A Taste of Love. . .

I have been saving this Rick Bayless recipe for Sal del Mar's Valentine's Day celebration for several months, because it "speaks" Valentine with its silky, smooth texture and rich, voluptuous color.

To describe this Blood Orange Margarita more than that is difficult - except to say not only does the blood orange and the Cointreau bring a sweet/tart flavor but the blood orange color is rich and intense.
 

I use martini glasses for my margaritas and I put them in the freezer to get frosty.

Blood Orange Margarita (from Rick Bayless)
Makes 9 cocktails

2/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup 100% agave silver tequila
1/2 cup Cointreau
2 cups fresh blood orange juice (you’ll need about 6 juicy blood oranges)
A lime half for moistening the glass rims
SAL DEL MAR 
Ice cubes (you’ll need about 6 cups—small ones are best)

In a large pitcher, stir together the lime juice, sugar and 3/4 cup water until the sugar has dissolved.

Add the tequila, Cointreau and blood orange juice. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Moisten the rims of three 6-ounce martini glasses with the cut side of a lime half. Spread SAL DEL MAR on a small plate, then upend the glasses into the salt to crust the rims.

 Fill a cocktail shaker about 3/4 full of ice and measure in 1 1/2 cups of the margarita for 3 drinks. Cover and shake for about 15 seconds to thoroughly chill the mixture.

Strain into the prepared glasses and hand to your guests.

When you’re ready, finish the remaining margaritas in the same way.