when they got here.

    1. Just saw your comment Rachel; so glad you enjoy them; I’ve been using Cara Cara oranges this season because they’ve been easier to find; they’ve been so good too!

    1. Isn’t it wonderful? And you hit on the perfect ingredients; I use 1800 for all of my margaritas and Patron is my orange liqueur of choice too. So pretty isn’t it?

  4. I love the idea of using blood oranges. Is high quality tequila necessary? I wasn’t sure if reposado was recommended specifically because of the blood oranges or just to increase the quality of the cocktail.

    1. Well…for me it is. It was an eye opening moment the first time I used reposado in a margarita; went from hating them to loving them. I don’t use super pricey stuff but not ‘gold’ either.

        1. I typically use 1800 Brand Reposado; not expensive but so much smoother without that bitter bite of cheap tequila.

  5. Great pictures and recipe! I showcase different seasonal fruits each week on my health blog and this week is the blood orange. Could I use your picture and recipe as the feature for a Cinco de Mayo special with full credit to you?

    1. Thank you Kasey…and certainly. I LOVE this cocktail…sadly no more blood oranges in Denver; I’m going to have to find something similar to make one that I love as much.

  6. I love margaritas. Love them! I never knew that it was ideal to let the favors meld! Thanks for the tip! I keep patron and grand marnier in my freezer for emergency margarita nights. Guess I better go find some blood oranges 🙂

    1. My original recipe for margaritas does have that requirement but then it is the rind and the juice of the lemons and limes mixed with the tequila that seems to make that drink so good. This one Callye; I might be drinking it moments after putting those ingredients together. You HAVE to find some of those oranges…this is a new favorite for sure.

    1. This might be my new favorite margarita. The flavor is fantastic but it’s that luscious color that wins the prize.

  7. Stunning!! I love the color. I don’t blame you for not wanting to sip margaritas in the winter. I live in the Rio Grande Valley Texas so our winters are still in the 70’s..so I sip margaritas all year round. Thanks for your comment on my margarita love page happy to find another tequila lover. happy weekend!

    1. I could use some of that warmth about now! I will no doubt force myself to have some winter margs since blood orange season is so short; as a matter of fact forced myself to drink one last night. 🙂

  8. ooh, yes, this sounds perfect. I became quite a tequila fan on our last trip to Mexico… where I used to think of a margarita as a summer drink, I now see it as a year round one! I am enjoying blood oranges and Meyer lemons right now, while I can!

  9. I seriously thought I already made a comment on this beautiful drink, because I loved it the moment I saw it:-) Can you make an extra one for me? Hugs, Terra

  10. It’s really hard to find blood oranges here in the UK too outside of Whole Foods and speciality markets (depressing because they are available on every streetcorner in Italy and France, it seems! So I grab them when I see them… And so agree on what a difference spending a little more on tequila does make!

  11. Oh, is this what you were tweeting about earlier this week? It sounds amazing! I’m a sucker for fresh-juice margaritas and blood oranges, so will be trying it out this weekend! : )

    1. It is! Someone I met locally today saw it and made them too…her husband was much impressed since she’s never made a cocktail before. Now it sounds like she has a new job. These. I’m getting some more blood oranges today so I can juice them and freeze them for later use since their season is so short. Enjoy!

  12. Just made a round of these last night! So happy you found some blood oranges & even happier you posted this drink! This has been my drink of choice for the past month, and I couldn’t agree more about not using triple sec! Is it too early to say I could go for one now?!

    1. That’s my orange liqueur of choice too Tim, though I am thinking of making my own now. I’ve been on a liqueur kick, have Limoncello brewing in the garage so can’t help but think, why not orange?

        1. That it is. Much easier than winemaking I think; less variables and less time til done!

    1. I probably most often use Citronge but that’s probably also because most often it’s a bit less than Grand Marnier…but either one, as you know, makes a big difference

  13. Ever since I went to Tunisia I’ve had a soft spot for blood oranges….as for margaritas, well let’s just say I’m a connoisseur, can’t wait to try these. Totally pinning this!

    1. I think once you try them you can’t help but love them don’t you think? Thanks for the pin…sure want to share.

  14. Wow! You have my attention! What a refreshing site during this dreary Winter. Thank you! Bookmarking this one for Summer guests. They’re gonna love it!
    (I’m with you on the no Margaritas in Winter. Hurry Summer!)

    1. I don’t know if you can get blood oranges in summer so I’m getting a bunch his weekend to juice and freeze. It was really THAT good!

    1. I know those days. I suffered more when my kids were hurt than I would ever suffer for my self. Hang in there sweetie; grateful it’s the weekend. Monday will look brighter I am sure.

  15. You know I’m a sucker for margaritas… and I have to admit, I’ve never had one made with blood oranges. That is going to have to change immediately.

    And you’re quite right… good tequila and fresh juice are key! Here’s to the weekend! Clink!

    1. I love my ‘normal’ recipe which I’ve been using for years but this was amazing Brian and of course the gorgeousness of the color can’t be beat. I’m off to buy some more, juice them and have a quantity around for a bit. My new fave!

    1. I mean I guess it works OK but I promise you…the difference is noticeable and worth spending a bit more.

  16. Yummmy!! I have never made cocktails before – the guy takes care of that and he is pretty good. But I think with this recipe I might just be able to show him I know some pretty good things about cocktails too. Off to buy some blood oranges.. I have everything else!

        1. Thanks…now I best run so I can be ready for people showing up in here in minutes huh? 🙂

  17. It’s ALL about the oranges today Barb!! I LOVE blood oranges (heck, I love anything with citrus!!) and I know this is a killer margarita. Hmmm… making tacos tonight… guess what is gonna go with them??
    Couldn’t agree with you more on using good tequila, good orange liqueur and fresh citrus!!!

    1. They are not something we can find easily but I loved this so much I”m going back to Whole Foods with fingers crossed. I need more!

    1. You lucky girl…living in the citrus part of the world. You must make it and then you can make me jealous because I’m not sure I can find more blood oranges.

    1. Thanks Nelly; come to Colorado and I’ll make one for you. And give you your Wood Butter. Doggone it…guess I have to try that again. So annoying.

  18. Oh, now I would have used Triple Sec, being the drink mixer I am ;D You know what? I think the only ‘mixed’ drink I ever made (pouring wine or liqueurs doesn’t count, right?) was pouring a whole bottle of Grey Goose into a split watermelon. Yay for me! Your margarita is awesome, and I couldn’t agree more about blood oranges – stunning. Do you detect a slight hint of bitter in them when compared to your basic ‘orange’ orange?

  19. I went through my google reader this morning and the words “Blood Orange Margarita” jumped from the screen. I knew without looking who made it and more importantly I knew I would be making it soon. Girl, we need to meet one of these days and have drinks. Seriously!

    1. Seriously I’m good with that idea. I love that I”m developing a reputation…well, a good one at least…thanks!

  20. Truth be told, I’ve never had a margarita and this post is making me want to shovel the snow off the deck, haul out the lawn furniture and get to mixing! Just gorgeous!

    1. Well that has to change! Truth is I seldom enjoy ones in a restaurant or bar; either they use inferior ingredients or make them too strong. I love making my own and tailoring them to my tastes. Not that I don’t like potent but this one was almost perfect. Actually a take on a strawberry margarita I’ve also made for years but now, without a doubt, my new favorite.

    1. Then you WILL have something to look forward to Wendi. Probably my favorite I’ve ever made. Just a bonus it’s so pretty.

  21. OMG, your photo of that cocktail is SPECTACULAR! Love the colors and props, wow. I have access to a tree here locally that producesand kind of medium blood red orange, has veins of red running through it. I absolutely want to try this when we go picking next week! Thanks so much for posting up.

  22. A truly gorgeous cocktail with a lovely blend of flavors, Barb! Though I’m not much of a cocktail drinker – honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I had one – I’m sure I’d enjoy this one. Perfect for the winter season with all its citrus components.

    1. Would you believe I don’t drink much by myself. Should I admit I often make a cocktail for the post but beyond a sip or two I pitch it? Not this one…it was sooooooo good.

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