These vibrant Cranberry Margaritas are the perfect marriage of tart and sweet. They’re a fun and festive cocktail option to serve during the holidays or enjoy any time of the year!
Looking for more drink recipes? Try my Blood Orange Mojito or my Spiked Berry Lemonade.
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What’s in Cranberry Margaritas?
- Lime Juice: Opt for fresh squeezed over store-bought. You’ll use 1/2 cup total, which is equal to the juice from approx. four limes.
- Liquor: This recipe for cranberry margaritas calls for a 1/2 cup of tequila and a 1/4 cup of triple sec — the two traditional alcohol components in margaritas.
- Cranberry Juice: You’ll use one cup total. Store-bought is fine, but if you have the time, try making my homemade cranberry juice (recipe below!)
- Ice: For serving on the rocks or blending for frozen.
- Fresh Cranberries: For serving, if desired.
- Lime Wedges and Zest: For serving if desired.
- Sugar or Salt: For the rim of the glasses, if desired.
how to make Homemade Cranberry Margaritas
- Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir until well combined.
- Rim two glasses with sugar or salt, if desired. Fill glasses will ice.
- Divide mixed margaritas between the two glasses, and serve with fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and lime zest for garnish, if desired. enjoy!
Make your own cranberry juice!
Want to take this Christmas margarita up a notch? Then try making your own cranberry juice at home! It’s so simple and easy to make! Ask you have to do is simmer fresh cranberries and water until the sauce is thickened and the cranberries have burst open. It’s also super easy to double or triple this recipe. It’s always equal parts cranberries to water!
- Next run it through a sieve to extract all of the liquid.
- Add the cranberry juice back to the saucepan and sweeten with sugar or honey to taste. Simmer for 1-2 minutes or until the sugar dissolves into the cranberry juice! Allow the mixture to cool before adding it to your cranberry margaritas!
frequently asked questions
Can This Be Turned into a Cranberry Mocktail?
Yes! If you’d prefer your cranberry margarita alcohol-free, turn this recipe into a mocktail by omitting the tequila and triple sec and substituting with tonic water or your favorite fruity sparkling water!
You can also make this a frozen mocktail by skipping the alcohol, adding your preferred liquid substitute, and blending together until smooth and frothy, like a slushee. This makes for a wonderful treat on a hot summer day!
Looking for more mocktail recipes? Most of my drink recipes can be made alcohol-free!
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST JUICE OUT OF A LIME
Rub the limes on the counter for about 30 seconds to help release some of the limes juices! Also start with room temperature limes! They produce more juice then using limes straight from the fridge.
More Cocktail Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed my Homemade Cranberry Margaritas, then you’ll love these other drink recipes:
- Mixed Berry Margaritas
- Classic Mint Mojito
- White Wine Sangria
- Pomegranate Cranberry Champagne Punch
- Red Wine Sangria
Cranberry Margaritas
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- 1 cup cranberry juice, store bought or homemade
- ice for serving
- fresh cranberries for garnish, if desired
- lime wedges for garnish, if desired
Homemade Cranberry Juice
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large measuring cup. Stir to combine.Fill each glass with ice and divide the margarita mixture between the two glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish, if desired.
Homemade Cranberry Juice
- Add cranberries and water to a small saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes or until all of the cranberries have opened up and burst.
- Pour the cranberry mixture through a sieve to extract all of the juice.
- Transfer the juice back to the saucepan and add in sugar. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sugar dissolves.Allow the cranberry juice to cool before adding it to your cocktail.
Nutrition Information
Did you make this?
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Julie
I think my mom and I need to get on a margarita kick if it results in deliciousd rinks like this! YUM!
Gayle
What a pretty drink, Kelley! I’ve never had a cranberry margarita before, so I bet this is delicious! I love how festive this is for the season!
Mary Ann
Bring on the margaritas Kelley! These look sensational!!
Ashley
Um, these look amazing! It’s not too early for one now, is it? I’m loving all the cranberry things this fall!
Cheyanne
Yaaahhhsss to margaritas! Especially festive and fun margaritas like these! LOVE the cranberry is here! These are too gorgeous, they make me want to declare every hour 5 o’clock cocktail hour! Cheers, my dear!
Danielle
I’ve never had a cranberry margarita, but I love the idea! These sound so perfect and festive for this time of year!
Dannii
Great minds think alike – I have a similar cocktail coming up soon 🙂
Pamela
These look absolutely delicious. I’ve had something similar but this seems to hit the nail on the head much better!! Thanks for sharing. Looks like the pitchers at the “adult table” for Thanksgiving may have this!! Haha.