Spiced Orange Margarita (with Tequila & Spiced Rum)

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A Cozy Spiced Orange Margarita for Citrus Season

Do you ever feel like you're in the mood for a margarita but it's too cold out? If so, then I'm excited for you to try this spiced orange margarita. It has all the same appeal as a traditional margarita, but in a cozier package. It works great for chilly evenings during citrus season, especially alongside some comforting Mexican-inspired fare.

This flavor-packed winter margarita is a cozy riff on the classic that’s perfect for a winter weekend. It features a 50/50 mixture of tequila and spiced rum, bringing seasonal spices to a margarita base. Swapping orange juice for the usual lime juice enhances the warming flavors and celebrates the magic of citrus season.

Personally speaking, I'm a big believer that margaritas should be a year-round cocktail. That's why I have both this spiced orange margarita and also a ginger margarita here on the blog. Whether you're hosting a cozy taco night, throwing a party on a chilly evening, or having some Mexican-inspired fare for Christmas or New Year's Eve, you'll definitely want this winter margarita in your arsenal.

Spiced orange margarita made with both tequila and spiced rum, served with a salted rim and fresh orange slices, styled with tortilla chips and avocado for a winter party.

Are Rum and Tequila Good Together?

You may wonder whether you can mix rum and tequila. The answer is definitely yes! These two spirits complement each other beautifully, and can create a vibe that melds Mexico with the tropics. In this spiced rum margarita in particular, the spiced rum adds a nice richness and a cozy, warming flavor to the tequila. You'll see that I suggest using a reposado (aged) tequila, which has a complex flavor and can stand up to the rum.

Other Rum Tequila Cocktail Recipes to Explore

Interested in some other rum tequila cocktail recipes? For summer parties, try this Blackberry Coconut Margarita or this Coconut Paloma; both are fun, fresh, colorful, and perfect for a BBQ or a deck hang-out. For a spring or summer brunch, this Coconut Campari Tequila Sunrise is eye-catching and elegant.

Spiced Rum Tips

For this cozy margarita recipe (and every spiced rum cocktail recipe here on the blog), I use Koloa Rum Kaua'i Spice. My husband and I spend every winter on Kaua'i and always bring back bottles, although you can get it in many locations on the mainland and can also order it online through spirits distribution sites. Note that Koloa's version is unique among spiced rums; it has a beautiful amber color, while most tend to be very dark. This spiced rum margarita will work best with an amber-colored spirit so that the final cocktail is orange rather than brown.

Cozy spiced orange margarita made with fresh orange juice, tequila, and spiced rum, garnished with a salted rim and orange slices, shown in a bright kitchen with purple flowers.

Spiced Orange Margarita Variations

There are a lot of ways that you can change up this unique cozy margarita to make it work for you. In terms of the citrus, feel free to experiment with any type of oranges including navels, cara caras, tangelos, tangerines, or clementines. Each will yield a slightly different flavor and color.

Looking to make this rum tequila cocktail a bit more hydrating? I love to add a splash of coconut water, especially if we've been hiking a lot. Feel free to decrease the amounts of tequila and rum too; there are enough other flavors here that you can easily make it half-strength, especially if you add the coconut water. And remember that you always have options when it comes to ice; a few large cubes keeps it stronger, while crushed or pebble ice makes it gentler and more hydrating.

Hosting a party? This spiced orange margarita works great in a pitcher; just multiply by the number of servings you want. With all these options, this spiced rum margarita will work for however you're serving it and whoever you're serving it to.

Close-up of a spiced rum margarita with orange juice and reposado tequila, served with a salted rim and paired with tortilla chips for a winter citrus cocktail party vibe.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this spiced orange margarita recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Reposado tequila. Reposado, or "rested", tequila has been barrel-aged for 2-12 months. It has a more complex flavor than its lesser-aged counterpart, blanco (or silver) tequila. Because reposado has a subtle whiskey-like vibe, it's the perfect fit for this spiced rum margarita. You could also use an anejo tequila (aged 1-3 years) instead.
  • Spiced rum. Make sure you choose a spiced rum that is amber-colored rather than dark, otherwise the vibrant color of this orange margarita will look muddy. I love to use Koloa Rum Kaua'i Spice.
  • Fresh-squeezed orange juice. Feel free to use navel oranges, clementines, or tangerines, or a mix of all three.
  • Agave. Optional. If you like a less-sweet drink, you'll likely want to skip the agave since oranges are much sweeter than limes.
  • Garnishes. I like to garnish this drink with a salted rim and orange slices.

Margarita made with rum, tequila, and orange juice, shown in a white kitchen with a bottle of Koloa Kaua'i Spice Rum.

Closing Thoughts

Doesn't this spiced rum margarita seem perfect for a cozy winter evening at home? I love that it's easy to make and uses just a few simple ingredients, plus it can be made in a large batch or customized to order. It's definitely a great choice for entertaining and is sure to steal the show with its unique flavors. Whether you're hosting a chili party, having friends over for Super Bowl, or doing a date night at home, this spiced orange margarita is the perfect way to reconcile your desire for a margarita with winter weather.

If you've never tried a rum tequila cocktail before, I hope this recipe will convince you. The combination of rich aged tequila, warming spiced rum, and sweet orange is divine. Cheers and have fun!

Orange margarita made with tequila and spiced rum, finished with a salted rim and fresh citrus slices, for cozy winter entertaining.

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Caramelized Onion Guacamole

Loaded Vegan Black Bean Dip

Spicy Skillet Orange Jalapeno Brussel Sprouts

One-Pan Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

High-Protein Vegan Taco Pasta

Disclosure: This recipe has been developed through a paid partnership with Koloa Rum. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.

Spiced Orange Margarita (with Tequila & Spiced Rum)

This spiced orange margarita blends tequila and spiced rum with fresh orange juice for a cozy winter citrus cocktail that's a unique twist on a classic.

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • 1 oz reposado tequila
  • 1 oz amber-colored spiced rum
  • 3 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 0.25 oz agave, optional
  • Margarita salt for garnish
  • Orange slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Salt the rim of a highball or rocks glass.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, rum, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and agave (if using), then shake well with ice.
  3. Strain the margarita into the prepared serving glass and garnish with orange slices.

Leave a Comment

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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