Sunset Margarita

This refreshing Sunset Margarita, made with blood orange juice and when poured properly into a glass pitcher, creates a sunset-like appearance.

a glass filled with a sunset margarita and a salted rim

What is a Sunset Margarita?

Rim your glass with a squeeze of more lime juice, and a salt & sugar blend flecked with bits of citrus zest.

Start with lots of ice, fresh lime juice, add in a simple syrup, top with tequila, grand marnier and Creme de Cocoa. Then pour over the entire pitcher a generous amount of freshly squeezed blood orange juice.

Are you ready for a margarita that is a gorgeous as it is delicious? Cheers!

a cutting board filled with limes and blood oranges

Ingredients in a Sunset Margarita:

  • blood oranges
  • limes
  • simple syrup*
  • blanco tequila
  • orange liqueur- I use Grand Marnier
  • Creme de Cocoa or coconut water
  • margarita salt
  • superfine sugar
  • ice
A cutting board filled with limes and blood oranges that have been juiced

Special equipment in this margarita:

  • large clear glass pitcher- buy my favorite HERE
  • margarita glasses- buy the ones in this post HERE
  • electric juicer
  • OR this juicer by Mason Cash buy HERE
  • shallow dish
  • microplane
a saucer filled with orange and lime zest next to a glass measuring cup of lime juice

Tips for making a great pitcher of sunset margaritas:

  • Make your simple syrup in advance so it is very cold.
  • Juice the limes a day ahead.
  • Gather all your spirits in advance so you have plenty.
  • Make a double batch and keep the extras in the freezer in a plastic jug- The icy margarita will be the perfect temp by the time you finish the first batch.
  • Use superfine sugar to rim the glass- it blends in nicely with the margarita salt.
  • Run a knife through the citrus zest to have very small pieces.
  • If you do not have margarita salt, use sea salt or kosher salt.
a shallow dish of citrus zest and sugar for rimming margarita glasses

If you like Sunset Margaritas- you’ll love these cocktails:

  1. Guave Grapefruit Cocktail
  2. Frozen Pineapple Daiquiri
  3. Big Sky Ranch Water
  4. Dark Rum & Cointreau Pirate Punch
  5. Wine Slushy Recipes
a bottle of tequila, Grand mariner and Creme de Cocoa on a corner with a  dish of margarita salt

Common Questions about this Cocktail :

What is a blood orange?

Blood oranges are grown primarily in Spain and Mexico. The juice is tart- more like a sour orange than a traditional juice orange. Some varieties have a slight raspberry taste tot hem. The color and pulp is often deep red. The color variations can also be striped or deep red based on temperature fluctuations during harvesting. . Some folks say they are originally from China. Tarocco and Moro varieties are Italian. The Spanish Sanguinelli oranges are grown in California. These unique oranges are typically in season in the winter.

What can I use instead of blood orange juice?

If your grocery store does not have blood oranges in season, you can find the juice ( Natalie’s brand is best) in the juice section. Ruby Red grapefruit and pomegranate juice make the next best substitution. Tangerine juice mixed with lime juice also makes for a great cocktail.

Where do I buy Margarita Salt?

Look in the cocktail section of your grocery store. All liquor stores also carry margarita salt.You can substitute sea salt or Koser salt, if you cannot find margarita salt .

What else can I do with blood oranges?

Mix the juice into your favorite glass of champagne or process for a colorful mimosa. Toss the juice with a bit of fruity olive oil, and pour over roasted beets, pistachios and goat cheese for a tart earthy salad.

Rocks glasses by Juliska lied up with a wedge of lime garnishing each glass

*How to make simple syrup:

Simple Syrup – Combine in a small saucepan 1 cup of water & 1 cup sugar. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 3 minutes until sugar dissolves. Let cool completely. Pour into a glass jar. Chill in fridge until needed. Simple Syrup can keep in the fridge for up to 1 month. You can infuse with mint, vanilla bean, dried hibiscus flowers, lemon or limes etc.

a shot of grand mariner being poured into a pitcher

What to serve with Sunset Margaritas:

a clear glass pitcher of margaritas
.

Sunset Margarita

Recipe by Meggen Arthur Wilson
Course: CocktailsCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Calories

310

kcal

Get ready to sip on the stunning Sunset Margarita. Made with blood orange juice, this visually appealing cocktail is a treat for your senses.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Blanco Tequila- I use Silver Patron

  • 2 oz Orange liqueur

  • 2 oz Creme de Cocoa

  • 1 cup fresh lime juice

  • 1 cup fresh blood orange juice

  • 1/4 cup simple syrup*

  • zest of 1 lime

  • zest of 1 blood orange

  • 1/4 cup margarita salt

  • 1/4 cup superfine sugar

  • lime wedges

  • ice

  • blood orange, lime slices for garnish

Directions

  • In a large pitcher filled with ice, add in the following order:
    lime juice
    tequila
    orange liqueur
    creme de cocoa
    simple syrup*
  • Slowly pour in the blood orange juice on top to create a “sunset” effect. After you snap a photo for your instagram, stir well.
  • In a shallow dish combine salt, sugar, and zest. Run a lime wedge around each glass, dip glass in the sugar- salt mixture and gently fill with ice and margarita mix. Garnish with extra lime or orange slices, if desired.
    Serve cold.

Notes

  • Don’t forget to add ice to the pitcher before you pour in all the ingredients.

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