Blood Orange Margarita (with Mocktail)
It’s citrus season, and we’re making the most of it with this bright and refreshing Blood Orange Margarita! If you love a twist on the classic margarita, this recipe is for you. It’s fresh, citrusy, and totally satisfying — perfect for happy hour, brunch, or any time you’re craving something vibrant and delicious.
The gorgeous color from fresh blood orange juice makes this cocktail as pretty as it is tasty, and the combination of tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice balances out the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this blood orange margarita, which can also be made as a mocktail, is simple to make and guaranteed to impress.
A citrus-forward, refreshing cocktail or mocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious — ready in just 5 minutes!
Why you’ll love this Blood Orange Margarita (with mocktail)
- Uses fresh, seasonal blood oranges
- Quick and easy to shake up
- Sweet, tart, and perfectly balanced
- Great for entertaining or sipping solo
- Naturally gluten-free
Ingredients for this drink:
- Tequila (your favorite!)
- Fresh blood orange juice
- Cointreau
- Fresh lime juice
- Pink Himalayan salt for the rim (optional)
Tips & variations:
- Make it spicy: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the shaker for a spicy kick.
- No Cointreau? Use triple sec or Grand Marnier instead.
- Add bubbles: Top with sparkling water for a light and refreshing spritz.
- Mocktail version: Swap tequila and Cointreau for sparkling water and a splash of orange-flavored soda for a fun, non-alcoholic version.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I make this margarita ahead of time? Yes! Mix all the ingredients (except ice) and store in the fridge for up to a day. Shake with ice just before serving.
- What’s the best tequila to use? Blanco tequila works great for a clean, fresh flavor, but reposado adds a smooth, oaky depth if you prefer.
- Can I use bottled juice? Fresh blood orange juice makes all the difference in flavor, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled juice will work.
Check out the step-by-step video here:
How to make the Blood Orange Margarita
Looking for more cocktail / mocktail recipes? Here are a few ideas:
- Easy Sparkling Paloma Cocktail/Mocktail
- Simple Pomegranate Margarita
- Sparkling Pomegranate Citrus Cocktail/Mocktail
Blood Orange Margarita (with Mocktail)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Method: Drink
Description
This blood orange margarita, which can be made as a mocktail, is fresh, citrusy, and totally satisfying!
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 2 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 1.5 tbsp cointreau
- 1.5 tbsp fresh lime juice
- pink himalayan salt for rim (optional)
Instructions
- Rim your glass with a lime wedge & dip into salt.
- Add ice to shaker. Mix together blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, & cointreau. Shake well to combine.
- Pour mix into glass. Garnish with blood orange slice or lime wedge.
- For mocktail: Swap tequila and Cointreau for sparkling water and a splash of orange-flavored soda for a non-alcoholic version.
