Delicious Orange Margaritas
As the quarantine continues and we do our part to stay home, my craving for a good craft cocktail has continued into the weekend. I was going through the fridge when I came across the bag of Cara Cara oranges I had purchased for a brunch table that we canceled. The fresh bright fruit looked so refreshing, like it was begging me to take them inside and see what they could be.
I walked over to my obnoxiously stocked bar cart (I am always drinking wine our liquor sits around for years collecting dust!) and spied the 1800 tequila in the back, boom there the margarita was born.
What is a Cara Cara orange?
I too was not educated on this citrus which is kind of crazy since I am a native Florida girl and citrus is kind of a big deal here. Well after some research online and personal snacking I learned that the Cara Cara orange actually comes out of California, and is delicious! Now it's making sense why these were so new to me :)
Cara Cara oranges have distinct pinkish-red and orange flesh. It’s not just their beautiful color that makes them stand out — they have a remarkable taste that goes right along with it. Compared to traditional navels, Cara Caras are sweeter, slightly tangy, and less acidic, with a hint of red fruit, like cranberry or blackberry. And if that’s not enough, they’re seedless, too.
(Image credit:Kelli Foster)
How to make a Cara Cara Margarita
Ingredients (makes 1 serving):
2 oz tequila
3 oz Cara Cara juice
1 oz lime juice
1/8 oz tres agaves organic agave nectar
ice
Directions:
Squeeze the oranges to make the fresh juice (3 oz)
Combine all the ingredients into a shaker cup
Shake to combine
Pour all ingredients including ice into glass and enjoy!
*To transport the margarita stir ingredients in a large measuring cup and store in an airtight container (I used a swell), then later poured over ice*
I wouldn't make these margaitas too far in advance or store the mixture too long, I would say the best flavor is when you enjoy these drinks right after you've made the mixture. If you're going to make a large batch, combine ingredients but do not use ice until you are serving.
*Photos show me making 4 margaritas to take with me on the boat that day, I multiplied everything by 4 and it turned out perfect!*
*I also used a juicer to make my orange juice - needed 4 oranges to juice 12 ozs, it was a creamier liquid than when I made a single serving a week ago which I did hand squeeze, the flavor was slightly more bitter using the juicer since it incorporated the rind*
