Blood Orange Margaritas

If you’d told me a couple years ago that I’d be writing and sharing margarita recipes on this blog, I probably would have laughed at you. Tequila has never been my thing, let alone margaritas. But here we are. This is a good one, I promise, because it highlights one of my favorite seasonal flavors: Blood Orange Margaritas.

I actually made these Blood Orange Margaritas last year for National Margarita Day. But I only shared them on my Instagram. This year, I think they deserve more of a spotlight than just a blip on my Insta!

As I said in my latest bundt cake post, I love blood oranges. They are my second favorite seasonal citrus (second only to little mandarin oranges). Their unique flavor profile (sweet, tart, floral) lends really well to cocktails, especially margaritas. Plus, they’re a really lovely bright color. Tell me you wouldn’t want to drink that!

Blood Orange Margaritas

I wasn’t always a big fan of margaritas. I had one too many less-than-stellar experiences with them in my earlier 20s, so I stayed away from them for the most part. That was until I learned how to make my own at home with fresh, good-quality ingredients—and learned which restaurants and bars don’t use super sugary mixes or juices. I’m still a whiskey girl through and through, but my margarita appreciation is definitely higher now than it was a few years ago.

These blood orange margaritas are quite refreshing, and aren’t super sweet. In fact, they’re just sweet enough to balance the tartness of the lime, but not sickeningly sweet like many restaurant margaritas (I got a little sick just typing that). Using fresh-squeezed blood orange and lime juices also helps keep the sweetness at bay. For my margs, I use simple syrup instead of agave. I think agave is what gives me headaches. That, or just crap tequila. Or both. Probably both.

On that note, good tequila makes a huge difference in margaritas—or in any drinks, but especially in margaritas. Our tequila of choice is Espolon reposado. Silver or blanco tequila is not for me. Maybe it’s the aging or resting the reposado requires. Whatever it is, we prefer reposado tequila for our cocktails.

When it comes to orange liqueur, again, quality makes a difference. You can use a baseline triple sec, or you can go big with some Grand Marnier or Cointreau. But those are expensive. Recently a friend tipped me off to JDK & Sons O3 Orange Liqueur. It’s Grand Marnier quality at a very affordable price (I think I paid $14 for my bottle). Needless to say, it’s my new favorite.

And lastly, for the love of all cocktails, please please please use fresh-squeezed juice. It makes a difference.

Now, you ready to make some margs? If you like this recipe, you might also like:

• Frozen Peach Margaritas
• Cranberry Old Fashioned
• Gin Bramble
• Dixie Citrus Smash
• Tennessee Meyer Lemonade

Thanks so much for reading and following along, y’all! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more deliciously simple Southern recipes, treats, drinks, and more. If you make any of my recipes, tag me so I can see your creations!