killer blood orange margaritas

I have shared this recipe before, but I believe with warmer weather on the way, it should be shared again.  It’s that good!  I served these to friends this past weekend and the next day one friend wrote: “I know what those cocktails should be called; KILLER!  The color is totally appropriate!

Just remember, I warned you!

I found this recipe in Food & Wine magazine.  Chef Dean Fearing created this drink which is a best seller at his wife Lynae’s popular Dallas restaurant Shinsei.  “The sweet-tart blood orange flavor intensifies the margarita-ness of it. ” (I think the tequila may have something to do with that too!) I halved the recipe for a smaller gathering…

Blood Orange Margaritas

Ingredients:

• 1 quart fresh blood orange juice
• 1 ½ cups fresh lime juice
• 1 ½ cups Cointreau
• 3 ½ cups silver tequila
• Kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, mix the blood orange juice with the lime juice, Cointreau and silver tequila.  Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
2. Spread a small mound of salt on a small plate.  Moisten the outer rim of 12 martini glasses with the orange wedge, then dip the rims into the salt to lightly coat.
3. Add ice to the pitcher and stir well, then strain into the prepared glasses.  Garnish each margarita with a blood orange slice and a sage sprig and serve.  (I omitted this step but had some blood orange slices in the pitcher)
4. Enjoy!!