Cranberry Margarita

A cranberry margarita is perfect for any season, but it makes an especially festive Thanksgiving or Christmas cocktail! The tart cranberry juice mimics the lime you find in classic margarita recipes, plus it saves time spent squeezing the fresh berries. A honey simple syrup comes together quickly with warm water, honey, and some easy whisking. If you want to dress this cocktail up, garnish it with sugared cranberries! This a great drink for a holiday celebration!

How do you make a cranberry margarita?

Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Combine cranberry juice (we like the cocktail juice vs. 100% pure cranberry juice, as it's a little lighter), lime juice, tequila blanco, orange liqueur such as triple sec, and simple syrup. Give it a good shake—for at least 10 to 20 seconds—to properly chill and combine all of the flavors. Strain into a cocktail glass (over ice if you like) and garnish with a few frozen cranberries. The cranberries make a festive garnish, while keeping the drink cold!

How do you make cranberry margaritas for a crowd?

This recipe is easy to make in a big batch, and can be prepped ahead of time. It's an entertainer's dream! Start by determining how many margaritas you need to make, then add the cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and honey simple syrup to a pitcher, doubling, tripling, or quadrupling the ingredients below as needed. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill. When it comes time to serve, you can simply give the mixture a good stir before divvying it up between glasses of ice. Or, for the best flavor, work in batches to shake up the margaritas in a cocktail shaker.

How do you make simple syrup?

Regular simple syrup works for this recipe and is great to have around for any cocktail party. But this cranberry margarita recipe includes a twist on classic simple syrup. Rather than granulated sugar, the sweetness in this syrup comes from honey! Honey offers a rounder, more floral sweetness than granulated sugar which compliments the cranberry juice. It couldn't be easier to make. Just whisk together honey and warm water, then let it cool to room temperature.

How long does the honey simple syrup last in the fridge?

This syrup holds well in the refrigerator for up to one month. It can be used for many different cocktails, or other beverages like sweet tea!

Should I dip the rim of the glass in salt?

This part is totally optional! Tequila pairs well with salt, as do the tart flavors of lime and cranberry. Dredge the rim in salt, or use a coarse sugar, like sparkling or turbinado sugar, if you prefer drinks on the sweeter side.