Take your margarita up a notch with this bright, refreshing blood orange margarita recipe. It’s easy to prepare for two or to scale up in a pitcher for a crowd. All you need is fresh blood orange juice, a simple syrup, lime juice, quality tequila, and ice. The resulting cocktail is a gorgeous ruby color and a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Fav Blood Orange Margarita
This blood orange margarita is an ideal weekend cocktail when blood oranges are in season or anytime you want a visually stunning, crowd-pleasing drink. The blood orange juice brings natural sweetness and a complex citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh lime and a smooth tequila.
What you need for a blood orange margarita
Five simple ingredients are all you need to whip up this vibrant cocktail.
Blood orange juice – Freshly squeezed blood orange juice offers the best color and flavor. If blood oranges aren’t available, regular orange juice can be used, though the hue and flavor will differ.
High-quality tequila – Choose a smooth blanco or reposado tequila you enjoy. Better tequila makes a big difference in the final drink.
Simple syrup – A quick agave or honey-based simple syrup keeps sweetness balanced and easy to mix. White sugar syrup also works.
Lime juice – Fresh lime juice adds the bright acidity a margarita needs. Avoid bottled lime juice when possible.
Ice – Use crushed or cubed ice depending on whether you want a chilled shaken cocktail or a frozen margarita.
How to Sweeten a Margarita
The classic margarita is often sweetened with orange liqueur and simple syrup. For this recipe we use a homemade agave or honey simple syrup to complement the blood orange without overpowering it. You can also make a syrup with white sugar if preferred.
Agave Simple Syrup
To make a quick agave syrup, combine equal parts water and agave (or honey) in a small saucepan. Warm gently until fully combined, then remove from heat and cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This keeps the cocktail smooth and easy to mix.
Blood Orange Margaritas 101
How do you juice a blood orange?
Use a hand citrus press or an electric juicer, just as you would for lemons and limes. Because blood orange juice can stain, consider cutting oranges into quarters and juicing over the sink, wear an apron, and clean surfaces promptly. Rolling the orange on the countertop with firm pressure before cutting will help release more juice.
What kind of tequila should I use?
A smooth blanco or a lightly aged reposado works well. Choose a tequila you enjoy sipping—its flavor will come through in this simple cocktail.
Why add lime juice?
Blood orange juice tends to be sweeter and less tart than lime. Adding fresh lime juice restores the bright acidity you expect in a classic margarita, balancing the sweetness and elevating the citrus notes.
Can I make this a frozen margarita?
Yes. For a frozen version, combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender with at least 1 cup of ice and blend until smooth. Add more ice to reach the desired texture. Frozen margaritas are a great option for hot days or larger gatherings.
Recipe — Blood Orange Margarita
Ingredients (serves 2)
- Simple Syrup:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup agave or honey (or substitute white sugar)
- For the margarita:
- 2 oz simple syrup
- 4 oz blood orange juice (about 4–6 medium blood oranges)
- 4 oz high-quality tequila
- 2 oz fresh lime juice (about 6–8 medium limes)
- 1–2 cups ice, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: combine water and agave (or honey) in a small saucepan with a splash of vanilla if desired. Heat gently until combined, then cool to room temperature.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 to 2 cups of ice. Add blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, and 2 ounces of the simple syrup. Taste and add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Prepare glasses: rim with salt if desired, then strain the margarita over fresh ice. Garnish with a blood orange wheel or lime wedge.
- For a pitcher: multiply ingredients by the number of servings and stir with plenty of ice in a large pitcher. For a frozen pitcher, blend with ice in batches.
Tips & Notes
- Juicing: Blood oranges can stain surfaces and clothing—wear an apron and rinse surfaces promptly.
- Adjust sweetness: Start with the listed syrup amount and add more to taste.
- Garnish ideas: Salt or sugar rim, blood orange wheels, lime slices, or a sprig of fresh mint.
- Make ahead: Prepare simple syrup in advance and refrigerate. Pre-squeeze blood orange juice and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours for best flavor.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 334 kcal; Carbohydrates: 54 g; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 0 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 46 g. Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary with ingredient choices and serving size.
More Margarita Ideas
Margarita Recipes
- Skinny Margarita — a lighter take with reduced sugar.
- Spicy Grapefruit Margarita — grapefruit juice with a chili kick.
- Blended Margarita — classic frozen/blended margarita.
Photos by The Wooden Skillet.