Whenever I receive a beautiful box of Limoneira lemons, Cara Cara Oranges, or Blood Oranges, I become excited; mainly because I know I will be making some delicious cocktails! Limoneira Ranch has expanded their orchards to include some specialty citrus. Thanks to the brand, i’ve learned some new ways to use my citrus fruits (other than putting them in salads and in cocktails). 

I decided however, that when a box of blood oranges arrived at my door… i’d make a cocktail. The blood oranges by Limoneira are absolutely stunning. The juice is flavorful and perfectly colored. Here is one of my favorite recipes using Limoneira blood oranges:

Blood Orange Mezcal-Rita: by Sara Lehman of Somm In The City

1 Limoneira Blood Orange

3.5 oz Alacrán Mezcal 

1.5oz Lime Juice

TT Salt (for rim if desired)

Dried Orange Slice (for garnish)

Method: In a shaker, juice the blood orange completely. Next, measure out your mezcal and lime juice. The blood orange juice is sweet enough, you do not need simple syrup, however if you feel you do, add in some agave. Add ice to the shaker and shake well. Pour into a cocktail glass, garnish with a dried orange, and enjoy!

*Ps. I used Alacrán Mezcal due to it’s smokiness and smoothness. It happens to be one of my top choices for Mezcal, especially for cocktails!

Uses for specialty citrus – courtesy of Limoneira

  1. Deodorize – Squeeze the juice of one Cara Cara or blood orange and the juice of one lemon into the liquid detergent compartment. Run the dishwasher while empty and set to steam dry. The citric acid in the fruit will help neutralize the odor, leaving your kitchen smelling sweeter in no time!
  2. Exfoliate – A good face scrub is a key component in any skincare routine. Take 2 TBSP coconut oil, ½ a juiced Cara Cara or blood orange, and ¾ cup coarse sugar. Mix together and use as an exfoliating scrub on clean hands or on your body.
  3. Hydrate – Did you know that Vitamin C is good for your hair, as well as you skin? Create an orange-lemon rinse using: ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon honey. After straining the lemon and orange juice for pulp, add all ingredients together. After shampooing your hair as normal, pour the orange-lemon rinse into your hair slowly, massaging it into your scalp and working it through the hair to the ends. Leave in for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Your healthy, shiny hair will thank you!
  4. Clean – What you’ll need: a glass jar, citrus peels (two oranges, one grapefruit and one lemon), white vinegar and a clear spray bottle. Simply trim away as much of the white pith as possible from the citrus peels and place in a jar. Pour in enough white vinegar to cover the peels and cover the top of the jar. Let this mixture sit for 1-2 weeks, or until the vinegar has turned dark orange. It should also smell of oranges – if it doesn’t, allow it to sit longer and/or add more peels. Shake the jar every 2 days to speed the process – then, transfer to spray bottle and use as desired.
  5. Snack – Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend simply snacking on these delicious citrus fruits from time to time. Eating an orange a day can go a long way towards keeping your skin and hair healthy! And if you’re on the hunt for recipes, the Limoneira Pinterest and YouTube

 

Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love… please pair responsibly!