Cara Cara oranges are in season, and today I have recipes for two delicious Cara Cara cocktails! Not sure what I’m talking about? Cara Cara oranges are a bit sweeter than regular oranges and the insides are pinkish-reddish. They’re in season from December-April and I have found them at normal grocery stores and the commissary, as well as higher end grocery stores and produce delivery services. But while both of these cocktail recipes were created with Cara Cara oranges in mind, they would work with any kind of orange!

First up is the Cara Cara margarita. You won’t need any sweetener, since the oranges are naturally sweet, but if you decide to use a more sour orange, you may want to add a tiny bit of agave or honey to taste.

Cara Cara margaritas

(makes two margaritas)
5 ounces freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
2 ounces orange liqueur
4 ounces tequila
Ice
Cara Cara or lime slices for garnish
Salt for the rim of the glasses (optional)

Rub a lime wedge or Cara Cara wedge around the edge of two margarita glasses, then dip them in salt to coat. Fill glasses with ice.

Combine the Cara Cara orange juice, lime juice, orange liqueur and tequila in a large cocktail shaker and shake to combine (you can also put it in a large glass or small pitcher and stir). Pour into the prepared glasses, garnish as desired, and enjoy!

The next Cara Cara cocktail is a twist on a pina colada. It has a lot of coconut flavor while still giving hints of bright and sunny orange. Super fun and tropical and sweet!

Cara Cara colada

(Makes one large cocktail or two small cocktails)
4 ounces Cara Cara orange juice
1.5 ounces cream of coconut (please note this is not the same as coconut cream. Coco Lopez is the kind I normally use)
1.5 ounces rum (I used light rum but dark rum would also be delicious!)
2 cups ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend well. Pour into a large cocktail glass and garnish with a Cara Cara slice.

Hope you get to try some seasonal citrus in these Cara Cara cocktails! Pin to save the recipes for later.

Cheers!