Marigold Blood Orange Margarita
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Updated Oct 06, 2025, Published Nov 01, 2022
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Tart, sweet, boozy, and bright — this Blood Orange Marigold Margarita is the ultimate cocktail for celebrating Día de los Muertos in style. Ruby-red blood orange juice, smooth tequila, and fresh lime juice come together for a festive, uplifting drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
This Blood Orange Marigold Margarita is featured in my cookbook Muy Bueno Fiestas, where I share how to make marigold syrup for a floral twist. In this version, I’m keeping it simple and approachable — made with fresh citrus juice, tequila, and orange liqueur.
What is a Blood Orange Marigold Margarita?
A blood orange margarita is a refreshing tequila cocktail made with freshly squeezed blood orange juice and lime juice. My twist includes homemade cempasúchil (marigold) syrup, inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions. The syrup adds subtle floral and citrus notes that balance the tart orange flavor — like sunshine in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & festive – That deep red-orange hue is stunning for fall celebrations.
- Floral & citrusy – The marigold syrup adds unique flavor and seasonal meaning.
- Quick & easy – Only a handful of ingredients and ready in minutes.
- Perfect for parties – Mix up a batch for your next fiesta or cozy girls’ night in.
- Versatile – Easily make it a mocktail by omitting the tequila.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Blood Orange Marigold Margarita — simple, beautiful, and bursting with fresh flavor.
- Blood Oranges: Their deep crimson color and tangy-sweet flavor make this drink extra special. If you can’t find them, use Cara Cara or regular navel oranges for a similar citrusy brightness.
- Limes: Always go for freshly squeezed lime juice when making cocktails. It makes all the difference and keeps your margaritas tasting vibrant and crisp.
- Tequila Blanco: A smooth, 100% agave blanco tequila is perfect here. For a fun twist, infuse your tequila with marigold petals and cinnamon sticks for a warm, floral flavor that ties beautifully to Día de los Muertos traditions.
- Orange Liqueur: Acts as the sweetener and adds a smooth citrus note. You can use Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or triple sec. For a more floral version, try my homemade cempasúchil syrup from Muy Bueno Fiestas.
- Ice: Fresh, clean ice is key for shaking up the perfect margarita. It chills, aerates, and slightly dilutes the cocktail, giving it that smooth bar-quality texture.
- Coarse Salt: A salted rim balances the tart citrus flavors beautifully. Mix the salt with crushed dried marigold petals, a pinch of sugar, or even a little Tajín for a festive, flavorful twist.
- Marigold Flowers: Optional, but absolutely stunning. Edible marigolds not only look gorgeous as a garnish — they also add meaning and color to your Día de los Muertos celebration.
How to Make Blood Orange Marigold Margaritas
Step 1: Prepare the glasses. Mix coarse salt and dried marigold petals on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, dip in the salt mixture, and fill with ice.
Step 2: Shake it up. In a cocktail shaker, combine the freshly squeezed juices, tequila, and marigold syrup or orange liqueur. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15–30 seconds until chilled.
Step 3: Serve. Strain into the prepared glasses, garnish with a blood orange slice, and serve immediately. ¡Salud!
Optional Variations
- Sparkling Margarita: Add a splash of club soda for a touch of fizz.
- Mocktail Margarita: Skip the tequila and top with sparkling water or blood orange soda for a bubbly, floral refresher.
- Batch Margaritas: Mix a pitcher for your next celebration — simply scale the ingredients and shake or stir before serving.
Expert Tips
- Shake vigorously to properly chill and aerate your drink, creating a light, frothy texture.
- Use 100% agave tequila for the smoothest, cleanest flavor.
- Always use fresh citrus juice for the best taste — bottled juice can dull the brightness.
- Add meaning to your cocktail by using marigolds, the traditional Día de los Muertos flower symbolizing remembrance and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
A blanco tequila works beautifully. Its crisp flavor lets the citrus and marigold syrup shine. For extra depth, infuse your tequila with marigold petals and cinnamon sticks for a warm, aromatic touch.
Marigolds (cempasúchil) are known as the “flower of the dead.” Their brilliant color and fragrance are believed to guide spirits back to the living world. Including them in this cocktail is a beautiful way to honor loved ones.
Yes! Simply skip the tequila, shake the citrus juices with the marigold syrup, and top with sparkling water or soda for a festive mocktail version.
Not at all! These cocktails look stunning served in glass goblets or short tumblers with a marigold-salt rim.
Yes! Navel or Cara Cara oranges work beautifully — the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less tangy, but still delicious.
More Festive Cocktails
If you tried this Blood Orange Marigold Margarita or any other cocktail from my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Blood Orange Marigold Margarita (Cempasúchil Margarita)
Ingredients
- 3 blood oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 4 ounces tequila blanco, (or mezcal for a smoky twist)
- 2 ounces orange liqueur, or cempasúchil (marigold) syrup
- ice
- Coarse salt, for glass rims
- Dried or fresh marigold flowers, optional for rim and garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine freshly squeezed blood orange and lime juice with tequila, orange liqueur (or marigold syrup), and ice. Shake vigorously for about 15–30 seconds until chilled.
- Strain evenly into two salt-and-marigold-rimmed glasses filled with ice.
- Top each glass with a slice of blood orange and, if desired, a marigold flower. ¡Salud!
Video
Notes
- You can find dried marigold flowers here.
- If you can’t find blood oranges substitute with naval oranges.
- Mocktail margarita: Omit tequila and triple sec and top drinks with blood orange soda or sparkling water for some fizz.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Jenna Sparks
