Cranberry Margarita Recipe: A Festive Twist on the Classic

As winter approaches, why not add a fresh twist to the classic margarita? This cranberry margarita builds on the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries, bringing the traditional version into a whole new seasonal vibe. With its vibrant color and refreshing taste, it’s perfect for family gatherings and adds warmth and fun to casual drinks with friends.

Jump to:

• Introduction
• Tools Needed
• Ingredients
• Steps to Make
• Nutritional Information
• Notes

Introduction

The margarita is a classic cocktail from Mexico, loved for its refreshing taste. The traditional recipe typically includes tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Today’s version builds on this foundation with the addition of cranberry juice, introducing a unique sweet-tart balance and a more vibrant color—perfect for enjoying during the chilly winter months.

Tools Needed

• Shaker: For mixing and chilling all ingredients.
• Jigger: For accurately measuring each ingredient.
• Strainer: To strain out ice and fruit pulp, giving a smoother texture.
• Margarita Glass: The ideal choice for serving this drink.

You can also add some Christmas-themed swizzle sticks and cocktail picks to garnish your carefully crafted cocktail and enhance the winter ambiance.

Ingredients

• Tequila (2 oz): Its unique herbal notes contrast with the sweet-tart cranberry flavor, enhancing the drink’s refreshing quality and adding depth.
• Cranberry Juice (2 oz): Adds a sweet-tart fruitiness that enriches the overall flavor while bringing a vibrant red hue for a festive touch.
• Orange Liqueur (1 oz): Provides a mild sweetness and subtle orange aroma, balancing the drink so it isn’t overly tart.
• Lime Juice (1 oz): The fresh, tangy flavor adds vibrancy to the cocktail, balancing the taste and highlighting the cranberry and tequila.
• Ice (as needed): Not only chills the ingredients but also helps blend them well during shaking for a balanced flavor profile.

Steps to Make

1. Pour the tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice into the shaker.

2. Add ice, filling the shaker about 1/2 to 3/4 full.

3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty and cold.

4. Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass.

Finally, garnish with a few cranberries, a lime slice, or mint leaves to add a touch of color and aroma to your drink.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

• Tequila (2 oz)
• ABV: 35-55%
• Calories: 128 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g

• Cranberry Juice (2 oz)

• ABV: 0%
• Calories: 26.4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Sugar: 6 g

• Orange Liqueur (1 oz)

• ABV: 15-40%
• Calories: 93 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6.8 g
• Sugar: 6.8 g

• Lime Juice (1 oz)

• ABV: 0%
• Calories: 7.1 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Sugar: 0.5 g

Total Nutritional Information

• ABV: 14-25%
• Calories: 254.5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14.8 g
• Sugar: 13.3 g

Notes

Reducing Sugar: If you’re looking to lower sugar content, try using sugar-free cranberry juice.

Balancing Tartness: To soften the tart flavor, you can add a bit of simple syrup or reduce the amount of lime juice.

Adding a Frosted Rim for a Winter Touch: Dip the rim of the glass in lime juice, then coat it with sugar to create a “frosted” look, adding a festive visual appeal.

Try a Splash of Soda Water: For a lighter feel, add a small amount of soda water at the end to make the drink extra refreshing.

Other Recommended Recipes

Cranberry Moscow Mule

Christmas Mojito

Peppermint Espresso Martini