My mother was 100% Italian and is the inspiration for this Italian twist on the traditional margarita. It's equally delicious as a cocktail or a mocktail, especially with a sugar-salt rim for the perfect finish. I enjoy my margaritas on the rocks with a lot of ice, but this makes a beautiful presentation straight up. It's your choice. You can always substitute navel orange juice (freshly squeezed of course). The taste and color are slightly different but still delicious.
Blood Orange Margarita, Italian Style
Servings: 1
Ingredients
4-5 oz. freshly squeezed blood orange juice (less if you want more taste of the tequila)
2 oz. tequila blanco or reposado
1 oz. amaretto
1 oz. lime juice
Garnish: Equal parts salt and sugar. If you have an orange, zest a little and add it to your salt/ sugar rim mix to brighten the flavor and presentation of the rim.
Directions
In a shaker, combine all the ingredients and shake well. Serve straight up, or over ice.
To garnish, rim the glass with orange or lime juice, dip in sugar/salt mixture, and garnish with an orange twist, slice or orange, or lime.
Mocktail Margarita
I created this mocktail version so that everyone at the party can enjoy the deliciousness of this beverage. Make as directed above with these substitutions:
Eliminate the tequila by adding 2 more ounces of blood orange juice; or replace the tequila with a non-alcoholic tequila; both are equally as delicious.
Substitute the amaretto with 1/8 t. of high-quality almond extract (not almond flavoring). Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Something to Remember
Also known as raspberry oranges, blood oranges bring a lively touch to any dish that calls for orange juice. Their peak season runs from December to May. I recently purchased fresh-squeezed blood orange juice and decided to freeze it in 16 oz. portions, to enjoy year-round. Additionally, I froze the juice in ice cube trays for a playful presentation of a mimosa.
The number one question when serving margaritas is, salt or no salt? Instead of asking the entire group, try salting just half the rim of every glass. Makes for a unique presentation and everyone gets what they want.
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