I love a blood orange. The beautiful crimson color, combined with the richer, almost berry-like flavor notes make this fruit a winter citrus favorite. I recently picked up a few at Whole Foods. With National Margarita Day taking place on February 22, it only seemed natural to whip up my favorite skinny margarita recipe.
While I’m using blood oranges here, you can really make this recipe with any type of orange. There are only a few ingredients. The recipe is super simple and infinitely adaptable. Like your margaritas on the tart and lime-y side? Up the lime juice by an ounce. Want something really low on sugar? Cut the agave nectar even more and maybe add a splash of diet citrus soda or lemonade. Want to make a pitcher? Juice a bunch of oranges and limes, then measure in bulk instead of individually.
I call the recipe skinny because it’s pretty much just tequila, fresh blood orange juice, fresh lime juice, and a bit of agave nectar. I calculated the calories and one marg clocks in around 230 calories. You could probably stretch it a little more by adding some club soda to make it a larger drink. Enjoy!
Skinny Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
3 oz. blood orange juice (about 1.5 small blood oranges, juiced)
2 oz. tequila or mezcal
1 oz. lime juice (about 1/2 a lime)
3/4 oz. agave nectar
Method:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients. Shake, shake, shake until very cold and blended. Fill a rocks glass with ice. Strain cocktail on top. Garnish with a blood orange wheel.
How to Select Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are different than regular oranges in that they can have brown or russet coloring on the outside and still be perfectly ripe. Look for a blood orange that feels firm and heavy for its size. Avoid blood oranges that are spongy or moldy.
What is Agave Nectar?
Agave nectar is the fluid from the blue agave plant that is filtered, then heated to produce a syrup. It tastes sweeter than simple syrup, so if you want to use simple syrup in your blood orange margarita instead, I’d suggest starting with a full ounce. You can find agave nectar in the organic section of most grocery stores or on Amazon.
What Type of Tequila to Use
The type of tequila you use in this drink depends on your preference. I prefer reposado (aged 60 to 364 days) and anejo (aged one to three years) tequilas that have a richer, more complex flavor. When testing this recipe, I actually made my margarita with a mezcal I purchased in Cozumel. If you like the flavor of tequila or smoky mezcal, I’d suggest using that.
Since this recipe doesn’t use a TON of juice or sugar, you don’t want to go too cheap with the tequila because it does add some flavor to the drink. Lunazul Reposado Tequila is a solid choice that won’t break the bank. If you prefer lighter or sweeter margaritas, use blanco unaged tequila. My mom prefers lighter drinks, so I made a version of this for her with just 1 ounce of 1800 Silver Tequila and a more generous splash of agave syrup. Everyone was happy!
Looking for more margarita recipes? Check out three of my more creative tequila drinks or a lovely cucumber lime margarita recipe.
