This Cranberry Margarita is an alcoholic beverage with a vibrant blend of tequila, cranberry, and citrus for a refreshing cocktail. And, it is as pretty to look at as it is delightful to sip! It’s the perfect cocktail to enjoy in the winter months when cranberries complement the holiday spirit and toast at your New Year’s Eve parties, or any party! I also have a Cranberry Vodka Slush which is a popular holiday drink.

Glass of Cranberry Margarita Cocktail
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Ingredients & Substitutions

Salt Rim: Sticking with a classic part of a margarita, we can’t forget the salted rim! This salted lime rim enhances the overall taste of the cranberry margarita. I prefer kosher or coarse salt. But, you could use table salt or margarita salt as substitutes.

Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is added to the salted rim as well as to the margarita. You could use bottled juice if that is what you have on hand, but freshly squeezed is best!

Tequila: Choose a brand of tequila that you like to drink. If you are not a fan of tequila, you could substitute vodka.

Cranberry Juice: I prefer 100% cranberry juice in this margarita, which is less sweet than a cranberry juice cocktail. However, you could use your favorite variety of cranberry juice. Add more or less juice to taste.

Orange Liqueur: Look for orange liqueur like Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Orange Curacao. It brings brightness and zestiness to the drink.

Garnish: To tie it all together, garnish the drink with fresh cranberries and lime wedges. You could also add sugared cranberries for added sweetness.

Cranberry Margaritas on a platter with christmas decorations.

Can I Make A Cranberry Margarita Without A Cocktail Shaker?

Yes, you can still enjoy this adult beverage without a cocktail shaker. You could simply mix the drink with a spoon in a large pitcher or glass. Be sure to stir it well. Or, for a shaker effect, use a travel coffee mug with a lid. Make sure the opening mouth part is securely shut and shake away! Then, just open it up to pour in a glass.

Frozen Cranberry Margarita

If you prefer a frozen margarita rather than a margarita over ice, it’s easy to make! If you have a blender (and the ingredients, of course), it’s simple to make a frozen cranberry margarita. Add the ingredients to a blender with about a cup or a cup and a half of ice. (You can always add more ice to reach your desired consistency.) Blend on high until smooth. Then, pour it into the salted-rim glasses! Cheers!

Hand holding a Cranberry Margarita.

Can I Make A Large Batch Ahead Of Time?

Sure! If you are hosting a party, simply prepare the mixture (tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice) in a large pitcher or bowl. Do not add ice at this time or it will dilute the drink. Cover the container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 24-48 hours. When ready to serve, pour it over ice in the salted rim glasses.

Glass of Cranberry Margarita Cocktail

Cranberry Margarita

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
This Cranberry Margarita is an alcoholic beverage with a vibrant blend of tequila, cranberry, and citrus for a refreshing cocktail. And, it is as pretty to look at as it is delightful to sip! It's the perfect cocktail to enjoy in the winter months when cranberries complement the holiday spirit and toast at your New Year's Eve parties!

Ingredients

Rim

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Drink

  • 4 ounces tequila
  • 6 ounces cranberry juice
  • 2 ounces orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
  • 2 ounces fresh lime juice
  • ice cubes
  • fresh cranberries, for garnish
  • lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

Rim

  • Set out two small plates. On the first plate, add the lime juice. Add the salt to the second plate.
  • Wet the rim of a lowball glass with the lime juice and then in the salt, turning to coat. Repeat with the other glass. Set aside.

Drink

  • To a cocktail shaker, add tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, lime juice, and ice. Shake until chilled.
  • Fill each lowball glass with ice. Strain the cranberry mixture evenly into each glass. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cranberries. Cheers!

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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

This is a great spin on a traditional margarita! The cranberry adds a subtle tart flavor to the drink!

Elizabeth

This is a festive and enjoyable drink! It wasn't too sweet and just the right amount of tartness. It will be the perfect holiday cocktail!

Bella

This is an excellent cocktail for the holidays! The tartness from the cranberries adds a little zing to the drink.

Selena

I loved this! I adore margaritas anyway and love the addition of cranberry juice for a festive look for the holidays!

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Reader Comments

  1. Yesssss! I was literally daydreaming of a holiday drink I would want to enjoy! If someone wanted a pitcher of these , say for a holiday party would you triple this?? Thank you!!

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