With its bright acidity and subtle hint of cinnamon, this Spiced Blood Orange Margarita is the perfect drink to chase away those mid-winter blues!
I always look forward to the wide array of fresh citrus that hits the farmers markets every January. What better way to brighten these cold and dark days of winter than with a plethora of juicy, tangy citrus fruits? Sweet blood oranges and fragrant cinnamon are the perfect flavours for a wintery spicy margarita!
Ingredient Notes
Blood Oranges: Native to the Mediterranean, blood oranges get their name from their distinctive crimson colour. Slightly smaller than navel oranges, blood oranges are also sweeter and less tangy than typical oranges. They have a slight berry flavour with floral notes and are commonly used in baking and a wide variety of beverages.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon scented simple syrup adds a unique, subtle flavour to this blood orange margarita without overpowering the blood orange.
Tequila: You can’t make a margarita without tequila! Blanco (or white) tequila is the traditional go-to for margaritas, and it works well here with the bright citrus flavours. I like to use Teremana brand, but any blanco tequila will work in this recipe.
Orange Liqueur: Another must for a margarita! You have a couple of options when it comes to the orange liqueur. Here, I am using Cointreau. But Triple Sec can be used interchangeably. In a pinch, I have even used Grand Marnier – but that is a more expensive substitute.
Lime juice: If there’s no fresh lime juice, can it even be called a margarita? The lime juice is necessary to balance the sweet, mild flavour of the blood orange.
Kosher salt: A salt rim is non-optional in my opinion but you can certainly skip it. That hit of salt in every sip perfectly balances with the sharp sweet and sour notes in this margarita. I like using a coarse salt, such as kosher. Or you can purchase specially made margarita salt.
How to Make a Spiced Blood Orange Margarita
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Begin by preparing the cinnamon simple syrup. The cinnamon needs to steep in the syrup for while so plan ahead. In a small saucepan combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the syrup comes to a simmer. Add the cinnamon sticks and let simmer for a few minutes.
Turn off the heat, cover, and let the syrup steep for an hour. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks. Let the syrup cool and then chill until you’re ready to use.
Prepare the salt rim
Prepare a glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim. Hold the glass angled down over the sink and generously sprinkle with kosher salt while turning the glass to coat the rim. Shake to remove the excess salt. Fill the glass half-way with ice cubes and set aside while you prepare the margarita.
Spiced Blood Orange Margarita
In a cocktail shaker or small pitcher combine the tequila, orange liqueur, cinnamon simple syrup, blood orange juice, and lime juice. Stir together and pour over ice in the salt rimmed glass. Garnish with a blood orange slice and cinnamon stick if desired and enjoy!
More Cocktails
For more wintery spiced cocktails and margaritas, try these drink:
