Bright, citrusy and tart, this cranberry margarita is a beautiful twist on the classic margarita. Flavored with cranberry juice, rimmed with spiced sugar and garnished with fresh sage, this cocktail is perfect for a cozy night next to the fireplace.
Ingredients for Cranberry Margarita
- Sugar: Turbinado sugar is coarser and darker than white sugar, and it tastes like brown sugar. It doesn’t dissolve as easily as finer sugars, so it holds its up well when lined on a cocktail glass rim.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are lovely warming spices that impart a fall and winter flavor in our cranberry margarita recipe. Use pre-ground spices for ease or freshly ground for a bolder flavor.
- Cranberry juice: If you can find 100% cranberry juice and are willing to spend the money on it, use it. It’s incredibly tart and makes for the best cocktail. However, it can be somewhat hard to find and has a higher price tag than other juices. You can also use a cranberry-flavored juice, made from a blend of 100% juice. Aside from being more affordable, it will also be sweeter.
- Tequila: Margaritas aren’t just summer drinks! You can buy a tequila that will play up wintry flavors like cranberries, sage and warming spices. Reposado tequila has hints of caramel and is right at home here.
- Orange liquor: Triple Sec, Cointreau and Grand Marnier are all types of orange liqueurs you can use. Pick whichever fits your budget best.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the glass
Take one cocktail glass, and moisten the rim with a lime wedge. If you’d like to add the spiced sugar rim, stir together the turbinado sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small, shallow dish. Dip the rim in the spiced sugar. Fill the glass with ice.
Editor’s Tip: Avoid using small ice cubes as they melt quickly and may water down your drink. Use your largest ice cubes; they melt much less quickly.
Step 2: Shake the margarita
In an empty cocktail shaker, combine the cranberry juice, tequila, lime juice and, if desired, the orange liqueur. Carefully fill the cocktail shaker with ice until it’s three-fourths full. Pop the lid back on the cocktail shaker, and shake until frost forms on the outside of the shaker, 15 to 20 seconds.
Step 3: Pour and serve
Strain the cranberry margarita into the prepared glass. If desired, garnish with fresh sage and cranberries.
Recipe Variations
- Add a fizzy component: Finish off the drink with a splash of alcoholic canned cider or ginger beer. The extra carbonation makes this drink so fun and lively for gatherings.
- Have fun with garnishes: Keep it simple with fresh sage and cranberries, or go the extra mile with a sprig of rosemary, a dehydrated apple slice and a stick of cinnamon.
- Make a frozen cranberry margarita: If you’re a frozen margarita lover, try this frozen cranberry margarita version instead of on the rocks. Prepare the glass as directed. Place the cranberry juice, tequila, lime juice and, if desired, orange liqueur in a blender, and add 1 cup crushed ice. Cover and process until smooth.
Can I make a cranberry margarita ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a cranberry margarita ahead. Mix up the spiced sugar, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Pour the cranberry juice, tequila, lime juice and, if desired, the orange liqueur into a mason jar or airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to four days.
Cranberry Margarita Tips
What’s the best tequila for a cranberry margarita?
The best tequila for a cranberry margarita recipe is reposado tequila. This type of tequila has hints of caramel—perfect for winter! I always go for Cazadores Reposado, or explore the best tequila for margaritas for more options.
What type of glass do I serve a cranberry margarita in?
You may think the best type of cocktail glass for any margarita recipe is a classic margarita glass. While you certainly can use that, we love a short glass with a wide rim for this cocktail. It’s easier to hold when you’re cozied up next to the fireplace or sitting around playing games inside with friends while the snow falls. Plus, rocks glasses and short tumblers still have rims wide enough for lining with sugar.
