Zimeb

Gluten-Free

Blood Orange Margaritas

This blood orange margarita recipe uses fresh blood orange juice, tequila, and lime juice for a crimson-colored cocktail. Ready in 10 minutes with a salted rim and no orange liqueur needed.

  • Prep10 min
  • Total10 min
  • Yield2 cocktails

2 Mar 2020

Blood Orange Margaritas
A photo of a blood orange margarita with slices of blood orange in the glass and a salted rim.

I love blood orange margaritas. They’re stunning with their deep crimson color, and the sweet-tart citrus flavor is a nice change from classic lime margaritas.

This recipe skips the orange liqueur so you can really taste the tequila and fresh blood orange juice. The vanilla extract is an unexpected addition that makes this cocktail special.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Ready in 10 minutes with just 5 ingredients plus ice and salt.
  • No orange liqueur needed so the tequila and fresh citrus flavors stand out.
  • Gorgeous crimson color makes this perfect for entertaining.
A aerial view of a blood orange margarita on the rocks with sliced blood oranges in it.

Ingredient Notes

  • Blood Oranges: Moro blood oranges are the most common variety with deep red flesh. You need about 2 medium blood oranges for 4.5 oz juice. If you can’t find blood oranges, substitute cara cara or navel oranges.
  • Tequila: Use a tequila you enjoy drinking. The margarita will only be as good as the tequila. I like Espolòn, Casa Noble, or 1800 Tequila. Not too expensive, but still very good.
  • Agave: Agave nectar is thin and mixes easily into cold cocktails. You can substitute simple syrup if you have it on hand.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth to the citrus. Use 1/4 teaspoon for 2 cocktails.
  • Kosher Salt: Use kosher salt for rimming the glass. The larger grain size is ideal. Pink Himalayan salt also works beautifully. Never use iodized table salt as the grain is too small and will make the rim too salty.

Tip

Strain out seeds. Use a fine-mesh strainer when juicing the blood oranges and limes to catch any seeds or pulp.

An aerial view of blood orange sliced open on a cutting board.

FAQs

Can you substitute regular oranges for blood oranges in this recipe?

Yes. Cara cara oranges work beautifully, or use navel oranges if that’s what you can find. The color won’t be as dramatic, but the flavor will still be great.

Do I have to salt the rim of my margarita glass?

No. I love the salted rim because it balances the flavors, but you can skip it or use sugar instead if you prefer.

What type of salt is best to rim a margarita glass?

Kosher salt or pink Himalayan salt. Both have a larger grain that’s ideal for rimming. Never use iodized table salt. The grain is too small and makes the rim too salty.

Do I need a special citrus juicer?

No. A handheld citrus reamer works fine, or just squeeze the citrus by hand and strain out the seeds. A citrus juicer makes it faster, but it’s not necessary.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust sweetness to your oranges. Start with 1 oz agave and taste. Sweeter blood oranges need less agave; tart ones might need a touch more.
  • Don’t skip straining the juice. Seeds and pulp in your margarita ruin the drinking experience. Use a fine-mesh strainer when juicing.
  • Making a pitcher? Stir, don’t shake. Multiply the recipe and stir everything together with ice. Shaking is only practical for individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

Build a margarita bar by pairing blood orange margaritas with Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas for guests who want spicy, and Frozen Mango Margarita for those who prefer frozen. Serve with Gluten-Free Ground Beef Tacos , Blackened Fish Tacos , and a side of creamy 4-Ingredient Guacamole with Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips for dipping.

A photo collage showing the process of making a blood orange margarita on the rocks from slicing the oranges, to salting the rim of the glass, to pour the margarita into the glass from the cocktail shaker, to serving.

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Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.

Method

  1. 1

    Prepare the glasses: Run 1 lime wedge around the rim of 2 margarita glasses. Pour 2 tablespoons kosher salt onto a small plate. Dip the rim of each glass into the salt, rolling gently until the rim is evenly coated.

  2. 2

    Add ice to glasses: Fill each prepared glass with ice cubes and set aside while you make the margaritas.

  3. 3

    Juice the citrus: Juice the blood oranges and lime until you have 4.5 oz blood orange juice and 2 oz lime juice. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp.

  4. 4

    Fill the shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

  5. 5

    Add ingredients: Pour 4 oz blanco (silver) tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, 2 tablespoons pure agave nectar, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract into the shaker.

  6. 6

    Shake: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.

  7. 7

    Serve: Strain and pour the margarita into the prepared salt-rimmed glasses over ice. Garnish with blood orange slices if desired. Serve immediately.

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Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Vegetarian Vegan Winter Special Diets Season Gluten-Free Drinks and Beverages Cocktails

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