Blood Orange Margarita

This blood orange margarita is the perfect fusion of tangy citrus and tequila—a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail recipe that’s sure to transport your taste buds to a sunny, citrusy, place where they’ll do a happy dance!

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to introduce you to this blood orange margarita recipe. 

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And as summer approaches, there are plenty of excuses (not that you need one) to have a margarita!

My friend Gail has taken to playing “ding-dong-ditch” with me every so often. But, it’s not what you think! You see, Gail has an prolific blood orange tree, and in the early part of the year, I’ll open my door to find a bag filled with the most delicious blood oranges. 

Around the same time as one such delightful delivery occurred, I also received the new Mexican cookbook “Muy Bueno Fiestas” by Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, from Melissa’s Produce.  As serendipity would have it, I came across a recipe for, you guessed it: a blood orange marigold margarita!

My daughter and her friend were in town, and I asked them if they wanted to “work” by making and shooting the recipe for these blood orange margaritas. You can guess the response! 🥳 I must say, I am very pleased with the results, don’t you agree?

What is the Difference Between Oranges and Blood Oranges?

The obvious difference between oranges and blood oranges is the interior color: blood oranges are dark reddish, sometimes brown at their core. You have probably already realized that there are also flavor differences. While a classic orange is generally sweet, a blood orange can be a bit more tart. 

Love citrus cocktails? Check out this collection of boozy lemon drinks!

Are Blood Oranges or Oranges Healthier for you?

Did you know that blood oranges are actually better for you than other oranges, like navel or cara cara? All oranges basically have the same health benefits, including vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, among other vitamins and minerals. However, only blood oranges have anthocyanin, which, according to the NIH, have anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, antidiabetic effects, and have been known to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

When I’m not mixing blood oranges with tequila, I love using them in these delicious recipes for whole blood orange cake, and blood orange ricotta cookies. 

Without further ado, here is the result of my daughter and her friend’s grueling endeavor—a blood orange margarita recipe (omitting the marigold and making a few changes) that is simple, not too sweet, and especially refreshing.

Blood Orange Margarita

Recipe adapted by Christina Conte from Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack             Serves 2

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

• fresh blood oranges
• fresh limes
• salt
• tequila
• triple sec
• ice

Special equipment: margarita glasses, measuring jug, measuring glass, and cocktail shaker

Directions to Make Blood Orange Margaritas

Prep the Glasses

Start by cutting the blood oranges in half and rimming the margarita glasses (or your glasses of choice) with their juice.

Prep a plate with some coarse salt and rim the glass. The orange juice will make the salt attach and stay on the rim.

Juice the Fruit

Juice the blood oranges and limes. Pour into a measuring cup.

Combine the Ingredients

Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour the blood orange juice and lime juice into the shaker. 

Next, add the tequila and triple sec.

Shake

Shake for 5 to 10 seconds, and pour into the prepared glasses.

Garnish with a blood orange slice, if desired. 

Happy Cinco de Mayo, or whatever else you’re celebrating! We need no reason, just enjoy!

Looking for recipes to pair with your blood orange margarita? Try my recipe for green chicken enchiladas or tortilla soup!

And try this strawberry lemon drop martini for another wonderfully colored cocktail for the summer season!

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