Blood Orange Margarita

The blood orange margarita stands apart, not just for its striking color but for its bold, complex flavor. A blend of raspberry-like tartness and bright citrus that’s as mysterious as it is mesmerizing. Native to the sun-drenched groves of Spain and Italy, blood oranges offer a taste that resists easy comparison but leaves a lasting impression on the palate. Their flavor ranges from sweet to tart which pairs perfectly with tequila and orange liqueur.

This cocktail feels right at home on a high desert mesa, best enjoyed as the sun dips below the horizon and the day’s heat gives way to a crisp evening breeze. It evokes the Altaplanicie Mexicana—the vast central plateau of Mexico—where elevation plays tricks on expectation. Even in the heart of summer, the nights remain cool, offering the perfect setting for sipping something as vivid and layered as this margarita along the storied Margarita Trail.

Tequila or Mezcal?

Here, tequila is the runaway favorite for margaritas. Its marketing clout dominates this category, but what if there is another, equally dazzling spirit right under your nose? Mezcal is such a well-kept secret that few know about it outside Mexico. It’s made in Oaxaca with multiple varieties of agave and baked in underground pits that impart a smokier aroma and flavor. It’s up to you, but tequila and mezcal can be used interchangeably in any margarita recipe.

A Word about Margaret

Margaret who? Actress Peggy (Margaret) Lee is frequently cited as the namesake, but a margarita is more than just a woman’s name. The margarita was created in the late nineteen thirties and is traditionally made with tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. Since then, mixologists have created a rainbow of flavors for our enjoyment. Print