This refreshing blood orange margarita is made with fresh blood orange juice, lime, tequila, and a hint of honey. It’s zesty, smooth, and perfect for warm weather sipping.
This blood orange margarita recipe is the perfect balance of tart citrus and sweet warmth, made with freshly squeezed blood orange juice, lime, tequila, and a touch of honey. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a stunning cocktail to wind down the day, this recipe will impress every time.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make a Blood Orange Margarita
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Store Leftovers & Make Ahead
- Other Easy Summer Cocktails to Try
- Final Thoughts
Is there anything more exciting than the first real signs of summer? The patio furniture is finally out, our backyard garden is blooming, and I’ve been testing easy recipes for effortless summer entertaining. Think sauces for burgers, fresh salad dressings, and of course, bright and beautiful cocktails like this blood orange margarita.
It’s no secret I love citrus in my recipes—whether I’m baking, cooking, or mixing a drink. And when blood oranges are in season? I grab as many as I can. Their stunning ruby color and sweet-tart flavor are unbeatable in cocktails.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something so special about this margarita. Maybe it’s the vibrant color, or the natural sweetness of the freshly squeezed blood orange juice. It’s equal parts elegant and fun, and looks absolutely stunning in a salt-rimmed glass.
It also doesn’t require a fancy margarita mix or tons of added sugar. The citrus does all the heavy lifting, and the touch of honey keeps it balanced. It’s easy, fresh, and feels like a little luxury—especially when served outside with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect blood orange margarita:
- 2 oz fresh blood orange juice – roughly 2 small blood oranges
- Juice of ½ lime – freshly squeezed for that tangy kick
- 1 ½ oz tequila – silver or blanco tequila works best
- 1 oz Cointreau – or any orange liqueur like Triple Sec
- ¼ tbsp honey – or use agave nectar for a vegan option
- Dash of bitters – optional, but adds a hint of depth
- Kosher or sea salt – for rimming the glass
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: blood orange slice, lime wedge, or fresh mint
Tip: Always use freshly squeezed blood orange and lime juice. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
How to Make a Blood Orange Margarita
This cocktail comes together in just a few steps:
- Salt the rim: Rub a lime wedge around the edge of your cocktail glass, then dip into a plate of kosher salt.
- Shake it up: Add the blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, Cointreau, honey, bitters, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Serve: Fill your glass with fresh ice and pour in the mixture. Garnish with a blood orange slice or lime.
Substitutions & Variations
- No honey? Use agave nectar, maple syrup, or simple syrup.
- Make it spicy: Add a few jalapeño slices to your shaker for a spicy blood orange margarita.
- No blood oranges? Use Cara Cara oranges or a mix of fresh orange and pomegranate juice.
- Mocktail version: Skip the alcohol and mix the juices with soda water or tonic for a vibrant spritzer.
Expert Tips for the Best Blood Orange Margarita
Use a cocktail shaker for the best blend and chill.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking—blood oranges can vary in tartness.
Prep ahead: Juice the blood oranges and limes in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Make a batch: Easily multiply this recipe for a crowd and serve in a pitcher.
How to Store Leftovers & Make Ahead
Can I make blood orange margaritas ahead of time?
Yes! Mix all ingredients (except ice and garnishes) and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
How long will fresh juice last?
Freshly squeezed blood orange juice can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Other Easy Summer Cocktails to Try
- Grapefruit and Rum Cocktail
- 3 Ingredient Vodka Bellini
- Blueberry Peach Sangria
- Strawberry Vodka Cocktail
- Strawberry Margarita
- Raspberry Margarita
- Blueberry Mint Mocktail
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This blood orange margarita recipe is everything I want in a summer cocktail—vibrant, simple, and crowd-pleasing. It’s a stunner in the glass and the perfect way to toast to warmer days ahead. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or a cozy Friday night in, this drink brings brightness to any moment.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and share your summer cocktail vibes. Cheers to simple joys, fresh flavors, and sipping pretty!
Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
This blood orange margarita recipe is the perfect balance of tart citrus and sweet warmth, made with freshly squeezed blood orange juice, lime, tequila, and a touch of honey. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a stunning cocktail to wind down the day, this recipe will impress every time.
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh blood orange juice
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 ½ oz tequila (silver/blanco)
- 1 oz Cointreau or orange liqueur
- ¼ tbsp honey (or agave syrup)
- Dash of bitters (optional)
- Kosher or sea salt for rimming
- Ice
- Blood orange or lime slice for garnish
Instructions
- Salt the rim of your glass.
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well for 20 seconds.
- Pour into an ice-filled glass.
- Garnish and enjoy immediately.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
