(My Neighbor’s) Cara Cara Orange Margaritas

Cara Cara Orange Margaritas are refreshing, tangy, and super easy to whip up! Make this recipe on the rocks or frozen, but don’t forget to rim your glass with tajin for an extra burst of zesty flavor. Citrus is at its best in the winter, but you can enjoy this vibrant cocktail year-round!

Why You’ll Love Cara Cara Orange Margs

Regardless of the time of year, margaritas are a go-to cocktail in my household! I normally have a pitcher of classic margs whipped up when I’m hosting, but I love to tweak my classic recipes to make them seasonal. 

People often think of citrus as a summer fruit because the flavor is so bright and energizing, but it’s really at its best in the winter! I’ve made some blood orange margaritas before, but this time I was inspired by my neighbors. They have a tree full of cara cara oranges that were beckoning to me!

This orange variation looks like grapefruits with their pinkish flesh, but they’re sweet and tangy – perfect for a cocktail. I rim my glass with tajin since it complements the citrus so well, but you can go with a classic salt or sugar rim if you’d like! Whip up these citrus margs for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or just for girl’s night. Let me know what you think! 

Ingredients

This is a super simple margarita recipe that packs a ton of flavor. You’ll only need a few ingredients to make your tastebuds come alive!

• Blanco tequila
• Fresh lime juice
• Cara cara orange juice – If you can’t find cara cara oranges easily, you can use any kind of orange. The flavor just won’t be as intended. Feel free to grab an extra orange and use it to garnish your drink too!  
• Cointreau (or orange liquor)
• Tajin (for the rim) – If you can’t find tajin but still want a little bit of spice, make your own concoction of seasonings. Mix chili powder and coarse sea salt to rim your glass. 

How To Make Cara Cara Orange Margaritas

Step 1: Rim With Tajin

Start by running a lime wedge around the rim of an old-fashioned or coupe glass. Tip the glass onto a plate coated with tajin and then shake off the excess. 

Step 2: Mix Alcohol

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and then add the tequila, lime juice, cara cara orange juice, and Cointreau. Shake this mixture for 15-20 seconds. 

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Strain the margarita into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge (or orange if you can’t get enough of the flavor!). 

FAQs

What is a cara cara orange?

It’s a type of navel orange that has a pinkish flesh and tangy/sweet flavor. It’s seedless and has very little pith so it’s easy to peel and clean. 

Can I make orange simple syrup?

That would be so yummy! Follow this simple syrup recipe and swap the water for juice from the orange. You can also add the peel for extra flavor, just carefully pull it out at the end. Use your simple syrup for cocktails, mocktails, salad dressings, or drizzling over dessert. 

Do cara cara oranges taste like grapefruit?

While this variety of orange looks a lot like a grapefruit, they don’t taste the same at all! These oranges maintain the classic orange flavor but with a bit more tanginess. Grapefruits, however, are a lot more bitter. 

How long are cara cara oranges good for?

You can keep them on the counter for 4-5 days or in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizers: Serve your margs with goat cheese bruschetta or jalapeno cheese pretzels to start your gathering off right. If you are hosting for Taco Tuesday, try this Mexican appetizer snack platter, pineapple mango salsa, or steak fajita nachos.
• Main Course: As for the main event, you can serve these margs with just about anything, but I especially recommend a healthy taco salad, spicy shrimp tacos, or chipotle black bean burgers.

More Margarita Recipes To Try

• If you’re looking for more spicy fruity combinations, try these spicy mango margaritas!
• A Cadillac margarita is one of my favorite classic marg recipes.
• Try some frozen mango margaritas with a chili rim for a refreshing treat.
• This Italian margarita recipe will transport you to the Amalfi coast with one sip!
• Hibiscus margaritas are fresh, fruity, and floral – perfect for a girl’s night!

If you make this Margarita recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!