Name: Blood Orange Hot Honey Margarita
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 1.5 oz tequila; 1 oz lime juice; 1 oz blood orange juice; ¾ oz hot honey syrup; Pinch of salt; Garnish: orange twist; 2 egg whites; 2 oz blood orange juice; ½ oz hot honey syrup

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The Blood Orange Hot Honey Margarita is a bold and sophisticated twist on a classic, marrying sweet citrus, fiery honey, and a silky foam finish for a cocktail that’s as exciting as it is elegant. Fresh lime and blood orange juices bring a vibrant tang, balanced by smooth tequila and the sweet heat of hot honey syrup. A pinch of salt subtly enhances the flavors, rounding out the profile with a savory edge. After shaking and straining over ice, the cocktail is topped with a luscious Blood Orange Hot Honey Foam—a blend of egg whites, blood orange juice, and hot honey syrup whipped into a light, airy crown. Garnished with a twist of orange, this margarita is visually stunning and full of personality—ideal for those who enjoy their cocktails with a kick of spice and a touch of elegance. Perfect for evening entertaining or an adventurous happy hour. Inspired by beautifulbooze.

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Tasting Notes

The Blood Orange Hot Honey Margarita is a bold and balanced cocktail that brings together fiery sweetness, tart citrus, and a touch of salt for a multi-sensory experience. Tequila’s earthy agave base is brightened by fresh lime and the vivid hue and flavor of blood orange juice. A homemade hot honey syrup adds complex sweetness with a subtle heat, while a pinch of salt enhances every note. Topped with a smooth, tangy blood orange hot honey foam and garnished with an orange twist, this drink is as sophisticated and vibrant as it is refreshingly unexpected.

Equipment and Glassware

To craft this layered cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling, and a jigger for precise measurement. For the foam, use a hand frother, immersion blender, or cocktail shaker to emulsify the egg whites. A fine mesh strainer ensures a clean pour, free of pulp or ice shards. Serve in a rocks glass or Nick and Nora glass over fresh ice. A citrus peeler will help create a clean, aromatic orange twist, while a strainer or bar spoon helps separate the foam when topping the cocktail.

Ingredients

1.5 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
1 oz blood orange juice
¾ oz hot honey syrup
Pinch of salt
Garnish: orange twist

Blood Orange Hot Honey Foam

2 egg whites
2 oz blood orange juice
½ oz hot honey syrup

Instructions

Shake: Add tequila, lime juice, blood orange juice, hot honey syrup, and a pinch of salt to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain: Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish: Top with Blood Orange Hot Honey Foam and orange peel

Pro Tips

Use a high-quality blanco tequila like Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Tequila Ocho for clean agave character.
Make the hot honey syrup by gently heating equal parts honey and water, then infusing it with chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Strain before use. Shake the base cocktail hard to fully integrate and chill. For the foam, ensure the egg whites are fresh and pasteurized—frothing works best when ingredients are room temperature. Double strain the cocktail to remove ice shards for a smoother texture beneath the foam.

When to Serve

This margarita is perfect for evenings when you want to impress—think dinner parties, cocktail competitions, or festive nights in. Its bold citrus, layered flavor, and silky foam make it a stunning signature drink for Valentine’s Day, blood orange season, or any occasion where a dramatic, sophisticated cocktail is called for. With its balance of sweet, tart, spicy, and smooth, it’s a dynamic drink that stimulates the palate and delights the eye.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Choose a crisp, citrus-friendly blanco tequila like Espolòn Blanco, Casa Noble, or Cazadores.
Use fresh blood oranges or premium bottled juice like Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice for authentic flavor and vibrant color.
Craft your hot honey syrup using Mike’s Hot Honey or homemade with organic honey and chili infusion.
For the foam, opt for pasteurized egg whites and whip with an aerator or shaker for best texture.
Organic limes and oranges will elevate both the garnish and the flavor of the drink.

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