Drinks

Cranberry Margarita Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

The cranberry margarita is a vibrant twist on the classic margarita, combining tart cranberry juice with citrus and tequila for a refreshing, festive drink. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple treat, this cocktail is quick to make and delightfully flavorful.

A clear glass filled with bright red drink and several ice cubes inside, rimmed with coarse sugar crystals. A thin wooden skewer with three red cranberries is placed across the top of the glass, and a fresh green lime wedge is positioned on the rim. Some small green herb leaves float in the drink. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred yellow lemon slice and red cranberries scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tablespoons 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
3 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons Cointreau
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup (or maple syrup if you don’t have simple syrup on hand)
Kosher salt or flaky sea salt (for the rim)
Ice (for serving)
Lime wedges, cranberries, and rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Wet the rim of your glass. Take a lime wedge, make a small incision in the center, and run it around the rim to moisten it.
Step 2: Dip the moistened rim into a plate of kosher salt or flaky sea salt, coating the edge evenly.
Step 3: Add the cranberry juice, tequila, Cointreau, orange juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Step 4: Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
Step 5: Strain the cranberry margarita into the prepared glass and fill the glass with fresh ice.
Step 6: Garnish with cranberries, a lime wedge, and a rosemary sprig before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra tartness, add a splash more fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor.
Use maple syrup as a natural sweetener if you prefer a richer taste over simple syrup.
Try rimming the glass with sugar instead of salt for a sweeter finish.
Double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd with ease.

Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can mix the ingredients (without ice) and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving and add fresh ice.

How to Serve

A tall cocktail glass with a twisted stem holds a drink with two main layers: a deep red at the bottom and a light pink at the top, filled with ice cubes. The glass rim is coated with coarse salt, and a skewer with three red berries rests across the rim. Behind the glass, a second similar drink is visible but blurred. The glass sits on a light wooden round board beside loose red berries, a lime wedge, and a few sprigs of green rosemary. The background shows blurry hints of cut citrus fruits and a metal jigger on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but keep in mind that cranberry juice cocktail is sweeter and less tart, so it may change the overall balance of the margarita. Adjust the simple syrup accordingly.

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

You can substitute Cointreau with any orange-flavored liqueur such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier. If you don’t have any, a splash of fresh orange juice can be used, but the flavor will be less concentrated.