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
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.
FAQs
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.
No. I love the salted rim because it balances the flavors, but you can skip it or use sugar instead if you prefer.
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.
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
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.
More gluten-free cocktails & drinks to try
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.
Blood Orange Margaritas
Ingredients
- 4.5 oz blood orange juice - from about 2 medium blood oranges
- 2 oz lime juice - from 1-2 limes
- 4 oz blanco (silver) tequila
- 2 tablespoons pure agave nectar - 1 oz
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- 1 lime wedge - for rimming the glass
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt - for rimming the glass
- ice cubes - for shaker and margarita glasses
- blood orange slices - optional, for garnish
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Instructions
- 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.
- Add ice to glasses: Fill each prepared glass with ice cubes and set aside while you make the margaritas.
- 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.
- Fill the shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- 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.
- Shake: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
- Serve: Strain and pour the margarita into the prepared salt-rimmed glasses over ice. Garnish with blood orange slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cocktail shaker size: This recipe makes 2 cocktails. If your cocktail shaker is small, shake each cocktail separately.
- Scale for a crowd: Multiply ingredients to serve more guests. For a pitcher, stir all ingredients with ice instead of shaking individual servings.
- Agave substitute: Agave nectar mixes easily into cold cocktails. Substitute simple syrup if you have it on hand. My rosemary simple syrup would be a great addition.
- Blood orange season: Blood oranges are available December through April. Substitute cara cara or navel oranges when blood oranges aren’t in season.
