Juicy Blood Orange Margarita Mocktail

Finding the perfect drink for those times when you want something special but alcohol isn’t on the menu can be tricky. Whether you’re the designated driver, cutting back on drinking, or just want a refreshing afternoon treat, regular sodas and juices can feel pretty boring.

That’s where this blood orange margarita mocktail comes in handy. It gives you all the tangy, citrusy flavors of a classic margarita without any of the tequila, and the blood orange adds a gorgeous color and slightly sweet taste that makes it feel like a real treat.

What Kind of Blood Oranges Should I Use?

Any variety of blood orange will work great for this mocktail, but if you have options, look for Moro or Tarocco varieties since they tend to have the deepest red color and most complex flavor. When shopping, choose blood oranges that feel heavy for their size and give slightly when you press them – this means they’re juicy and ripe. Don’t worry if you can’t find blood oranges at your local store; regular navel oranges will still make a tasty drink, you’ll just miss out on that gorgeous red color. For the best juice yield, let your oranges come to room temperature before juicing, or give them a quick roll on the counter while pressing down to break up the pulp inside.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing mocktail is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps:

• Blood orange juice: If blood oranges aren’t available, regular orange juice works great! You could also try grapefruit juice for a more tart flavor, though you might want to add a bit more agave to balance the bitterness.
• Fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference here. If you’re out of limes, try lemon juice – just use about ¾ cup since lemons are more acidic.
• Agave syrup: Simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup all work as sweeteners. Start with less if using honey or maple syrup since they’re sweeter than agave.
• Non-alcoholic tequila alternative: Don’t stress if you can’t find this specialty item. Sparkling water gives you fizz, coconut water adds tropical vibes, or plain water works too. You could even try ginger ale for a spicy kick.
• Garnish fruits: Use whatever citrus you have on hand for garnish – regular orange slices, lime wheels, or even a sprig of mint all look nice and add fresh aroma.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making blood orange margarita mocktails is using bottled juice instead of fresh – the artificial flavors and added sugars can make your drink taste flat and overly sweet rather than bright and refreshing.

Another common error is not balancing the sweetness properly, so start with less agave syrup than you think you need and taste as you go, since blood oranges can vary greatly in their natural sweetness levels.

Don’t forget to chill all your ingredients beforehand, especially if you’re using sparkling water as your tequila alternative, because warm mixers will make your mocktail taste dull and cause the bubbles to go flat quickly.

For the best flavor, roll your citrus fruits on the counter while pressing down before juicing – this breaks down the cell walls and gives you much more juice from each piece of fruit.

What to Serve With Blood Orange Margarita Mocktail?

This bright and citrusy mocktail pairs perfectly with Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or nachos loaded with cheese and jalapeños. The tangy blood orange and lime flavors also complement spicy foods really well, so consider serving it alongside some spicy shrimp, chicken fajitas, or even a bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips. For a lighter option, try pairing it with a fresh avocado salad or some grilled fish with cilantro and lime. The drink’s refreshing citrus notes also make it a great match for summer barbecue foods like grilled corn on the cob or fish tacos.

Storage Instructions

Prepare Ahead: You can mix the blood orange juice, lime juice, and agave syrup together up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. This actually helps all the flavors blend together nicely! Just add your non-alcoholic tequila alternative or sparkling water right before serving to keep the fizz.

Keep Fresh: Fresh citrus juice is always best, but your juice mixture will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days in a sealed container. The blood orange slices for garnish should be cut fresh each time you serve, since they get a bit soggy after sitting around.

Serve Chilled: This mocktail tastes best when everything is ice cold. Keep your juice mixture chilled and serve over plenty of ice. If you’re making it for a party, you can even freeze some blood orange slices in ice cubes ahead of time for a pretty presentation that keeps drinks extra cold.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 260-320
• Protein: 2-4 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 65-75 g

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice (from about 6 to 8 blood oranges)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from roughly 6 to 8 limes)
• 2 oz agave nectar
• 1 cup non-alcoholic tequila substitute, sparkling water, or coconut water
• 1 blood orange, cut into slices (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into slices (for garnish)

Step 1: Juice the Citrus Fruits

• 2 cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice (from about 6 to 8 blood oranges)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from roughly 6 to 8 limes)

Juice 6 to 8 blood oranges to yield about 2 cups of freshly squeezed blood orange juice.

Juice 6 to 8 limes to obtain 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.

Set both juices aside for mixing.

Step 2: Mix the Margarita Mocktail Base

• 2 cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice (from Step 1)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from Step 1)
• 2 oz agave nectar
• 1 cup non-alcoholic tequila substitute, sparkling water, or coconut water

In a large pitcher, pour in the blood orange juice (from Step 1), lime juice (from Step 1), agave nectar, and your choice of 1 cup non-alcoholic tequila substitute, sparkling water, or coconut water.

Stir well to combine.

I like to taste the mixture at this stage and adjust the sweetness with a little more agave nectar if needed!

Step 3: Add Citrus Slices and Chill

• 1 blood orange, cut into slices (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into slices (for garnish)

Add sliced blood oranges and lime slices to the pitcher to infuse the drink with extra citrus aroma and a festive touch.

Stir gently.

Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

When ready to serve, fill glasses with crushed ice.

Pour the cold margarita mocktail mixture over the ice.

Garnish each glass with lime wedges or additional citrus slices if you like.

For a more refreshing twist, I sometimes add a salted rim to the glasses before serving.

Juicy Blood Orange Margarita Mocktail

Delicious Juicy Blood Orange Margarita Mocktail recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice (from about 6 to 8 blood oranges)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from roughly 6 to 8 limes)
• 2 oz agave nectar
• 1 cup non-alcoholic tequila substitute, sparkling water, or coconut water
• 1 blood orange, cut into slices (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into slices (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Juice 6 to 8 blood oranges to yield about 2 cups of freshly squeezed blood orange juice. Juice 6 to 8 limes to obtain 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. Set both juices aside for mixing.
• In a large pitcher, pour in the blood orange juice (from Step 1), lime juice (from Step 1), agave nectar, and your choice of 1 cup non-alcoholic tequila substitute, sparkling water, or coconut water. Stir well to combine. I like to taste the mixture at this stage and adjust the sweetness with a little more agave nectar if needed!
• Add sliced blood oranges and lime slices to the pitcher to infuse the drink with extra citrus aroma and a festive touch. Stir gently. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill until ready to serve.
• When ready to serve, fill glasses with crushed ice. Pour the cold margarita mocktail mixture over the ice. Garnish each glass with lime wedges or additional citrus slices if you like. For a more refreshing twist, I sometimes add a salted rim to the glasses before serving.