Cranberry Margarita

A vibrant and flavorful cranberry margarita is full of holiday cheer! With just 4 ingredients, it’s easy to make and can even be scaled up to a big batch cocktail.

about this cranberry margarita

Does tequila go with cranberry juice? The only answer is heck YES. The combination of cranberry and tequila is a delicious one, and it gives a festive spin to one classic cocktail in particular… the margarita.

With Thanksgiving this week and holiday gatherings kicking off, you need a festive cocktail that is easy to make and fun for everyone to drink. I always have some sort of themed cocktail for any gathering I host.

Why?

Because it is EASY and this recipe along will get you through the entire holiday season. You can select a cocktail (ahem, like this one), make it ahead of time, and serve it in glasses filled with ice with a festive garnish. That way, you aren’t stuck playing bartender all night! The drinks are made and guests can pour their own. It makes a festive accent to any party whether it’s a cocktail party or a dinner party.

The cranberry margarita is a simple twist on the classic margarita, giving it a tart and tangy flavor. In addition to the flavor, that crimson color is pretty irresistible. You will find that it goes with all of your favorite foods, even those that are not Latin-inspired (you don’t have to just pair it with tacos, after all!).

So, raise a festive toast with a cranberry margarita this holiday season!

ingredients

cranberry juice. Use 100% cranberry juice for this drink! You should not use cranberry juice cocktail as it is sweetened and will change the flavor of the drink.

lime juice. Fresh lime juice is always best!

orange liqueur. Use an orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. You can also use triple sec, but the former two give the cocktail much better flavor.

tequila. I prefer using blanco or silver tequila. Generally I will use a mid-range option like El Jimador or Dobel. You can use something more top shelf if you prefer like Patron.

this recipe’s must haves

You will need the usual cocktail tools to create this drink. A jigger for measuring ingredients. A cocktail shaker to make the cocktail. Finally, a cocktail strainer to strain it before serving.

here’s how to make a cranberry margarita

rim glass

Rub the edge of a cocktail glass with a lime wedge. Add salt to a small shallow plate. Run the wet rim of the cocktail glass through the salt to create the salt rim. Set aside.

shake

Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in cranberry juice, orange liqueur, tequila, and lime juice. Shake well to combine.

strain

Fill rimmed cocktail glass with ice. Strain margarita mixture into the rimmed glass. Garnish and serve.

tips and tricks

use unsweetened cranberry juice. Make sure that you use unsweetened cranberry juice (usually labeled 100% cranberry juice). Do not use cranberry juice cocktail as this juice is sweetened and will make the drink too sweet.

try a sugar rim. You don’t have to use salt if you prefer sugar! A cranberry margarita works with either a salt or sugar rim!

use fresh garnish. Fresh cranberries and a lime wheel are the perfect garnish!

don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar filled with ice, seal, and shake!

More tasty cranberry cocktails: Christmas Sangria | Cranberry Mimosa | Cranberry Sparkler | Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule | Christmas Margarita

can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, this cocktail is easy to make ahead of time! Make sure that you strain however many you make into a container without ice to store in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir, pour into salt-rimmed glasses over ice and garnish when ready to serve.

which tequila should I use?

You can use whatever tequila is your favorite. I prefer to use tequila blanco, but you can also use a gold tequila if you prefer.

should I use sweetened or unsweetened cranberry juice?

Use unsweetened 100% tart cranberry juice! Sweetened cranberry juice will make this cocktail way too sweet. Do not buy cranberry juice cocktail.

can this recipe be made in a big batch to serve a crowd?

Of course it can! This is an easy cocktail to turn into a big batch of cranberry margaritas. To make a bigger batch, you can easily use the servings adjuster in the recipe card instructions below to adjust to how many servings you want.

For quick reference, to serve 6 you will need 2 1/4 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened), 1 1/8 cups tequila blanco, 3 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 4 1/2 oz orange liqueur. Combine ingredients in a pitcher with ice, stirring to combine.

what is the secret ingredient in this margarita recipe?

Having the best ingredients! Since this is a 4-ingredient cocktail, you want to make sure you are getting the best quality ingredients you can. Get a mid-tier or high quality tequila – don’t opt for the budget brands. The same goes for the orange liqueur! Though triple sec will work in this recipe, Grand Marnier or Cointreau make it taste so much better.

Need more inspiration for festive cocktails? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a cranberry margarita

A cranberry margarita is a festive drink that’s ideal for pairing with all your Latin favorites like tacos, pozole, enchiladas and more! If you want an easy meal, make this chicken taco seasoning and season your chicken with it to make a taco bar.

Since this recipe also has cranberry in it, that makes it lovely for pairing with seasonal flavors that aren’t Latin-inspired as well. I love serving it as an opening cocktail for Thanksgiving or a holiday gathering, especially with a Christmas cheese board.

more easy margarita recipes

A pomegranate margarita is a vibrant, fruity, and tasty combination that’s perfect for winter!

Heard of a Texas margarita before? You’ll be surprised how one additional ingredient can elevate the regular ol’ margarita.

If you run out of limes, try this lemon agave margarita. It goes with a sugar or salty rim!

Finally, if you make this cranberry margarita recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!