Blood Orange Margarita

It’s the citrus season, guys!  Which means, it’s harvest time from my In-Law’s beautiful garden with gorgeous Meyer Lemons, grapefruits, kumquats, mandarins, oranges, and blood oranges, etc.  I’m so excited because I’m a big citrus fan.  If you’re not familiar with the blood oranges, they are a variety of orange with almost-blood-colored flesh, hence the name. This fruit is smaller than an average orange. The distinctive dark flesh color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a family of antioxidant pigments common to many flowers and fruit.  The skin of the blood oranges can be tougher and harder to peel than that of other oranges.  The flavor is stronger and the aroma is more intense as well.  They have a distinct, sweet flavor with a hint of raspberry, yum!



Take a look at the picture above, aren't these blood oranges bloody gorgeous?  I know, their name might not be too appetizing, but they taste wonderful and I am simply in love with that deep red color.



I can’t help it but to turn them into this gorgeous cocktail.  This Blood Orange Margarita is sweet and tart at the same time, and the tequila adds just the right kick (no pun intended).  The lime zest salted rim of the glasses adds another dimension of flavor while you sip.  So, make sure to serve this Blood Orange Margarita with a wedge of lime.  I was having fun sipping the margarita, licking the lime zest sea salt on the rim, and then biting into the lime wedge right after.  That reminds me of the fun “tequila pop” drink that I love back in the college years.  Oh boy, that was bloody long time ago!



I hope you enjoy this cocktail recipe and give it a try if you come across these gorgeous blood oranges in the market.  Bring them home, they are full of vitamin C and antioxidant goodness.  Stay tuned for more fun citrus recipes in the near future.





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.





Blood Orange Margarita: (Printable Recipe)
Makes: 2 servings

2 limes, zest and juiced
1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (for the rim)
1 cup ice
1 to 2 tablespoons agave nectar (depending on the sweetness form your oranges and your preference)
3/4 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice
4 ounces tequila

In a shallow plate, gently toss the sea salt and zests from the limes together.

Rub the rims of your glasses with a lime wedge and dip the rims in the lime zest and salt mixture.  In a cocktail shaker, combine ice, agave, lime juice, blood orange juice and tequila, and shake for about 30 seconds.

Evenly divided the cocktail into the prepared glasses.  Garnish with a wedge of lime and a slice of blood orange.  Add a couple pieces of ice if desired.  Enjoy.