We’ve always been fans of Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita for its bold citrus kick and refreshing vibe that screams summer fun. This Italian-American inspired cocktail swaps in juicy blood oranges for a tart-sweet twist on the traditional margarita making it a standout favorite.
What we love most is how easy it is to whip up at home capturing that restaurant essence without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening it’s the perfect way to elevate your drink game.
Ingredients
To bring the vibrant, citrusy essence of our beloved Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita to your home bar, we start with these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they are typically used, from base spirits to garnishes, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for accuracy.
- 2 ounces tequila: Use a high-quality, 100% agave blanco tequila for a smooth, bold base that highlights the cocktail’s fresh flavors.
- 1 ounce triple sec: Opt for a premium brand like Cointreau to add a bright, orange liqueur note that complements the blood orange without overpowering.
- 4 ounces fresh blood orange juice: Squeeze this from 2-3 ripe blood oranges just before mixing to capture their tangy, ruby-red sweetness and ensure maximum freshness.
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice: Derived from about 1 medium lime, this provides the classic tart edge that balances the drink’s sweetness.
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup: Prepare your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, or use agave syrup for a subtler sweetness that enhances the fruit’s natural profile.
- Kosher salt: For rimming the glass—about 1 tablespoon mixed with a pinch of citrus zest if desired, to add a savory contrast to the citrusy sip.
- Ice cubes: Use about 1 cup of fresh ice for shaking, ensuring the margarita stays refreshingly chilled.
- Blood orange slices: Thinly slice 1 blood orange for garnish, adding a visually appealing touch that evokes the cocktail’s summery vibe.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita to life with precision and ease, we need a few essential tools that ensure every step—from mixing to serving—goes smoothly. Building on our ingredients list, where we detailed the fresh components for this vibrant cocktail, let’s gather the right equipment to mix, measure, and present it like a pro.
We recommend organizing these items beforehand to streamline your preparation:
- Cocktail Shaker: A sturdy, 16- to 24-ounce stainless steel shaker is ideal for vigorously combining the tequila, triple sec, blood orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. This tool helps us achieve a perfectly chilled and well-blended mixture without dilution.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: For accurate measurements, we rely on a double-sided jigger (typically 1-ounce and 2-ounce sides) to pour the exact amounts of liquids, ensuring our margarita’s balanced flavors shine through every time.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: This hand-held tool makes quick work of extracting fresh juice from blood oranges and limes. We prefer a manual lever-style juicer for its efficiency, yielding the maximum citrus essence without any pulp interference.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp paring knife paired with a stable cutting board allows us to slice blood orange garnishes neatly. Aim for a 6- to 8-inch knife to create visually appealing wedges that enhance the drink’s presentation.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: When pouring from the shaker, a Hawthorne strainer helps us filter out any ice shards or pulp, resulting in a smooth, professional finish for our refreshing cocktail.
- Small Plate or Bowl: Use a shallow rimming plate to coat the glass rim with kosher salt. This simple setup ensures even coverage, adding that signature salty contrast to the tart, citrusy notes of our Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita.
With these tools in hand, we’re all set to move forward and craft this delightful drink effortlessly.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting the vibrant Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita with precision and ease.
Prep
Before mixing, prepare your ingredients and glass to ensure a smooth process. Start by rimming the glass: pour a small amount of kosher salt onto a plate then rub a lime wedge around the rim of a chilled margarita glass and dip it into the salt for a flavorful edge. Next, juice your citrus: use a citrus juicer to extract 4 ounces of fresh blood orange juice and 1 ounce of fresh lime juice from ripe blood oranges and limes—aim for about 2 medium blood oranges and 1 large lime to achieve the perfect tart-sweet balance. Slice garnishes: cut thin slices from a blood orange and set them aside for presentation. Measure out 2 ounces of high-quality blanco tequila, 1 ounce of premium triple sec, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup using a jigger for accuracy.
Mix and Shake
Add the measured ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice: pour in the 2 ounces of blanco tequila, 1 ounce of triple sec, 4 ounces of blood orange juice, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy—this step infuses the cocktail with a refreshing effervescence that highlights the bold citrus notes of the blood orange. For a smoother finish, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared glass to remove any pulp or ice shards.
Serve
Pour the strained cocktail into the rimmed glass then garnish with a fresh blood orange slice placed on the rim for an eye-catching touch. Serve immediately to preserve the drink’s icy chill and vibrant flavors—each sip delivers a zesty, sun-kissed burst that transports you to a lively summer gathering. Enjoy our Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita responsibly as the ideal centerpiece for your next occasion.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita preparation while preserving its bold citrus flavor and refreshing vibe, we can handle certain steps in advance. This ensures the cocktail remains vibrant and easy to serve, especially for gatherings or busy evenings.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We start by focusing on the key components that hold up well when prepped early:
- Juice the Citrus: Squeeze fresh blood oranges and limes up to 24 hours in advance. Store the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its zesty, sun-kissed burst without oxidation.
- Make Simple Syrup: Prepare the simple syrup 1–2 days ahead by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over heat, then cooling it completely. Transfer to a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week, providing flexible options for our recipe.
Assembling Mixtures in Advance
For efficiency, we can combine non-perishable elements without compromising quality:
- Mix the Base (Optional): In a pitcher, combine the tequila, triple sec, blood orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup up to 4 hours before serving. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator, but do not add ice until shaking to avoid dilution and ensure the frothy texture we love.
- Prepare the Salt Rim: Mix kosher salt with a hint of lime zest on a small plate and cover it loosely. This can be done a few hours ahead and stored at room temperature for quick glass rimming when needed.
Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness
To keep everything at its best, follow these guidelines:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Juice | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Prevents flavor loss; stir before use |
| Simple Syrup | Up to 1 week | Sealed jar in fridge | Check for crystallization; lasts longer if boiled briefly |
| Base Mixture | Up to 4 hours | Covered pitcher in fridge | Shake with ice right before serving to retain carbonation and chill |
By planning ahead, we enhance the ease of crafting our Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita while delivering that signature twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita with you and it’s clear this twist on a classic adds a vibrant spark to any gathering. It’s not just a drink—it’s a way to bring fresh flavors into our routines and create lasting memories.
Next time you’re mixing one up we’re confident you’ll savor that zesty citrus burst and make it your go-to for effortless elegance. Cheers to elevating our cocktail game!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita?
Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic margarita, featuring bold citrus flavors from fresh blood oranges. It offers a vibrant, summery taste with a mix of tequila, triple sec, and lime, making it ideal for gatherings or relaxed evenings.
What ingredients are needed for Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita?
You’ll need 2 ounces of blanco tequila, 1 ounce of triple sec, 4 ounces of fresh blood orange juice, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Don’t forget kosher salt for rimming the glass and a blood orange slice for garnish. These create a zesty, balanced cocktail.
How do I make Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita at home?
Rim a glass with kosher salt, then juice the blood oranges and lime. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce triple sec, 4 ounces blood orange juice, 1 ounce lime juice, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup. Shake vigorously, strain into the glass, and garnish with a blood orange slice. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
What equipment is required to prepare Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for measuring, a citrus juicer for fresh juice, a knife and cutting board for slicing, a fine-mesh strainer for smooth pouring, and a small plate for salting the glass rim. These tools ensure easy, precise preparation.
Can I make Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita ahead of time?
Yes, juice the citrus up to 24 hours in advance and make simple syrup 1-2 days ahead; store in the fridge. Mix the base ingredients ahead but add them to the shaker just before serving to keep flavors fresh. This makes it convenient for parties while maintaining that summery vibe.
What are some tips for the perfect Carrabba’s Blood Orange Margarita?
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe blood oranges and premium tequila for the best taste. Shake vigorously with ice for a frothy texture, and rim the glass with kosher salt to enhance the citrus flavors. Serve immediately to preserve the refreshing, sun-kissed burst—perfect for any occasion.