Smooth Blood Orange Margarita (Printer-Friendly Version)

A refreshing blend of blood orange, apple cider, tequila, and warm spices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Liquids

01 - 1 1/2 oz silver or reposado tequila
02 - 1/2 oz Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
03 - 2 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
04 - 2 oz apple cider or unfiltered Honeycrisp apple juice
05 - 3/4 oz simple syrup or agave nectar
06 - 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

→ Spices

07 - Pinch ground cinnamon
08 - Pinch ground nutmeg

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Pour tequila and Grand Marnier into a cocktail shaker. Add freshly squeezed blood orange juice and apple cider or unfiltered Honeycrisp juice to build a vibrant, fruity flavor base.
02 - Incorporate simple syrup or agave nectar and fresh lemon juice into the shaker. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg for warming spice notes without overpowering.
03 - Fill the shaker halfway with fresh ice cubes. Securely cover and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until the exterior becomes very cold, ensuring thorough mixing and chilling.
04 - Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a rocks or margarita glass. Dip the rim into coarse sea salt for a contrasting edge; skip this step if a salted rim is not desired.
05 - Strain the chilled mixture into the prepared glass. Garnish with apple or blood orange slices and a cinnamon stick. Optionally, dust with additional cinnamon to enhance aroma.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Using freshly squeezed juices and high-quality tequila elevates flavor complexity and freshness.
02 - A pinch of spices adds subtle warmth without overwhelming the cocktail's fruity profile.