How to Make a Blood Orange Margarita

Blood Orange Margaritas

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Chef Dean Fearing calls this drink, which is made with sweet-tart blood oranges, "the fall margarita." It's a bestseller at his wife Lynae's popular Dallas restaurant Shinsei.

Blood Orange Margarita — Photo:
Chelsea Kyle / Food Styling by Drew Aichele

Total Time:

40 mins

Yield:

12 servings

Frequently asked questions

When are blood oranges in season?

Blood oranges lend an intense citrus flavor and gorgeous blush color to this beloved cocktail. Generally in season from December to April, their complex flavor is at once sweeter and less acidic than a regular orange, but with a slightly bitter edge that's reminiscent of grapefruit or cranberries. Most blood oranges found in the U.S. are grown in California and are of the moro variety. If you can't find blood oranges, standard navel oranges also make a tasty margarita.

What is the formula for a margarita?

For a classic margarita, we use two ounces of tequila, one ounce of Cointreau, and three-quarters of an ounce of fresh lime juice. For a single blood orange margarita, this recipe divides out to be one-third cup of blood orange juice, two and one-third ounces of tequila, one ounce of Cointreau, and a full ounce of lime juice to balance out the sweet OJ.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

We love that this recipe yields a whole pitcher of cocktails to serve a crowd, but we especially love that it can be prepared ahead of time. For easy entertaining, you can mix up the ingredients a day in advance and store the drink in the fridge. When it's time to partake, coat the rims of each glass with salt, stir ice into the pitcher, then strain the cocktail into the individual glasses. Garnish with blood orange slices and sage leaves.

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Ingredients

1 quart fresh blood orange juice or fresh orange juice (about 12 blood oranges or 8 large navel oranges)
1 1/2 cups fresh lime juice (about 12 limes)
1 1/2 cups Cointreau or other triple sec
3 1/2 cups silver tequila
Kosher salt
1 blood orange or orange wedge, plus 12 thin blood orange or orange slices
Ice
1 dozen small sage sprigs or leaves

Directions

In a large pitcher, mix the orange juice with the lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
Spread a small mound of salt on a small plate. Moisten the outer rim of 12 martini glasses with the orange wedge, then dip the rims into the salt to lightly coat.
Add ice to the pitcher and stir well, then strain into the prepared glasses. Garnish each margarita with a blood orange slice and a sage sprig and serve.

Originally appeared: November 2007