When it comes time to raise your glass, a margarita might just be the most popular choice. Not only is the drink’s history mysterious, making it all the more interesting to explore and discuss, but it shows no signs of slowing down in the social stakes anytime soon.

Whether you’re a fan of classic lime margaritas, or you’re looking to switch it up with a much more adventurous take on the classic favorite, adding a generous glug of blood orange to your margarita glass is one way to do it. What’s more, by understanding the history of blood orange margaritas, you can also discover how and why this popular fusion has become a favorite amongst friends and family for generations.

The Origin Of The Margarita

Although we’ll never know for certain just how the margarita recipe was born, experts believe it was likely invented sometime in the 1930s or 1940s. Some foodies debate that it was during a Mexican-American inspired gathering in Texas a mere four decades after the turn of the century, whereas others point to a certain socialite in Tijuana, Mexico as the potential creator of the drink.

One Miss Margarita Cansino is frequently named as the margarita inventor, as is popular restauranteur

Carlos Herrera. The latter was also known to experiment with spirits and liqueurs. He is believed to have created the margarita in 1938 at his restaurant, Rancho La Gloria, in Tijuana.

Officially, however, The International Bartender Association claims that the margarita was invented by a Dallas socialite in 1948, and the story goes that she was hosting a gathering for her friends, when a bartender created the drink to reflect her Mexican-American heritage. The woman’s name was Margarita Sames, and that’s why the concoction was named after her. Whatever the actual story, we can all agree one thing – the result was simply delicious.

A Citrus Cyclical

A margarita is traditionally either composed of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime, with salt on the rim of the glass. For the more adventurous margarita lovers, however, the possibilities are impressively limitless.

The versatility of the margarita has created a space for various fruits and flavors to be explored. From strawberries and raspberries to mangoes, lychees, and even watermelons, the margarita has helped to usher in a plethora of fruity flavor combinations. One of the most popular styles, however, has been brewing for centuries.

Blood orange margaritas, or cantaritos as they’re sometimes known, have existed for generations and their popularity continues to soar. Rich in both vitamins and antioxidants, the blood orange is a prime citrus for enjoying a fruity and healthy cocktail.

In addition to being a key ingredient in cantaritos, these dark-fleshed oranges have been eaten by indigenous people in the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean for centuries. The deep red flesh of the dangerous-looking fruit symbolizes love, life, and passion on the Spanish-speaking holiday of Valentine’s Day, where its juice is sometimes substituted for red wine. The production of blood oranges is also a mainstay in both Florida and Arizona, so you can be sure of great cocktails in the sun states.

Mixology: From Home to Cocktail Bars

As the popularity of the blood orange margarita grew, knowledgeable mixologists sprung up, lighting a fire under the trend as they mixed up creative and creative cocktails for their customers. From Los Angeles to Miami and countries in between, the cantarito trend has been making waves, giving way to all types of creative twists.

In some of these trendy bars, the blood orange margarita is made up of tequila, blood orange juice, agave nectar, and lime. Depending on the bar or the customer’s taste, other ingredients might be added, such as mint, jalapeno peppers, or ginger. Each of these extra ingredients brings something unique to the margarita’s complex flavor profile and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

From the flavorful and juicy blood orange to the varieties of creative mixology twists, the delicious blood orange margarita offers something a bit different for anyone who’s in the mood for a sweet or a sour treat.

Mixing at home is a great way to enjoy a blood orange margarita and experiment as to which flavors and ingredients you prefer. Ready-made mixes are also a great and easy way to add a splash of margarita fun to your next gathering.

The Perfect Occasion To Raise Your Glass

The traditional margarita is a timeless classic and has had a deeply rooted place in social gatherings for decades. The ease of mixology and the endless variations makes it easy to find a favorite to tantalize your tongue.

Whether you’re hosting a fiesta, planning a chilled evening in with friends, or catching up with a long lost relative, the blood orange margarita is the perfect occasion to raise your glass and offer a toast – to friendship, to family, and to good health, of course.

SEO Optimized Recipe for the Perfect Blood Orange Margarita

Now that you know a bit about the history and inspiration behind the blood orange margarita, you’re probably raring to try one for yourself. Luckily, we’ve got a delicious recipe for the perfect blood orange margarita for you to make at home. All you need is these ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounces of Silver tequila
  • ¾ ounces of triple sec
  • ½ ounces of lime juice
  • 3 ounces of blood orange juice
  • 1 cup of ice

Simply combine all the ingredients into a blender and blend until it becomes a smooth, slushy consistency. Pour it into a highball glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Conclusion

The blood orange margarita has evolved from parties at fame saloons such as Rancho La Gloria and the love of a Miss Cansino, to a guilty pleasure enjoyed at home or in bar tiki set-ups. Whether you’re a traditional lime margarita devotee or not, you’re sure to find something you love about the delicious blood orange margaritas.

So why not create an even more fruity experience when you’re gathering with friends? Try a blood orange margarita for your next fiesta and enjoy the unique range of colors, tastes, and styles that come along with it.

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