The Best Cranberry Margarita Recipe (2024)

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A delicious and refreshing cranberry margarita recipe! This is the perfect drink for the holidays, made with cranberry juice and delicious simple syrup. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, or New Year’s, or want something different to drink, make some cranberry margaritas, they’re sure to please!

I love a good margarita any time of the year, which is why we have developed a fall pumpkin margarita, a carrot margarita for spring, and a cinnamon pomegranate margarita for the holidays!

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A margarita is a classic co*cktail that is perfect for adding seasonal flavors to it. I also really enjoy the flavors of cranberry around the holiday. Cranberry and orange are one of my favorite combinations. We use it in our cranberry Moscow mules and they are delicious!

If you’re looking for more margarita recipes, try our golden margarita, coconut margarita, cucumber margarita, and honeydew margarita recipe.

IN THIS POST

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Margarita Recipe

  • The perfect balance of ingredients.
  • Made with simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
  • Easy to make and can be altered to your liking.

How to Make a Cranberry Margarita

This cranberry margarita recipe is refreshing and festive, perfect for the holiday season. The cranberry juice and simple syrup give it a delicious flavor, and the lime juice keeps it refreshing.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the best cranberry margaritas!

co*cktail Shaker and co*cktail Jigger

Margarita Glass

Citrus Squeezer

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Ingredient Notes

The full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Cranberry Juice – Use sweetened cranberry juice. The unsweet is too tart for this recipe.

Tequila – You can use gold tequila or tequila Blanco.

Cointreau– This orange liqueur adds a nice flavor to this margarita. You can use any orange liqueur you like, such as triple sec.

Cranberry Simple Syrup – This is easy to make at home, and you can find the recipe below.

Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice gives this drink the best flavor.

Orange Zest – There is nothing better than fresh orange zest! The fragrance and flavor go perfectly with cranberries. You’ll need a zester to make a fine zest.

Course Salt – If you want to salt the rim of the drink, you’ll need a plate or course of sea salt or margarita salt.

Fresh Cranberries – These are used to garnish the co*cktail. You can also add a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive spin.

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Cranberry Simple Syrup

This is easy to make! It’s made with water, sugar, and whole cranberries. Follow our cranberry simple syrup guide and you can use this to make several co*cktails! Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How To Rim a Glass with Salt

One of the most important parts of making a margarita is to rim the glass with salt. A salted rim adds even more flavor and it’s classic to a margarita.

To rim a glass with salt, simply run a lime wedge or lemon wedge around the rim of the glass. Then, turn the glass upside down and dip it into a plate of salt.

I like to use margarita salt because it’s a little bit finer than regular salt, and it doesn’t dissolve as quickly.

Tips for Making The Best Cranberry Margaritas

Here are a few tips to help you make the best cranberry margaritas:

Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.

Use good quality tequila for the best flavor. You can use any type of tequila you like, reposado tequila or silver tequila.

Make the cranberry simple syrup ahead of time so it’s ready to go when you’re ready to make the margaritas.

Rim the glasses with salt for a classic margarita look and taste.

Make sure to shake the co*cktail for 20 seconds with ice.

If the drink is too strong, top it off with some club soda.

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Cranberry Margarita Variations

  • You can use agave or maple syrup instead of cranberry simple syrup.
  • Switch out the Cointreau for orange juice.
  • Add a dash of cinnamon for some spice.
  • Use ginger simple syrup instead of cranberry for a cranberry ginger margarita.
  • Add jalapeno for a spicy cranberry margarita.
  • Use cranberry jam instead of simple syrup.

Non-Alcoholic Version

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of this cranberry margarita, simply omit the tequila and use orange juice instead of Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

We also have a margarita mocktail recipe that is so tasty!

When to Serve a Cranberry Margarita

This drink is perfect for the holidays! Christmas, New Year’s, or any holiday party would be a great time to serve cranberry margaritas. Serve them as a:

  • Thanksgiving co*cktail
  • Friendsgiving Drink
  • Themed Holiday Party co*cktail
  • Wreath Making Party
  • Valentine’s Day co*cktail

What to Serve with a Cranberry Margarita

If you’re looking for something to serve with your cranberry margaritas, try these delicious recipes:

Baked Brie – This easy recipe is a great appetizer to serve with margaritas.

Festive Cheese Platter – We love to serve this for our holiday parties.

Cranberry Muffins – These muffins are the perfect treat to enjoy with your margarita.

Easy Queso Blanco Dip – Goes perfectly with chips and guacamole.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cranberry margarita made of?

A cranberry margarita is made with cranberry juice, tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

Does tequila and cranberry juice go together?

Yes, tequila and cranberry juice go together very well! Cranberry juice is a great way to add some sweetness to the drink without making it too sweet.

What kind of ice cube do I use for a margarita?

You can use any type of ice cube you like for a margarita. I prefer to use large ice cubes because they melt slower and don’t water down the drink as much.

Best Margarita Recipes

If you’re looking for more of our favorite drinks, here is a list of some fun margaritas to make any time of year!

Hibiscus Margarita Recipe – Also has a vibrant pink color and tart flavor.

Strawberry Margarita Recipe – A sweet, fruity margarita made with fresh strawberries.

Blackberry Margarita Party Punch – Perfect for a crowd!

Lemon Margarita Recipe – A refreshing margarita made with lemon juice instead of lime.

Check out all of our best tequila co*cktail recipes!

Let us know what you think!

Now that you know how to make delicious cranberry margaritas, let us know what you think!

Leave a comment and review below and tell us how much you love this cranberry juice co*cktail.

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, co*cktails, desserts, and parties!

The Best Cranberry Margarita Recipe (6)

Cranberry Margarita Recipe

A refreshing, sweet, and tart cranberry margarita recipe!

4.50 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Calories: 208kcal

Author: Eden

Ingredients

Cranberry Simple Syrup

  • 2 ounces cranberry juice , sweet
  • 1 1/2 ounces tequila
  • 1/2 ounces Cointreau
  • 1 ounce lime juice , fresh squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce cranberry simple syrup
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • sugared cranberries, garnish
  • salt, for a salted rim

Instructions

  • Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice.

  • Add the lime juice, Cointreau, lime juice, cranberry simple syrup, tequila, orange zest, and cranberry juice.

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  • Shake with ice for 20 seconds.

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  • Rim the edge of the glass.

  • Strain the cranberry margarita into a glass filled with ice.

    The Best Cranberry Margarita Recipe (9)

Notes

Shake for 20 seconds.

If the drink is too strong, top it with sparkling water.

Use agave or maple syrup instead of cranberry simple syrup.

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

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The Best Cranberry Margarita Recipe (10)
The Best Cranberry Margarita Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

What is cranberry margarita made of? ›

For the co*cktail:

Fill a co*cktail shaker halfway with ice and add 3 ounces cranberry juice, 1 1/2 ounces tequila blanco, 3/4 ounce lime juice, and 1/2 ounces orange liqueur. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds.

What alcohol goes well with cranberry? ›

You can't go wrong with a classic! Otherwise known as a "vodka cran," the Cape Codder co*cktail is as simple as it gets: vodka and cranberry juice with a lime wedge for garnish. "I loved the tartness of this drink," says reviewer Sarah Jo.

Is Cointreau or triple sec better in margarita? ›

The classic margarita calls for Cointreau (plus good silver tequila and fresh lime juice). Because its flavor is uncomplicated by spice notes, Cointreau is very adaptable in blending, and shakes up beautifully with clear spirits as well as with brandies, and darker, aged liquors.

What can I add to my margarita mix to make it better? ›

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

Why do people add triple sec to margaritas? ›

Triple sec, a term used interchangeably with curaçao, is a type of orange liqueur that provides fruity flavors as well as sweet and bitter notes — all of which are essential for a well-made Margarita. Popular labels include Cointreau, Combier, Pierre Ferrand Curaçao, and Grand Marnier.

What is cranberry juice and tequila called? ›

These cranberry margaritas are a party in your mouth. They're sweet, tart, and pack a nice punch. But be careful, you'll want to drink more than just one! Margaritas might be the most universally loved co*cktail.

What is in a skinny girl margarita? ›

Made from premium Blue Agave Silver Tequila (yes, please) and lightly sweetened with agave nectar, the original Skinnygirl® Margarita is STILL delicious and low-calorie (really?). Yes, really. Serve this refreshingly light low-calorie Margarita in a fun glass rimmed with salt, and you and your girls are good to go!

Why is it called a dirty margarita? ›

The dirty margarita takes its inspiration from the dirty martini, a classic libation made with strong liquor and a splash of a little something not-so-clear. We swap olive juice for jalapeno brine, making this a drink that packs the heat–and a punch.

What not to mix with cranberry? ›

Possible Interactions
  1. Warfarin (Coumadin): Cranberry may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take medications to thin the blood such as warfarin. ...
  2. Aspirin: Like aspirin, cranberries contain salicylic acid. ...
  3. Other medications: Cranberry may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver.

What is a vodka and cranberry called? ›

The Cape Cod or Cape Codder is a type of co*cktail consisting of vodka and cranberry juice. Some recipes also call for squeezing a lime wedge over the glass and dropping it into the drink.

How do you make cranberry co*cktail taste better? ›

The orange enhances the cranberry flavor in the best possible way! Other great mixers for cranberry juice are grapefruit juice and pineapple juice. Cranberry juice also goes well with alcohols such as vodka, rum, gin, champagne, or red wine.

Can I use Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau in a margarita? ›

Can You Substitute One Orange Liqueur for Another? In general, the answer is yes, you can substitute Grand Marnier for Cointreau or other types of triple sec, and vice versa.

Which is better Grand Marnier or Cointreau? ›

If you appreciate a more complex palate, Grand Marnier is the best option. For a lighter drink, go with Cointreau. For those who are always looking to save a buck, Cointreau is less expensive. Either way, you will have a great orange liqueur that will help you mix up some delicious drinks and treat your guests.

Which is stronger Cointreau or Grand Marnier? ›

Grand Marnier vs Cointreau Fast Facts

Both have 40% alcohol by volume. Cointreau is unaged, while Grand Marnier contains barrel-aged cognac. Grand Marnier debuted its orange-and-cognac liqueur in 1880, whereas Cointreau became available in 1885. Grand Marnier is typically more expensive.

What was the original margarita made with? ›

The Original Margarita

The Margarita was originally created when Dallas socialite Margarita Sames mixed her two favorite spirits, Cointreau and tequila, together with lime juice while on vacation in Acapulco back in 1948.

What is a substitute for triple sec in a margarita? ›

Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that is commonly used in margaritas. If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

What is the precursor to margarita? ›

In his book, Imbibe, co*cktail historian David Wondrich agrees that the margarita was invented during the above timeframe. He says that the drink evolved from The Daisy, a classic co*cktail popular at the time that mixed alcohol, citrus juice and grenadine, and served over shaved ice.

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