If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail that bursts with smoky flavor, sunshine-bright citrus, and pure summer magic, this Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Classic margaritas meet a campfire twist thanks to charred oranges and a whisper of smoked sea salt—every sip is a mini-vacation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievable Smoky Citrus Flavor: Grilling fresh oranges adds a caramelized depth that turns every sip into a cocktail adventure!
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Those charred citrus wheels and a smoked sea salt rim make your glasses look straight out of a trendy bar.
- Margaritas, But Elevated: This is not your average margarita—the addition of grilled fruit and quality tequila delivers a flavor experience guests will rave about.
- Surprisingly Simple: It looks gourmet, but all you need is a grill and a few fresh ingredients to pull this off.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe shine is its short but powerful ingredient list. Every component is here for a reason—from the juicy navels to the bold smoked salt—guaranteed to deliver unforgettable flavor in your glass.
- Navel Oranges: Go for ripe, juicy oranges, since they’re the star of the show and their natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Anejo Tequila: This aged tequila brings notes of vanilla and oak, pairing phenomenally with grilled citrus—skip the silver, trust me!
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds the zingy tang we love in margaritas and balances the sweet richness of grilled oranges.
- Smoked Sea Salt: That smoky, mineral kick on the rim brings all the flavors into focus and makes every sip pop.
- Fresh Lime Wheels: When grilled, they become not just a garnish but an edible accent, adding aroma and visual drama to your margarita.
Variations
One of the best things about the Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you want to make it sweeter, smokier, or even non-alcoholic, there’s a twist for everyone—go ahead and experiment!
- Switch Up the Tequila: Try a smoky mezcal instead of anejo tequila for another layer of complexity with an earthy bite.
- Rim with Tajín: Swap the smoked salt for a chili-lime seasoning blend if you love a little kick on the rim.
- Make It a Pitcher Cocktail: Scale up the ingredients for a crowd and serve in a big jug, perfect for parties and backyard BBQs.
- No Alcohol? No Problem: Sub in sparkling water or club soda for the tequila for a refreshing, grilled orange mocktail everyone can enjoy.
How to Make Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe
Step 1: Get the Grill Going
Fire up your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high and let it get hot. Preheating is essential for those gorgeous char lines and juicy, caramelized fruit flavor we’re after in this Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe!
Step 2: Char the Oranges
Lay your halved navel oranges cut side down on the grill. In about 10 minutes, the edges should be beautifully charred and the orange flesh slightly softened—that’s when you know the sugars have gone golden and smoky.
Step 3: Juice and Strain
Let your oranges cool for about 8 minutes so you can handle them comfortably. Then, squeeze out all the grilled juice (get every last drop!) and strain it to remove the pulp for a silky, smooth margarita base.
Step 4: Mix Up the Magic
In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed grilled orange juice, anejo tequila, and fresh lime juice. Give it a good stir—you’re just steps away from margarita bliss!
Step 5: Rim and Garnish
Pile a little smoked sea salt on a plate, rub a lime wedge around each glass, and dip to coat the rim. Grill your lime wheels at the same time as the oranges for an eye-catching garnish with a hint of toasty flavor.
Step 6: Pour and Enjoy
Drop a large ice cube (or a handful of regular cubes) into each glass. Divide your Grilled Orange Margarita among the glasses, perch a grilled lime wheel on each rim, and let the summer sipping begin.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe
- Mastering the Grill: Use a grill that’s hot but not scorching—you want caramelization, not burnt fruit. Medium-high is the sweet spot.
- Choosing the Right Orange: Look for navels that feel heavy and juicy; lighter ones tend to be drier and less flavorful after grilling.
- Strain for Perfection: Don’t skip the straining step! Removing the pulp gives you that silky, restaurant-quality margarita texture.
- Salt Rim Techniques: For extra wow factor, try rubbing a little orange zest into your smoked salt before rimming the glasses.
How to Serve Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe is half the fun—those charred lime wheels are a must for a burst of color and grilled aroma! Fresh orange twists, edible flowers, or even a sprig of thyme take the presentation (and the fragrance) to the next level.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs fabulously with zesty guacamole, tortilla chips, shrimp tacos, or grilled veggies. The smoky citrus flavor is amazing alongside spicy or salty snacks—the dream summer appetizer hour!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe up a notch by serving it in mason jars for a rustic vibe, or in coupe glasses for a touch of glam. Use mini grill marks on individual orange slices for a playful, chefy touch, or line a tray with fresh orange leaves beneath the glasses for a citrus grove feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover margarita (I won’t judge if you don’t!), stash it in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors mellow and meld together—just give it a quick stir before serving again.
Freezing
This recipe wasn’t designed for freezing, but you can get creative and freeze some of the margarita mixture in ice cube trays—perfect for tossing into the next batch to keep things ice cold and undiluted!
Reheating
No need to reheat—margaritas are best served frosty cold! If you find your batch has lost some chill, simply add plenty of fresh ice and maybe a splash more grilled orange juice for freshness.
FAQs
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Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh grilled oranges?
Bottled juice will work in a pinch, but you’ll completely miss out on the deep, sweet-smoky notes that make this Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe so special. Trust me, taking that extra step with the grill is worth it!
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What’s the best tequila for this margarita?
Anejo tequila is my pick. Its silky, barrel-aged flavor matches beautifully with the caramelized citrus. You can use reposado for a lighter touch or mezcal for a big smoky hit.
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Can I make the Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Grill and juice the oranges in advance, mix with tequila and lime juice, and store chilled. Rim glasses and add garnishes just before serving for the freshest look and taste.
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Is the smoked sea salt essential?
The smoked sea salt adds a delicious barbecue-y dimension, but you can substitute with regular flaky sea salt or even a chili-lime salt if you prefer. Each option gives a fun twist to the rim!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your margarita game from good to jaw-droppingly great, this Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe is calling your name. I hope you’ll light up the grill, gather your friends, and let each sip transport you to your own tropical getaway. Cheers to smoky perfection and unforgettable moments!
Print
Grilled Orange Margarita Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Grilled Orange Margarita recipe brings a smoky twist to the classic cocktail with charred oranges and Beechwood Smoked Sea Salt, creating a refreshing and unique drink perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 navel oranges, halved
- 1 1/4 cups Anejo Tequila
- 6 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- Smoked Sea Salt
- 1 lime, cut into 6 wheels. Grilled to use as garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Oranges: Place orange halves cut side down on the grill and cook until well charred, approximately 10 minutes.
- Extract Orange Juice: Allow the grilled oranges to cool for about 8 minutes. Squeeze the juice from the oranges, strain, and discard pulp. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of juice.
- Mix the Margarita: In a pitcher, combine the grilled orange juice, tequila, and lime juice. Mix well.
- Prepare Glasses: Spread Beechwood Smoked Sea Salt on a small plate. Rim a rock glass with lime and dip into the smoked sea salt.
- Serve: Add ice to the glass, pour in the margarita mixture, and garnish with grilled lime wheels.
Notes
- Drink responsibly. This recipe is intended for individuals of legal drinking age.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
