Blood Orange Margarita
If you need a cocktail that looks festive, tastes bright and citrusy, and takes almost zero effort, this Blood Orange Margarita is it. It’s everything you love about a classic marg, but with a fun fall/winter twist thanks to blood orange syrup. Instead of making a separate simple syrup, the blood orange syrup gives you sweetness, color, and even more citrus flavor all in one pour. And because the holidays are chaotic enough, this comes together in minutes — shake, pour, sip, done. I love serving mine with a tajín rim for that salty-citrus kick, but sugar or salt work just as well. And if you’ve never rimmed a glass at home, it’s super easy: run a lime wedge around your glass, dip into a little ramekin of tajín/sugar/salt, and you’re good to go. No lime? Use a second ramekin with store-bought lime juice and it works perfectly. It’s a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing cocktail that feels seasonal without being out of left field — because truly, who doesn’t love a margarita?
Blood Orange Margarite
A fun take on a margarita with a fall/winter flair (and fun color)
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orange liquer
- 1/2 oz blood orange syrup
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into one half of a Boston shaker, and fill the other half with ice
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then roll the rim into a ramekin with tajin (or regular salt if that's your preference), then fill with ice
- Shake your margarita ingredients with the ice until the shaker becomes very cold in your hands
- Strain into your prepared glass
The nutrition information is based on estimates and is not definitive.
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There’s something about blood oranges that immediately puts me in a holiday mood. Maybe it’s that deep ruby color that feels cozy and festive all at once, or maybe it’s just the promise of citrus season arriving right as the weather cools down. Either way, when blood orange syrup starts hitting the shelves, you better believe I’m grabbing a bottle and heading straight for my bar cart. Because the first thing I’m making — before cookies, before appetizers, before anything else — is a Blood Orange Margarita.
And not just any marg. The easiest, brightest, most foolproof winter margarita you’ll ever shake up.
I love this drink because it gives me the best of both worlds: that classic margarita flavor everyone knows and loves, plus the extra layer of citrusy sweetness that turns it into a seasonal showstopper. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels thoughtful without actually requiring any extra effort. And in the holiday months? That’s exactly the vibe I want. Effortless, but impressive.
Let’s talk about the blood orange syrup for a second, because this is really the magic ingredient. A lot of recipes call for fresh blood orange juice, which is amazing in theory but not the most reliable in practice — sometimes they’re in season, sometimes they’re not, sometimes they’re deeply red and dramatic, sometimes they’re pale and sad. On the other hand, blood orange syrup tastes consistent every time, lasts forever in the pantry, and adds sweetness and that gorgeous color without needing to simmer your own simple syrup. It’s truly the easiest upgrade.
And then there’s the rim. I am a tajín rim girl through and through. The citrusy, salty, slightly spicy kick hits so perfectly against the sweet-citrus notes of the margarita. But if tajín isn’t your thing, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a sugar rim (which gives a fun daiquiri moment) or a classic salt rim (always reliable and always delicious). The important thing is creating a little contrast — something that hits your lips before the drink does and makes each sip feel intentional.
If you’ve never rimmed a glass at home, don’t be intimidated. It’s ridiculously simple. Just run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, dip it into a small ramekin of tajín or salt or sugar, and you’re done. Truly a 10-second task. And if you’re out of fresh limes — which happens to me more often than I want to admit — you can pour a splash of bottled lime juice into a ramekin and use that instead. It works exactly the same, and nobody will know.
One of my favorite things about this cocktail is how flexible it is. Hosting Thanksgiving? Make a big batch and let guests garnish their own glasses. Christmas Eve dinner at your mom’s? Shake these to order — they’re quick enough that you won’t miss any of the action. Girls’ night in the middle of December? Absolutely yes. A quiet night at home where you just want a moment of something delicious? Do it. You don’t need a reason for a good margarita.
This drink is also great for people who don’t normally venture far outside their cocktail comfort zone. Fancy spritzes and funky amaros have their moments, but when you hand someone a margarita — especially one that’s this pretty — they immediately know what they’re getting into. It’s familiar, approachable, and universally loved. The blood orange twist keeps it festive without feeling “out there,” which is why it’s become one of my go-to holiday cocktails.
And if you care about aesthetics (which I do, especially when hosting), this drink absolutely shines. That ruby red color against a tajín rim? Stunning. The kind of thing you place on a table and everyone immediately asks, “Ooh, what’s that?” It’s a built-in moment.
The holidays can feel like a marathon of planning, prepping, cleaning, cooking, and running around, but this drink doesn’t ask anything of you. It gives you that little moment of brightness — something refreshing and fun — without adding to the stress. It’s the cocktail equivalent of lighting a cozy candle or putting on your favorite playlist.
Whether you’re making this for a crowd or just for yourself, whether you’re hosting something huge or enjoying a quiet night in, whether you’re deep in the holiday spirit or just trying to get through the to-do list, this Blood Orange Margarita fits right in. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, it’s citrusy, and it’s an instant mood-lifter. And truly… who doesn’t love a marg?