Blood Orange Margaritas

What is the fastest way to feel the warmth of summer during an awful winter? Make a tropical drink, of course! I have to credit my sister for the idea to even make margaritas today, because she texted me this morning asking about brands of tequila (of which I am no expert. Vodka is a different story, but that's for another post). She planned to make margaritas for a Mexican fiesta she was preparing, and then it occurred to me that I was also making my own Mexican fiesta for our friends tonight, and so must also have margaritas! And then, my little brain remembered a recipe for blood orange margaritas I pinned a short while ago on Pinterest. And then, I realized that it is winter, which means that blood oranges are IN SEASON. And so the rest is history. I give you my new favorite drink. It's delicious, beautiful, full of vitamin C (it is!), and will make you rethink your aversion to tequila. Cheers!

Skinny Blood Orange Margaritas
-adapted from cookieandkate.com
 

I adjusted the proportions to make 8 drinks. 

• 1 1/2 cups silver/blanco tequila (plus a little more to float atop the drink, if you so desire). Get something nice, you will taste it.
•  2 cups fresh blood orange juice or the juice of caracara oranges, or even regular oranges (I should have taken a picture of the pile of citrus. If you need a good hand workout, here it is)
• 1 cup fresh lime juice (yes, this is a lot of limes. Probably about 8. Don't even think about grabbing the fake one with fake gross juice in it.)
• 8 teaspoons light agave nectar (you can also use a quick simple syrup--just take 3 T water and 3 T sugar and put in small jar. Shake vigorously until sugar is dissolved)
• pure vanilla extract (optional, but I'd recommend it)
• kosher salt or sugar for the rim (I'm a salt girl)

Salt or sugar your rim (rub an orange or lime wedge over it first) and add ice to your glasses. Mix tequila, juices, and agave nectar in a small pitcher. Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in enough for a couple drinks, shake vigorously, and then strain into the glasses. Repeat as necessary to make everyone happy. If desired, add a drop of vanilla extract to each drink (don’t pour it straight from the bottle, I poured a bit in a tiny bowl and then dipped a spoon into it and then dropped a drop or two in each glass). Float more tequila on top of the drink if your husband doesn't think it's quite strong enough. Oddly, you really do need more tequila than you think you might. It cuts the acidity of the juices and makes it taste less strong if you can believe it. Garnish with an orange slice. Try not to chug it before everyone else has tasted their drink. 

I went to snap a picture of just the drink, and my husband insisted that I hold it since I am not often (ever?) pictured on this blog. So here you go. The coordination of the drink and my shirt was pure accident. 

I will be buying this tequila again. It was  not the most expensive one in the store (and happened to be on sale), but the guy at the store told me it was the best tequila in the store, in his humble opinion. Sold.