Spicy Blood Orange Margarita Recipe Guide

Looking to spice up your margarita game? Let me show you how I make a Spicy Blood Orange Margarita, a refreshing, tangy, and spicy twist on the classic. Based on my overall experience, this cocktail is perfect for impressing your guests, pairing with a variety of dishes, or simply kicking back and relaxing. Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile, allowing for tweaks based on your preferences or dietary needs.

What to Expect

From my own personal experience, this Spicy Blood Orange Margarita strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, tang, and spice. The blood orange adds a vibrant color and unique citrus flavor, while the jalapeño brings a warm heat that lingers just enough. You can expect a refreshing cocktail with a little kick, perfect for pairing with Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, nachos, or even grilled fish.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Time to Stand: None
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 1 drink
• Calories: 220 calories (approx.)
• Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15 (depending on the quality of tequila and blood oranges)
• Equipment Needed:
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Citrus juicer
  • Strainer
  • Measuring jigger
  • Muddler (optional)
  • Salt rim plate (or small dish)
  • Glass (preferably rocks or margarita glass)
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Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (blanco is best)
• 1 oz blood orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
• ½ oz agave syrup (optional, to taste)
• 1-2 slices fresh jalapeño (for the spice)
• Sea salt and chili powder mix (for the rim)
• Blood orange slice and jalapeño wheel (for garnish)
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Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prep the Glass

• Start by running a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.
• Dip the rim into a mixture of sea salt and chili powder on a small dish. This adds both flavor and a little extra spice!

Step 2: Mix the Margarita

• In your cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz blood orange juice, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, and ½ oz agave syrup (if you like your margarita a little sweeter).

Step 3: Add the Spice

• For the spicy kick, drop 1-2 fresh jalapeño slices into the shaker. Use a muddler to gently press the jalapeños to release their oils without overpowering the cocktail. Be careful not to muddle too much, as it can make the drink too spicy.

Step 4: Shake it Up

• Add ice to the shaker, then shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This chills the margarita and infuses the jalapeño flavor.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

• Strain the cocktail into your salt-and-chili-rimmed glass filled with ice.

Step 6: Garnish

• Garnish with a blood orange slice and a jalapeño wheel for that extra flair.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Lower Calorie Option: Skip the agave syrup or reduce the amount to cut down on sugar and calories.
2. For the Heat Seekers: If you like things extra spicy, you can add more jalapeño slices or swap them for a spicier pepper like serrano. Be sure to taste as you go!
3. Non-Alcoholic Version: Make it a mocktail by replacing the tequila with sparkling water and the triple sec with orange juice. You’ll still get the great flavors of blood orange and spice without the alcohol.
4. Sugar-Free Margarita: Use stevia or another sugar substitute instead of agave syrup.
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Dietary Substitutions

• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check your tequila. Some tequilas use animal products during the filtering process.
• Gluten-Free: Most tequilas are gluten-free, but always check the label if you’re sensitive to gluten.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the agave syrup or replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener to reduce carbs.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Spicy? If the jalapeño kick is too strong, shake the drink with more ice and strain again to dilute it slightly. You can also reduce the jalapeño slices next time.
• Too Sweet? Adjust the sweetness by reducing or omitting the agave syrup. You can also add more lime juice for extra tartness.
• Weak Flavor? Ensure you’re using fresh blood orange juice and lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled juices can often taste flat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~220
• Carbohydrates: 24g (depends on the use of agave syrup)
• Sugars: 18g
• Alcohol: ~14g (depends on the tequila and triple sec)

Notes on Versatility

This drink is extremely versatile and pairs beautifully with all kinds of food, especially dishes with bold, zesty flavors. It complements spicy, smoky, and citrus-forward dishes, making it ideal for serving alongside salsa, guacamole, and grilled meats. You can also adjust the level of spice or sweetness depending on your mood or the occasion.