This Cranberry Margarita is a delicious blend of tequila, cranberry juice, and citrus. The bright colors make it as beautiful as it tastes! Perfect for winter, this refreshing cocktail complements holiday festivities, from Christmas to New Year’s Eve parties. Pair this festive cocktail with your favorite dips and appetizers like our marinated steak bites!

A salt-rimmed glass filled with cranberry margarita and topped with fresh cranberries.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Salt Rim: Enhances the margarita’s flavor. Use kosher, coarse, or margarita salt, but table salt works too.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled juice is a handy substitute.
  • Tequila: Use your favorite brand or swap for vodka if preferred.
  • Cranberry Juice: Opt for 100% cranberry juice for a tart edge, or use a sweeter cranberry cocktail.
  • Orange Liqueur: Adds zest; try Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau.
  • Garnish: Fresh or sugared cranberries and lime wedges complete the look.

No Shaker? No Problem!

Mix the drink in a pitcher or use a travel coffee mug as a makeshift shaker. Just seal tightly, shake, and pour.

Frozen Cranberry Margarita

Blend the ingredients with ice for a frosty treat. Start with 1–1.5 cups of ice, adjust for consistency, and serve in salted-rim glasses.

A lowball glass filled with cranberry margarita in a salt-rimmed glass.

Make-Ahead Option

Hosting a party? Mix the tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice in advance. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours, adding ice only when serving.

Raise a glass to festive flavors with this delightful Cranberry Margarita!

A salt-rimmed glass filled with cranberry margarita and topped with fresh cranberries.

Cranberry Margarita

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
This Cranberry Margarita combines tequila, cranberry, and citrus for a refreshing winter cocktail, perfect for holiday celebrations!

Ingredients

For the Rim:

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

For the Drink:

  • 4 ounces tequila
  • 6 ounces cranberry juice
  • 2 ounces orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
  • 2 ounces fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cranberries, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  • Pour lime juice onto one small plate and kosher salt onto another. Dip the rim of a lowball glass into the lime juice, then into the salt, turning to coat. Repeat for the second glass and set aside.
  • In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, lime juice, and ice. Shake until thoroughly chilled.
  • Fill each prepared glass with ice, then strain the cranberry mixture evenly into both glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedges. Enjoy!

This recipe was adapted from Iambaker’s Cranberry Margarita.

More Fruity Treats

Blueberry Crisp

Blueberry Crisp is packed with a delicious medley of fresh juicy blueberries, almonds, and oats. Serve it up warm with a dollop of your favorite yogurt or ice cream!

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