This blood orange margarita is quick to throw together, refreshing while also not too sweet, and packed with vibrant citrus flavor. She's classic, she's colorful, and she delivers every time. Perfect for a happy hour at home or when you just want something that feels a little fresh and flirty.
Using citrus in cocktails like my citrus spritz or in my grapefruit gin fizz cocktail is one of my favorite ways to use citrus fruit. It gives such great acidity, color, and tastes like nothing else.
TL; DR Recipe Summary
- 👩🏼🍳 Prep Level: Easy/Beginner
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 😋 Taste: Bright, sparkling, citrus, slightly sweet, refreshing.
- 🍽️ Best Paired With: This is a great winter cocktail but can also be served with a side of teriyaki grilled chicken thighs, bruschetta with burrata and pesto, or a refreshing burrata and nectarine arugula salad.
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Trusted Tips and Key Reminders
- Top the margarita off with a dusting of Tajín to the rim for an additional depth of flavor.
- Use a jigger when measuring the alcohol and the other ingredients so that the drink is balanced.
- Do not add the soda before shaking the ingredients as this will cause the drink to bubble and fizz and splatter everywhere. Wait until you combine the blood orange juices and the tequila, then top off with the soda.
The Ingredient List
- Tequila: there are so many amazing brands to choose from, but my go to is Tanteo, Casamigos, or a classic Patron
- Cointreau: if you don't want to have a large bottle in your cabinet, you can easily find a smaller bottle at a local liquor store.
- Club soda or Fresca: Fresca is a throwback to the 90s and it's a low calorie, low sugar citrus soda. If that's not your thing, grab an original club soda.
- Fresh Blood Orange juice: Fresh squeezed is best in my opinion: less added sugars! If you can't find blood oranges, no worries! Grab a large navel orange or a cara cara orange and squeeze one full orange into a glass.
- Ice: helps with chilling the shaker, and of course, we pour or margarita over the top of a salt (or no salt, like I do) rimmed glass.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
- Soda - You can easily use sparkling water or just plain club soda instead of Fresca or a lemon lime soda like Sprite
- Cointreau - a good swap for this is Grand Marnier as they're both orange liqueur. Another delicious splash would be triple sec if that's your thing.
- Tequila - I like using a silver tequila, or reposado such as Tanteo, Casamigos, or Patron, but you can easily swap for a mezcal or a añejo tequila. The mezcal will give the margarita a smoky flavor, which is pretty delicious too.
How do you make this blood orange drink?
Step 1: Slice open the blood oranges and squeeze into the shaker glass. Then, add in ice.
Step 2: To the blood orange juice, add in the tequila and cointreau.
Step 3: Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for a few seconds. Open the top of the shaker and pour over a high ball glass filled with ice.
Step 4: Top the margarita with club soda or Fresca and serve with an orange slice as garnish.
Ways to Serve this Margarita
Margaritas are delicious no matter how they are served, but here are some ways you might want to consider serving this:
- Large Batch - in a large pitcher for a gathering
- Popsicles - pour the margarita mix into a popsicle mold and freeze with some coconut water to help the freezing process.
- Spicy - add some sliced jalapeño to the margarita if you want to make it a little spicy!
Blood Orange Margarita FAQs
Yes! Double or triple the recipe and store in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve over ice.
Add all the ingredients to a blender and add in ice. Pour into a frothy glass and serve.
Check out these other great and festive drinks
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
The Best Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 cocktail spoon
- 1 jigger
- 1 citrus squeezer
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz cointreau
- 1 oz blood orange juice
- 2 oz fresca or club soda
Instructions
- In a shaker, add the ice then pour in the tequila or mezcal, cointreau, blood orange juice. Shake well.
- Pour into a coupe or high ball glass.
- Top the drink with Fresca or club soda and garnish with an orange slice.
Notes
- Top the margarita off with a dusting of Tajín to the rim for an additional depth of flavor.
- Use a jigger when measuring the alcohol and the other ingredients so that the drink is balanced.
- Do not add the soda before shaking the ingredients as this will cause the drink to bubble and fizz and splatter everywhere. Wait until you combine the blood orange juices and the tequila, then top off with the soda.
Erica says
You can never go wrong with a Margarita and Blood Orange?! Yes please!!!
Randi Greene says
I’ve gotta hand it to you this one was outstanding. I made your sprits before and it was great but this margarita takes the cake. I just loved the fresh juice, and I have not had Fresca in a million years (I’m dating myself here) loved this one!!!!!
Morgan Peaceman says
Ahh love this!!