Blood Orange Margaritas (On the Rocks)
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The striking ruby hue of a Blood Orange Margarita gets your attention, but it’s the bold, citrus flavor with a hint of berry sweetness that’ll make this your new favorite cocktail.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, this delicious cocktail is sure to brighten your evening. Served on the rocks with a salted rim, it’s an easy and refreshing cocktail to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
Blood Orange Margaritas offer a twist on the classic drink with their vibrant, berry-infused citrus notes, jewel-like color and subtle raspberry undertones. They’re perfect for showcasing the unique flavor of blood oranges, which shine brightest during their short winter season.
Pairing this seasonal citrus with tequila, lime, and a touch of sweetness creates a balanced drink that’s both tart and sweet. Whether you’re a margarita enthusiast or trying one for the first time, this drink recipe is simple enough for beginners and impressive enough for seasoned cocktail lovers.
Whether you’re looking to shake up a good margarita for your next Taco Tuesday, National Margarita Day (Feb. 22) or Cinco de Mayo, this Blood Orange Margarita Recipe is a great cocktail to go with any fiesta.
Ingredients
- Silver tequila – Blanco tequila (aka silver tequila) work best for this recipe as it lets the flavors of the orange and lime come through.
- Blood oranges – They are naturally a red color inside and give this drink its gorgeous color along with adding a natural berry essence to the orange flavor. You’ll need about 1 blood orange per cocktail. Can’t find blood oranges? Use Cara Cara oranges or regular oranges instead.
- Simple syrup – This easy 2 ingredient syrup brings the sweetness. Get the recipe over on my simple syrup recipe page. Swap it out for agave nectar if you prefer.
- Limes – Fresh lime juice is necessary for a great margarita. You’ll need about 1 lime per drink for this recipe.
- Orange liqueur – Choose your favorite type of triple sec or orange liqueur. I like Cointreau. Grand Marnier is another popular choice.
- Coarse salt (garnish) – This is optional, but recommended, for the rim of your glass.
How to Make a Blood Orange Margarita
Run a slice of lime around the rim of a rocks glass.
Pour some coarse salt into a small plate or small dish. Dip the rim into the salt. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Set aside.
In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine tequila, blood orange juice, simple syrup, lime juice and orange liqueur.
Blood Orange Margaritas (On the Rocks)
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz blood orange juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- Coarse salt, garnish
Instructions
- Pour some coarse salt into a shallow, small dish.
- Run a slice of lime around the rim of a rocks glass.
- Dip the rim into the salt.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes. Set aside.
- Combine tequila, blood orange juice, simple syrup, lime juice and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes.
- Shake well for 10 seconds and strain into your prepared glass.
- Garnish with a blood orange slice and/or a wedge of lime.
- Sip and enjoy!
Equipment
Tips for Working with Blood Oranges
Also known as raspberry oranges, fresh blood oranges are available in the winter months during citrus season. Where I live in Michigan I can only get them late December through February/late winter.
- Each raspberry orange will have its own color and look different when you slice into it. (See photo below.)
- Store your oranges at room temperature to make them easier to juice.
- Blood oranges are messy and will stain clothing and kitchen towels. When juicing them, be sure to wear an apron (or at the very least, not your favorite shirt).
- Once you’ve juiced your blood oranges, strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the lingering pulp.
- Wash or rinse your cutting board immediately after cutting blood oranges or the color may stain your board.
What to Serve with Margaritas
Add to the fun of your margarita happy hour with some delicious snacks. Try my easy, creamy bean dip or blender salsa served with homemade tortilla chips. Or make it a meal with a batch of hearty vegetarian nachos or chicken enchilada nachos.
Making Simple Syrup at Home
A simple and classic mixture of sugar and water, simple syrup is easily made at home on the stove or in the microwave. Get my recipe and instructions for both methods over on my simple syrup recipe page.
Looking for More Margarita Recipes?
Margaritas are my favorite cocktail. And while I love a classic margarita, I hardly ever make them because there’s so many delicious margarita variations! My Triple Citrus Margaritas are my go-to recipe for taco night at home. Or try the most popular margs on my site – Coconut Margaritas and Strawberry Margaritas.
