If you are craving a cocktail that beautifully balances tartness, sweetness, and a festive splash of color, then the Cranberry Margarita is your new best friend. This vibrant twist on the classic margarita brings together the bright zing of cranberry juice, the smooth warmth of tequila, and citrusy accents that dance on your tongue. Perfect for cozy winter evenings or holiday gatherings, the Cranberry Margarita isn’t just a drink—it’s a joyful celebration in a glass.

Cranberry Margarita Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients are all you need to whip up a Cranberry Margarita that bursts with fresh flavors and looks stunning too. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tart cranberry juice adding vibrant color, to the citrus juices that provide brightness and balance.

4 tablespoons 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened): Adds a naturally tart and refreshing flavor as well as a rich, inviting color.

3 tablespoons tequila: Gives the cocktail its warming kick and authentic margarita soul.
2 tablespoons Cointreau: Brings a lovely orange sweetness that complements the cranberry tang.

2 tablespoons orange juice: Adds additional fruitiness and softens the edges of the tart cranberry.
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: The essential acidic burst that brightens and balances every sip.

1 tablespoon simple syrup (or maple syrup): Sweetens the drink just enough to round out the tartness without overpowering.
Kosher salt or flaky sea salt (for the rim): Creates the classic margarita salt rim that enhances every mouthful.
Ice (for serving): Ensures your Cranberry Margarita is refreshingly chilled and crisp.

Lime wedges, cranberries, rosemary sprig (for garnish): Elevate the presentation and add a fragrant, festive touch.

How to Make Cranberry Margarita

Step 1: Prepare the Glass Rim

Start by wetting the rim of your cocktail glass to make sure the salt sticks perfectly. Take a fresh lime wedge and make a small cut in the center so the juice flows easily—run this around the rim for a beautiful, sticky surface.

Step 2: Salt the Rim

Dip the moistened edge of your glass into a plate filled with kosher or flaky sea salt. The salt adds a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail and adds that signature margarita flair.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Add cranberry juice, tequila, Cointreau, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, then shake vigorously until the mixture is chilled and perfectly blended—a frosty, flavorful mix ready to be enjoyed.

Step 4: Pour and Serve

Strain the chilled Cranberry Margarita into your salt-rimmed glasses over fresh ice. This keeps the drink cool longer and maintains the crisp textures you love in a margarita.

Step 5: Garnish for Festivity

Add a few fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of rosemary on top. Not only do these garnishes lift the cocktail visually, but they also contribute subtle aromas and extra flavor moments. Now your Cranberry Margarita is ready to wow!

How to Serve Cranberry Margarita

Garnishes

Garnishing your Cranberry Margarita with bright, tart cranberries, fresh lime wedges, and fragrant rosemary sprigs gives it a festive vibe that’s perfect for special occasions and holiday cheers. These touches bring an inviting aroma and enhance the overall drinking experience.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with light Mexican fare such as fresh guacamole, zesty shrimp tacos, or a vibrant corn salsa. The balance of tart and sweet in the Cranberry Margarita offsets the rich and savory flavors of these dishes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Cranberry Margarita in a chilled coupe glass for an elegant touch, or use festive glassware adorned with holiday ribbons or mini candy canes to elevate the celebration spirit. You can even freeze cranberries and rosemary in ice cubes to add a decorative and cooling effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Cranberry Margarita left, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir before serving again to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.

Freezing

This cocktail isn’t ideal for freezing once mixed as the texture and flavor balance might suffer. However, you can freeze the cranberry juice separately in ice cube trays for chilling future drinks without dilution.

Reheating

Since this is a cold cocktail, reheating is not recommended. Instead, always serve your Cranberry Margarita well chilled or over fresh ice to preserve the refreshing, crisp qualities that make it so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use cranberry cocktail juice instead of 100% cranberry juice?

Using cranberry cocktail juice, which is typically sweetened, can alter the balance of your Cranberry Margarita by making it sweeter than intended. For that perfect tartness, 100% unsweetened cranberry juice is best.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Cointreau?

If you don’t have Cointreau, try triple sec or another orange liqueur. The flavor profile will be similar and still provide that citrusy depth important for a great Cranberry Margarita.

Is maple syrup a good alternative to simple syrup?

Yes! Maple syrup is a wonderful natural sweetener that gives the drink a subtle complexity. Since it’s a bit heavier, use the same amount as simple syrup and adjust as needed based on your sweetness preference.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Absolutely! Omit the tequila and Cointreau, then increase the cranberry and orange juice slightly, adding a splash of sparkling water for fizz. This way, you get the delicious flavor without the alcohol.

How far in advance can I prepare the mix?

You can prepare the cocktail mix without ice and store it in the fridge for up to one day. Shake or stir well before pouring over fresh ice and garnishing with lime and cranberries.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sipping a Cranberry Margarita—its zesty blend of tart cranberries and citrusy sparkle makes every moment feel festive and bright. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself, this cocktail recipe invites you to slow down, savor the flavors, and enjoy the little celebrations in life. Go ahead and mix up a batch—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed a margarita without this gorgeous twist.

Cranberry Margarita Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and tangy cranberry margarita made with unsweetened cranberry juice, tequila, Cointreau, orange and lime juices, and simple syrup, served with a salted rim and garnished with cranberries, lime wedges, and rosemary for a festive twist on the classic margarita.

Instructions

Wet the rim: Take a lime wedge, make a small incision in the center, and run the lime around the rim of a glass to moisten it.
Dip in salt: Dip the edge of the moistened rim into a plate of kosher or flaky sea salt to coat it.
Mix cocktail ingredients: Add the cranberry juice, tequila, Cointreau, orange juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the mixture is cold and well combined.

Pour: Strain the chilled cranberry margarita into the prepared glass with salted rim, then fill the glass with fresh ice.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the drink with fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Adjust quantity: Feel free to double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings.

Notes

Use unsweetened 100% cranberry juice for a balanced tartness; avoid cranberry cocktail blends with added sugar.
Simple syrup can be substituted with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Chill the cocktail shaker and glasses ahead of time for an extra cold drink.

Fresh garnishes like rosemary add a lovely aroma complementing the cranberry and lime flavors.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup according to taste.
To keep it low calorie, reduce or omit the simple syrup.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Cocktail

Method: Shaking
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approximately 8 oz)

Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 90mg

Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0.5g

Protein: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cranberry Margarita, Cocktail, Tequila Drink, Holiday Cocktail, Festive Drink, Cranberry Cocktail