What's the best glassware for serving cranberry margaritas?

While a margarita glass, coupe, or rocks glass might be a classic way to serve margaritas, feel free to serve these cheerful cocktails in any glass (or combination of glasses) for a festive touch.

What other ways can I garnish a cranberry margarita?

While a wedge or slice of lime is a simple and pretty garnish, you can also garnish this drink with a twist of lime or orange peel, or sugared cranberries for a festive touch.

What food pairs well with cranberry margaritas?

These cocktails pair well with a variety of dishes, including Mexican cuisine, traditional holiday meals, or seasonal fall and winter dishes.

Cranberry Margarita Recipe

Name: Cranberry Margaritas
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 oz. (1 cup) Cranberry Simple Syrup, divided; Margarita salt; 8 oz. (1 cup) blanco tequila, divided; 2 oz. (1/4 cup) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), divided; 6 oz. (3/4 cup) fresh lime juice (from 4 medium limes), divided; Ice; Lime slices

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Servings:

4

Margaritas are usually associated with summertime when the weather is warm, but this cranberry margarita recipe proves that doesn't have to be the case.

We created a cold-weather margarita infused with a tangy and sweet cranberry simple syrup. Fresh lime juice and bright orange liqueur round out this tequila cocktail. The real star of the drink, however, is the sweet-salty rim made using the same simple syrup, which gives the edge of the glass a beautiful pink hue. Well-balanced and refreshing—mark our words—you’ll be sipping on one of these all winter long.

Learn how to make a cranberry margarita, and declare it your new favorite seasonal sipper.

Ingredients for Cranberry Margaritas

This colorful twist on a classic margarita combines the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of fresh lime. To make cranberry margaritas, you'll need:

Cranberry simple syrup: Sweetens and adds a vibrant cranberry color and flavor to the margaritas. Also used to help the salt rim adhere to the glasses.
Margarita salt: Coats the rim of the glasses for a classic margarita presentation while balancing the flavors of the drink.
Blanco tequila: Also known as silver or white tequila, blanco tequila is the purest form of tequila, letting the flavor of agave shine.
Orange liqueur: Adds a citrusy, fruity flavor to the margarita.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a tart, fresh flavor. The acidity balances and freshens the other flavors of the drink.
Ice: Chills the drink.
Lime slices: For a colorful presentation and fresh burst of acidity.

How To Make Cranberry Margaritas

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or jazzing up a casual happy hour, this festive cocktail is a must-try. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Salt the rims: Place 2 ounces simple syrup in a shallow dish; place margarita salt in a separate dish. Dip 4 glasses into syrup to coat rims, then into salt. Set aside.
Step 2. Combine ingredients: Shake to chill and combine 4 ounces tequila, 1 ounce orange liqueur, 3 ounces lime juice, and 3 ounces simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Step 3. Strain margarita, garnish, and serve: Fill 2 of the prepared glasses with ice, and strain margarita over ice into glasses. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Garnish with lime slices.

What Type of Tequila Is Best for Cranberry Margaritas?

While we recommend blanco tequila for its crisp, clean flavor, any type of tequila will work nicely in this drink. Reposado tequila can add depth and a subtle sweetness to the margaritas; añejo tequila, an aged variety, can add a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel; and gold or mixto tequila can be used in a pinch. Ultimately, the best tequila for cranberry margaritas should be based on your taste and what you keep on hand.

Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Margarita?

Non-alcoholic cranberry margaritas can be every bit as delicious as those made with tequila and orange liqueur. For a non-alcoholic version, swap the liqueur for orange juice and cranberry juice in the place of the tequila. Adjust the quantity of ingredients to taste.

Can I Make Cranberry Margaritas Ahead?

While cranberry margaritas should be shaken and served immediately, there are a few items you can prepare in advance:

Prepare the cranberry simple syrup up to 2 weeks in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Prepare lime garnishes up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Rim the glasses with salt up to a few hours in advance. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

What Other Flavors Can I Add To Cranberry Margaritas?

For a unique twist on this colorful cocktail, consider these variations:

Herbs: When preparing the simple syrup, add rosemary, thyme, sage, or other preferred herbs for an earthy depth.
Spices: Fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can be added to the simple syrup for warmth and complexity.
Citrus: Add orange or lemon peel or zest to the simple syrup for a boost in citrusy flavor.
Fruity twist: When preparing the simple syrup, replace some of the cranberries with diced pears, cherries, apples, or other favorite fruits for a duo of flavors.

More Cranberry Cocktail Recipes You'll Love

Is there anything more cheerful than a ruby-hued cocktail? We think not. These festive cocktails are just what your next party needs:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

8 oz. (1 cup) Cranberry Simple Syrup, divided
Margarita salt
8 oz. (1 cup) blanco tequila, divided
2 oz. (1/4 cup) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), divided
6 oz. (3/4 cup) fresh lime juice (from 4 medium limes), divided
Ice
Lime slices

Directions

Salt the rims:

Place 2 ounces of the Cranberry Simple Syrup in a small shallow dish; place margarita salt in a separate shallow dish. Invert 4 glasses into Cranberry Simple Syrup to coat rims with syrup. Place each inverted glass into margarita salt to coat rims. Set aside.
Combine ingredients:

Add 4 ounces of the tequila, 1 ounce of the orange liqueur, 3 ounces of the lime juice, and 3 ounces of the Cranberry Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well-chilled, about 15 seconds.
Strain margarita, garnish, and serve:

Fill 2 of the prepared glasses with ice, and strain margarita over ice into glasses. Repeat procedure with remaining tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, Cranberry Simple Syrup, ice and prepared glasses. Garnish with lime slices, and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best glassware for serving cranberry margaritas?

While a margarita glass, coupe, or rocks glass might be a classic way to serve margaritas, feel free to serve these cheerful cocktails in any glass (or combination of glasses) for a festive touch.
What other ways can I garnish a cranberry margarita?

While a wedge or slice of lime is a simple and pretty garnish, you can also garnish this drink with a twist of lime or orange peel, or sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
What food pairs well with cranberry margaritas?

These cocktails pair well with a variety of dishes, including Mexican cuisine, traditional holiday meals, or seasonal fall and winter dishes.