If you are looking for a festive cocktail for the holiday season, then this cranberry margarita is for you. It's tart, sweet, and boozy all in one glass, bringing the holiday vibes to you. This cranberry margarita will be your go to for seasonal parties or just a relaxing night in. Although this is perfect for your next Christmas get-together, feel free to enjoy it year round.
Why You Will Love A Cranberry Margarita
- Make-Ahead Friendly - Don't stress over mixing each guest's separate glass. This recipe is great for preparing ahead of time.
- Easy to Make - With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, you will have the perfect holiday cocktail.
- Festive Flavor - The tartness of cranberries is a holiday in a glass. From Thanksgiving to Christmas and every party in between, a cranberry margarita will be your go-to cocktail.
- Flavor Balance - Not too tart, not too sweet, just the right balance. Then throw in the tequila, perfection.
Tools
- Cocktail Shaker - This makes the process easier, but no worries if you don't have one.
- Stirring Spoon - If you don't have a cocktail shaker or are making a big batch, grab a spoon to mix everything.
- Citrus Juicer - This is only needed if you are squeezing lime juice by hand. If you are using bottled lime juice, no worries.
- Bar Jigger or Measuring Cups - To measure out the juices and alcohol.
- Serving Glasses - Don't have fun margarita glasses? No problem. Go wild here and use whatever glassware you have, I use whiskey glasses.
- Small Plate - If you are going to salt or sugar the rim, you will need to grab a small plate.
Ingredients
Before you head to the recipe card for exact measurements, here’s a quick look at what you’ll be using.
- Tequila - Hands down the most essential ingredient in a margarita. I use silver tequila in my margaritas.
- Cranberry Juice - The fruity tartness of cranberries, not too tart, provides the perfect signature holiday margarita flavor.
- Lime Juice - Balances the cranberry juice flavor and adds a bit of tradition to the cranberry margarita.
- Orange Liqueur - Adds a touch of citrus to the margarita and complements the cranberries' flavor.
- Ice - For serving “on the rocks”.
- Salt or Sugar - Optional, if you want to salt or sugar the rim.
- Fresh Cranberries and Limes - Optional garnishes that add to the festive look.
Instructions
- If you are salting or sugaring the rim, run a lime wedge along the inside and outside of the glass rim. Dip the rim in a plate of either salt or sugar. Set the glass aside.
- In a cocktail shaker (if not using a shaker, I will add notes in the tips section), add the lime juice, cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and ice.
- Shake it, like, really good.
- Add ice to your glassware, then strain the cranberry margarita into the glass.
- Garnish with cranberries and lime wedges if desired.
- Enjoy!
Tips For the best cranberry margarita
- Freeze cranberries and use them in place of the ice in your glass. The frozen cranberries will keep your margarita cold and prevent it from diluting down.
- No Cocktail Shaker - No problem. Add your ingredient minus the ice to your glassware. Stir well, then add ice.
- Scale this recipe and mix in a large pitcher. Refrigerate and then serve directly into glasses.
- If this is too tart for your taste, add ½ ounce of simple syrup or agave.
Variations
- Frozen Cranberry Margarita - Add your ingredient along with a bit of ice and pop into the blender for a frozen slushy version.
- Sparkling Cranberry Margarita - Add a splash of sparkling water for a bubbly version.
- Spicy Cranberry Margarita - Add fresh jalapeño slices when mixing, and garnish with a jalapeño slice.
If you love cranberries
- Cranberry Apple Sangria - This is a perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples. The perfect cocktail for holiday celebrations.
Cranberry Margarita
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Glass 1x
Description
This cranberry margarita recipe is sure to be a holiday favorite. A festive twist on a classic margarita made with cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur. An excellent cocktail for one, but even better for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- Ice
- Salt or sugar for rimming the glass (optional)
- Fresh cranberries or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
If you are salting or sugaring the rim, run a lime wedge along the inside and outside of the glass rim. Dip the rim in a plate of either salt or sugar. Set the glass aside.
-
In a cocktail shaker (if not using a shaker, I will add notes in the tips section), add the lime juice, cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and ice.
-
Shake it.
-
Add ice to your glassware, then strain the cranberry margarita into the glass.
-
Garnish with cranberries and lime wedges if desired.
-
Enjoy
Notes
- Freeze cranberries and use them in place of the ice in your glass. The frozen cranberries will keep your margarita cold and prevent it from diluting down.
- No Cocktail Shaker - No problem. Add the ingredients minus the ice to a glass and mix well. Add the ice.
- Scale this recipe and mix in a large pitcher. Refrigerate and then serve directly into glasses.
- If this is too tart for your taste, add ½ ounce of simple syrup or agave.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Cocktails
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