It’s not quite spring/summer, but this blood orange margarita would have you thinking otherwise. This cocktail is refreshing with hella citrusy notes. Thanks to the blood oranges and Aperol.
Shall we discuss more?
Campari vs. Aperol
Campari and Aperol are both Italian aperitifs. Although the two are similar, they do have differences. Both have a bright hue color, Campari has a bright-red hue. While Aperol hue is a mixture of red/orange. In terms of taste, Aperol is sweeter with hints of gentian, cinchona flowers, and bitter oranges. Campari is much bitter with hints of herbs, berries, and rhubarb.
Another difference is the alcohol content. Campari has a darker hue, so it’s alcohol by volume (ABV) is greater. Campari ABV is usually between 20.5 – 28.5 percent ABV, while Aperol is significantly less, around 11 percent ABV. Lastly, the two aperitifs have different uses. Aperol is normally used for lighter cocktails such as the Aperol Spritz which is just Aperol, club soda, and sparkling wine. Campari is typically used for bold cocktails like the Negroni which contains Campari, gin, and vermouth.
With this blood orange margarita, we decided to use Aperol. Because tequila and the blood oranges are the stars of the show. We did not want to overpower the cocktail with Campari.
Making the Blood Orange Margarita
Sugar Rim
Want to create a sugar rim glass for your blood orange margarita?
- Pour sugar into a dish. Make sure the sugar is at least a quarter of an inch high and also wider than the rim of your chosen glassware.
- Using a lime wedge, spread the juice along the rim of the glassware.
- Dip the rim into the sugar dish. And twist the glassware around a bit to ensure the entire rim is coated in sugar.
- Pour the cocktail into the glass.
Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail
Making this cocktail is pretty simple. Let’s get started!
- First, in a small saucepan combine one cup of water and one cup of sugar. (You’re making a simple syrup). Place the pan over medium-high heat and allow to cook until all the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and cool the simple syrup. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container refrigerate until ready to use. (It will last roughly 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator).
- Cocktail time!
- In a cocktail shaker, add the following ingredients: ice, tequila, triple sec, Aperol, blood orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Give a quick shake (10-15seconds).
- Serve up in your favorite glass over crushed ice.
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Blood Orange Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1½ oz. Tequila high quality
- ¾ oz. Triple sec
- ¾ oz. Lime juice freshly squeezed
- ¾ oz. Blood Orange Juice freshly squeezed
- ½ oz. Aperol
- 1 tbsp. Simple syrup
- Thinly sliced limes for garnish
- Sugar rim for garnish
Instructions
For the Simple Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Transfer the simple syrup to an airtight container. Refrigerate (up to 3 weeks) until ready to use.
The Cocktail:
- For the sugar rim: Pour sugar into a dish. Using a lime wedge, spread the juice along the rim of the glassware. Dip the rim into the sugar dish. And twist the glassware around a bit to ensure the entire rim is coated in sugar. Add crushed ice to the glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the following ingredients: ice, tequila, triple sec, Aperol, blood orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. And shake well. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime slice.