Description

This Cranberry Margarita recipe is a vibrant twist on the classic margarita, featuring unsweetened 100% cranberry juice for a tart and refreshing flavor. Balanced with tequila, Cointreau, orange juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is perfect for festive occasions or a relaxing evening. The salted rim adds a savory contrast, while garnishes of cranberries, lime wedges, and rosemary sprigs enhance the visual appeal and aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Drink 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)
Ice (for serving)

For the Glass Rim and Garnish

Kosher salt or flaky sea salt (for the rim)
Lime wedges (for wetting the rim and garnish)
Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

Wet the Rim: Take a lime wedge, make a small incision in the center, and run it around the rim of your glass to moisten it, ensuring the salt will stick properly.
Dip in Salt: Carefully dip the moistened rim into a plate of kosher salt or flaky sea salt to create a salted edge that complements the cocktail’s flavors.
Mix 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 vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
Pour the Cocktail: Strain the shaken cranberry margarita into the prepared cocktail glass filled with fresh ice, taking care to keep the salted rim intact.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cocktail with cranberries, lime wedges, and a rosemary sprig for an inviting look and aromatic touch. Serve immediately.
Optional Scaling: To serve more guests, double or triple the recipe ingredients and mix accordingly.

Notes

Use unsweetened 100% cranberry juice to avoid excessive sweetness and maintain the cocktail’s tartness.
If you don’t have simple syrup, pure maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative.
Chilling the cocktail shaker and ingredients beforehand can make the drink even more refreshing.
For a salt alternative, try using smoked salt or chili-lime salt for a unique flavor twist.
Adjust the sweetness and tartness to taste by modifying the amount of simple syrup and lime juice.

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: Cranberry margarita, cranberry cocktail, tequila drink, festive cocktail, holiday margarita, refreshing drinks