Spring

Blood Orange Mezcal Margarita

by:
July 11, 2011
5
2 Ratings
  • Makes 2 margaritas
Author Notes

The burgundy juice from the blood red oranges combined with the pinkish red juice of the Cara Cara Oranges was a surprisingly tart and yet sweet combination. The only thing missing was of course some tequila. And that’s when I panicked. Guess what? I had NO tequila blanco! Ay yay yay!!! What’s a lush to do? I was desperate and didn’t want to run to the store again, so I decided to pop open the aged and dusty bottle of Mezcal we had in the back of our liquor cabinet. Yes, I was desperate. I have always been afraid of this tequila, but then remembered a quote I had read on MexConnect, “Mezcal is to tequila as brandy is to cognac.” So I did what any other lush would do and popped open that scary bottle of tequila and combined the crimson juice with Mezcal, a little agave nectar, and some lime juice. The marriage of the orange juice and smoky Mezcal was well, pretty darn amazing. Not to mention how well it went with that night’s dinner, chicken mole.

Obviously the main ingredient for this libation is oranges, so I hope you can find lovely citrus options in your area. I always recommend Whole Foods Market because you can be sure to find gorgeous and unique produce there. And if you don’t have Mezcal this cocktail is fabulous with tequila blanco too. Believe me, I’ve tried both. Hiccup! —MuyBueno

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 3 Blood Oranges, juiced
  • 3 Cara Cara Oranges (also called red navel), juiced
  • 3 limes, juiced
  • 4 ounces Mezcal tequila
  • 1 ounce agave nectar
  • Ice
  • Salt for glass rims
Directions
  1. In a martini shaker add the freshly squeezed juice. Include the tequila, agave nectar, and ice. Shake and divide equally between two salt rimmed margarita glasses. Garnish with a blood orange slice or a sprig of mint.
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2 Reviews

Heather,Peck January 30, 2023
This recipe turned out so delicious! Tart from the juice and smoky from the mezcal. Great for when it is citrus season in the winter!
 
SouffleBombay July 11, 2011
I LOVE good oranges! This sounds right up my alley!!