Skip the overly sweet bottled margarita mixes and make margaritas from scratch. These Sparkling Cara Cara Margaritas use freshly squeezed citrus, blanco tequila, Cointreau and a splash of sparkling water to deliver bright, balanced flavor without the syrupy cloying sweetness of processed mixes.
Three things about Sparkling Cara Cara Margaritas:
- Cinco de Mayo is approaching fast.
- Memorial Day and summer are right behind it.
- Margaritas are the unofficial drink of hot weather — and they feel even more essential if you live in the tropics.
With warm weather on the way, it helps to have a few reliable margarita recipes and riffs to serve at barbecues, picnics, beach days and poolside gatherings. Sparkling Cara Cara Margaritas are one of my favorites because they taste fresh, bright and refreshing.
We’ve all tried those bottled margarita mixes — syrupy and vaguely citrus-like — that ask only for ice and tequila. Often you need a lot of tequila to mask the sweetness. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy a margarita made from fresh juices? For this version I use fresh lime and Cara Cara orange juices for natural sweetness and bright acidity.
What are Cara Cara oranges?
Cara Cara oranges, sometimes called red navels, are a seedless navel variety with reddish-pink flesh and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. They juice well and offer a fragrant, ambrosia-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with lime in cocktails.
For this margarita I combine Cara Cara juice with fresh lime juice to balance sweet and sour without relying on lots of simple syrup or agave. The result is a brighter, less cloying cocktail.
Making margaritas from scratch
- After juicing, check for excess pulp. If you prefer a silky drink, strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer. If you like texture, keep the pulp — either approach works.
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim lightly in margarita salt. Fill the glasses with crushed ice if you want the coldest, most refreshing drink; use whole ice cubes if you prefer sipping slowly.
- Combine the fresh juices, tequila and Cointreau in a cocktail shaker with about 1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste).
- Add ice, shake until very cold, then strain into the prepared glasses over ice. Top each drink with a splash of sparkling water. The bubbles add a light fizz and help cut sweetness, making the cocktail feel more refreshing on a hot day.
- Garnish with a wedge or slice of lime and a slice of Cara Cara orange, or both.
- Enjoy your Sparkling Cara Cara Margarita under a shade umbrella, at a backyard party or by the water.
I use both Boston and cobbler shakers at home. The cobbler-style shaker has a built-in strainer and is quick to use; the Boston shaker is classic and efficient, though sometimes the seal can be stubborn. Use whichever you prefer.
For the sparkling finish you can use seltzer, club soda or a flavored sparkling water. Prosecco, cava or other sparkling wines also work if you prefer an extra festive touch, though a chilled bottle of sparkling wine might tempt you to switch to flutes for the afternoon.
When a bottle of sparkling wine is available I sometimes trade the margarita for a glass of bubbly — both are excellent ways to keep cool.
More tropical drinks to try:
- Pineapple Mojito
- Planter’s Punch
- Key Lime Colada
- Bubbly Passion Fruit Mojito
More margaritas you’ll love:
- Cucumber Margarita with Jalapeño
- Pineapple Margarita
- Prickly Pear Margarita
- Blood Orange Margarita
- Watermelon Margarita
- Shaken Mango Margarita
Sparkling Cara Cara Margarita
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 ounces tequila blanco (I used Patron Silver)
- 1 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 1 ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed, about 2 limes)
- 4 ounces Cara Cara orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or more to taste)
- splash sparkling water
- ice cubes
Garnish & To Serve:
- lime wedge
- margarita salt
- crushed ice
- sliced lime
- sliced Cara Cara orange
DIRECTIONS:
-
Juice enough Cara Cara oranges and limes to yield the amounts listed. If the juice is pulpy and you prefer a smoother texture, strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
-
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass and press the rim into margarita salt. Set the glasses aside.
-
In a cocktail shaker combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, Cara Cara juice and simple syrup. Add ice, secure the lid and shake until very cold.
-
Fill prepared glasses with crushed ice, strain the margarita over the ice, add a splash of sparkling water, garnish with lime and orange slices, and serve.
NUTRITION:
Carbohydrates: 16 g |
Sodium: 6 mg |
Potassium: 113 mg |
Sugar: 14 g |
Vitamin A: 115 IU |
Vitamin C: 32.6 mg |
Calcium: 6 mg |
Iron: 0.4 mg
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