Orange Margaritas

These Orange Margaritas are perfect to have on your menu. They are made with fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice, triple sec and tequila for a simple, flavorful and fun margarita recipe! This twist on the traditional margarita recipe is one you're definitely going to want to try.

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A refreshing orange margarita with a salted rim is garnished with a lime slice, set on a light blue surface beside a half grapefruit, a cloth, and a copper shaker.

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Easy Orange Margarita Recipe

I'm not a huge drinker — I should probably lead with that. The occasional glass of wine, beer or margarita is about as much drinking as you'll see around our house. But, of those three, margaritas are an approved weakness of mine.

I like that I know what to expect with a margarita. I know how to judge a margarita. (I can't say that for hardly any other cocktails.) Plus, margaritas are just so dang good. I have many a fond memory of drinking a margarita over a big bowl of chips and salsa.

When I was brainstorming the next margarita I wanted to make, it instantly hit me that orange was the way to go. I've been really into oranges lately after trying my neighbor's fruit from her orange tree and then getting an orange tree planted in our backyard.

They are much softer and subtler than the regular margarita you are used to, but you are going to love that change. (Hopefully next year I'll be making these Orange Margaritas with my own homegrown oranges and limes!)

A top view of an orange margarita with ice and a lime wedge, next to a halved orange and a halved lime on a light blue surface with a beige cloth.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Some people call this a Texas Margarita, but no matter what you call it, you'll love this delicious margarita recipe, for a few reasons:

Margaritas are an easy recipe to make at home.
Orange gives the margarita a much softer, sweeter flavor.
They are so perfect for game day, Cinco de Mayo, taco night or whenever you crave a fresh marg!

Close-up of a halved grapefruit and a halved lime on a light blue surface next to a glass of iced orange margarita.

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make your own Orange Margaritas at home:

tequila — You'll want to pick a blanco tequila. A reposado tequila would also be great here.
triple sec — Orange liqueur adds a hint of sweetness and a stronger orange flavor, helping to cut the flavor of the tequila.
oranges — You'll need to juice them to get fresh juice. Or buy high-quality OJ at the store. Ideally pulp-free!
limes — Ditto for lime juice: Fresh is best.
sugar or salt — Your choice, for the rim!

Best Oranges for Margaritas

If they're in season, I highly recommend using Cara Cara oranges over regular oranges for this recipe. Cara Cara oranges are SO tasty and juicy, so they're great for margaritas.

They're usually sweeter than your standard naval oranges, too, so you won't even need any added sweetener in this Orange Margaritas! But if you use navel oranges, you may want to add some simple syrup or agave syrup. Start with ¼ ounce per drink and go from there.

You could also try this with blood oranges and enjoy their brilliant ruby-red color. A blood orange margarita is such a good twist on this recipe.

Close-up of an orange margarita in a glass garnished with a lime slice, with ice and a salted rim. A beige cloth is draped across the background.

Instructions

Margaritas are one of the easiest cocktails to make. The ingredients are just so simple. But yet the combination is SO good. This particular recipe makes two margaritas, but you can easily double or triple it for a pitcher full of deliciousness.

Pour some sugar (or coarse salt) onto a small plate. Then, run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses. Dip the glasses into the sugar to line the rim of the glass. Fill them halfway with ice.
Next, squeeze juice from oranges and limes and pour into the cocktail shaker with ice.
Measure triple sec and tequila and add to cocktail shaker.
Shake well and pour into the two prepared glasses. Garnish with a lime slice or an orange slice.

Tips for Success

How do you make the best margaritas? Here's how the pros do it:

Use fresh orange juice and fresh lime juice.
Experiment with sugar and salt on the rim.
Opt for a quality tequila that isn't on the bottom shelf.
Make top-shelf margaritas with Grand Marnier or Cointreau instead of triple sec.

An orange margarita with ice and a lime garnish in a glass with a salted rim, placed beside a halved orange and a copper shaker.

What to Serve with Orange Margaritas

A sunny orange margarita would be so good with all your favorite Mexican foods. From chicken enchiladas to beef tacos, this tequila drink is a must-try.

FAQ

Can you make margaritas with oranges?

Yes! Oranges are sweet, so you can usually skip the sweetener and use OJ instead.

What is the best tequila to use?

Blanco tequila, also called silver tequila, is usually the best one to use in a margarita. It is clear in color and has a crisp, clean flavor that deliciously complements citrus juice.

More Margarita recipes

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