What do you get when you twist the  deliciousness of a traditional Margarita with the sumptuous flesh of fresh blood orange? Exactly, a masterpiece: and if you add the unique richness of Grand Marnier, the result can indeed be unmatched. It’s a Blood Orange Margarita, the ultimate link between an approachable cocktail  and more complex, deep tasting experiences. Here is how to make your own.

The finest cognac marries the bitter orange essence to create the sophisticated, silky essence of Grand Marnier: you can guess there is no better match for it than some delicious, fresh blood orange juice, which laces with depth and flavor to high quality 100% agave tequila, and fresh lime juice. The Blood Orange Margarita is just an explosion of citrusy magic, easy to concoct and even easier to enjoy to the fullest.

Following are the ingredients you will need for a Blood Orange Margarita:

• 40ml 100% Tequila Blanco such as Espolòn
• 20ml Grand Marnier
• 20ml freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 20ml freshly squeezed lime juice

If you want to know how to make a Blood Orange Margarita, here are the key steps you should follow:

• Pre-chill your shaker by stirring a few good quality ice cubes in it; then remove the ice and excess water;
• Pre-chill a cocktail glass by storing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving, or filling it up with ice while concocting the cocktail;
• Add all the ingredients in the shaker;
• Add more good quality ice cubes and shake vigorously;
• Strain into the pre-chilled cocktail glass

To achieve the best Blood Orange Margarita recipe, try adopting some, or all of the suggestions that follow, to elevate your drinking experience:

• The finesse: when juicing the blood orange and adding it to your recipe, it is easy for seeds or tiny, thin stripes of flesh to end up in the shaker. Make sure you fine strain the drink while pouring it in the service glass, so to obtain a smooth cocktail and enjoy an effortless sipping experience with your Blood Orange Margarita;
• Follow the seasons: although the availability of blood orange is pretty much widespread nowadays, it has a seasonality that should be respected. Blood Orange Margarita can be described as a seasonal cocktail, so make sure you will mix it when the right time of the year arrives;
• Be sweet: Though delicious and so flavorsome, blood oranges can sometimes result overpowering with their tartness. Make sure to always taste your cocktail before shaking it, and eventually add the merest dose of sugar syrup to achieve balance;

Given the round and full body of the Blood Orange Margarita, our suggestion would be to serve it on the rocks, to allow the drink a very slow dilution and consistently keep a creamier mouthfeel. Use a wheel of blood orange, with its bright color and aroma, as garnish, and if you feel you want to go the extra step, try creating a salt rim on the edge of your glass to enhance all the flavor of your Blood Orange Margarita.