*These Blood Orange Margaritas are tart, sweet, refreshing, and addictive. They’re the perfect vibrant antidote to the winter gloom.*

For the last two years, I’ve gone to Mexico in February or March for a delightfully fun late-winter getaway. I know, I’m lucky, right?!? Both times were with my family, and it served as the perfect warm retreat from the winter blues. I mean, when a vacation involves lots and lots of lying about the beach, copious amounts of fish tacos, and the most beautiful tropical sunsets – how could it not be paradise? Oh, and there were plenty of margaritas, too, of course.

Our hotel had a rooftop bar, and it quickly became vacation tradition to watch the sunset from the roof while enjoying a frosty cocktail, before heading out on the town for dinner. Ahhh… a cold margarita, some chips and salsa, the beautiful, vibrant reds and oranges of the sun setting over the water. I’m starting to feel more relaxed just thinking about it. So, you’ll understand if I can’t help but associate margaritas with these warm, tropical vacations.

Unfortunately, we won’t be making it to Mexico this winter. So, I’m consoling myself with this blood orange margarita, which is the perfect wintery variation on this classic cocktail. I start with the usual suspects: tequila, some triple sec, an easy simple syrup, and plenty of fresh lime juice. One final ingredient – freshly squeezed blood orange juice – rounds everything out with the perfect sweet, tart finish. Blood oranges – abundant at the farmer’s market right now – are the most vibrant, sweet, flavorful antidote to the gloomy winter chill. So cheers to a little slice of paradise, right here at home.