Blood Orange Margaritas

The two cocktails that I enjoy most are Moscow mules and margaritas. But when it comes to a margarita, I want it to be done the right way. I want freshly-squeezed lime juice, no sour mix. I want a salty rim. I want it to be bursting with citrus flavor but not so much so that the flavor of the tequila doesn’t come through. These blood orange margaritas are the perfect way to use winter citrus. Blood oranges are delicious, and they also give this cocktail its signature color. The recipe below includes instructions for both a single serving and a whole pitcher. Making this recipe was a good reminder that I need to invest in a better juicer because my arms and wrists were sore from juicing all those limes and oranges!

Margarita ingredients are simple. This whole recipe uses just five ingredients! Six if you count salt for the rim. Tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, blood orange juice, and triple sec. I’m not a tequila connoisseur, I always get Jose Cuervo Silver, but you can certainly use whatever kind of tequila is your favorite. Making simple syrup is easy, just combine one cup of water and one cup of sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer to allow the sugar to dissolve. I like to keep any leftover simple syrup from this recipe in the refrigerator in a mason jar for other cocktails (check out this elderflower French 75 here). If you’re ever making a cocktail and you want a little something extra, add herbs to the simple syrup! Rosemary, basil, and lavender are some of my favorites.

The recipe below has instructions for both a pitcher and a single serving. But if you’re going through the work of making a single serving, maybe you should go ahead and make it a double! I think once you’ve had your first sip you’ll want more.

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