The Blood Orange Margarita is a stunning cocktail that captures both the vibrant citrus flavor and the breathtaking ruby hue of seasonal blood oranges. With their sweet-tart taste and slightly berry-like finish, blood oranges elevate the traditional margarita into something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual evening at home, this citrusy drink delivers flavor, style, and refreshment in every sip.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Striking Color – The deep crimson hue from blood oranges is naturally beautiful and elegant.
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Bold Citrus Flavor – Blood oranges offer a more complex, less acidic citrus taste with berry undertones.
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Perfect for Special Occasions – A showstopper cocktail that suits both casual and upscale gatherings.
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Customizable Options – Serve it classic, frozen, spicy, or even as a non-alcoholic version.
Ingredients List
For One Classic Blood Orange Margarita
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2 oz blanco tequila
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1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
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1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
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2 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
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½–1 oz simple syrup (optional, to taste)
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Ice
Garnish Ideas
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Lime wedge or blood orange slice
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Coarse salt or sugar for the rim
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Sprig of rosemary or thyme (optional)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Shake/Blend Time: 1–2 minutes
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Total Time: 6–7 minutes
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Servings: 1 cocktail (easy to scale)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blood Orange Margarita
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into coarse salt or sugar. This adds both flavor and presentation value.
Step 2: Juice the Fruit
Squeeze your blood oranges and limes just before mixing for the freshest taste and richest color.
Step 3: Shake the Drink
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
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Tequila
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Cointreau
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Lime juice
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Blood orange juice
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Simple syrup (if desired)
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and combine.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain into your prepared glass over ice (or serve neat in a coupe if preferred). Garnish and enjoy immediately.
Choosing the Right Blood Oranges
When Are They in Season?
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Blood oranges are typically in season from December through April, depending on your region.
Best Varieties
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Moro: Deep red flesh, bold color, and strong flavor.
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Tarocco: Sweetest and juiciest variety, less pigmented but flavorful.
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Sanguinello: Balanced sweetness with rich color.
Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size and are free of blemishes for optimal juicing.
Frozen Blood Orange Margarita
A frosty version perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
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1½ cups ice
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2 oz tequila
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1 oz orange liqueur
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1 oz lime juice
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2 oz blood orange juice
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½ oz agave or simple syrup
Instructions
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a blood orange slice or rosemary sprig.
Spicy Blood Orange Margarita
Add a little heat to the mix with a jalapeño twist.
How to Add Spice
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Muddle a jalapeño slice with lime juice before adding other ingredients.
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Rim the glass with chili salt or Tajín.
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Shake with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for more heat.
Spicy and citrusy is a pairing that works beautifully for adventurous palates.
Blood Orange Margarita Mocktail
A booze-free version with all the flavor and flair.
Ingredients
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2 oz blood orange juice
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1 oz lime juice
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½ oz agave syrup or honey syrup
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Splash of sparkling water or soda
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Ice
Instructions
Shake juices and syrup with ice, strain into a glass, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a citrus twist.
Blood Orange Margarita Pitcher (Serves 6–8)
Hosting a gathering? Batch it up for easy serving.
Ingredients
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1½ cups tequila
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¾ cup Cointreau
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¾ cup lime juice
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1½ cups blood orange juice
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½ cup simple syrup (or to taste)
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Ice
Instructions
Mix all liquids in a large pitcher. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Stir before serving and pour over ice-rimmed glasses.
Flavor Variations
Blood Orange and Ginger Margarita
Add ½ oz ginger syrup or muddle fresh ginger to introduce warmth and zing.
Blood Orange and Pomegranate
Use half pomegranate juice and half blood orange for a deeper color and more tartness.
Herb-Infused Margarita
Muddle rosemary or thyme with your simple syrup to infuse herbal notes into your drink.
Smoky Blood Orange Margarita
Use mezcal instead of tequila for a rich, smoky version that pairs exceptionally with grilled food.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
Estimated values for one standard drink:
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Calories: 180–220
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Sugar: 12–18g (depending on added syrup and juice)
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Alcohol: ~1.5 oz ethanol
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Carbs: 15–20g
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Fat: 0g
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Fiber: Minimal unless pulp is included
Mocktail versions will be alcohol-free and lower in calories.
Pairing Ideas for Blood Orange Margaritas
Appetizers
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Shrimp ceviche
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Guacamole and tortilla chips
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Prosciutto-wrapped melon
Main Dishes
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Tacos al pastor
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Grilled fish or chicken
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Spicy enchiladas
Desserts
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Blood orange sorbet
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Lime pie or citrus cheesecake
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Chocolate-covered fruit
The drink’s acidity helps cut through richness and enhances spices beautifully.
Tips for Success
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Double-Strain When Shaking – Especially useful if you don’t want pulp or seeds.
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Use Fresh Juice – Bottled blood orange juice loses flavor and vibrancy quickly.
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Balance the Sweetness – Blood oranges vary in tartness, so adjust syrup accordingly.
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Pre-Chill Glassware – Keeps your cocktail colder longer and enhances the experience.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
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Winter Holidays – When blood oranges are at their peak.
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Valentine’s Day – The romantic color fits the mood.
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Brunches or Summer Parties – It’s refreshing and crowd-pleasing.
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Cocktail Nights or Girls’ Nights In – Visually stunning and easy to batch.
FAQs
Can I use bottled blood orange juice?
Fresh is best for both flavor and color, but bottled can work in a pinch. Just check that it’s 100% juice with no added sugars or preservatives.
What’s the best tequila for this drink?
Use blanco (silver) tequila for a clean flavor that lets the blood orange shine. Reposado can add richness if you prefer more depth.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can mix the juice, tequila, and liqueur ahead of time. Add ice and garnish just before serving.
How do I make it sugar-free?
Use a sugar-free simple syrup or skip sweetener entirely if your oranges are sweet enough.
Conclusion
The Blood Orange Margarita is more than just a seasonal cocktail—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, striking color, and refreshing zest. With fresh-squeezed blood orange juice, quality tequila, and the right balance of sweet and tart, this margarita stands out in both flavor and presentation.
Whether you’re making one for yourself or a full pitcher for friends, it’s an easy recipe to love and customize. Explore the variations, get creative with garnishes, and enjoy this elevated margarita that brings citrus season to life.