Savor the vibrant flavors of our simple Cranberry Margarita recipe. Tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec combine to create this pure delight.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
165
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Tequila
- ½ oz Triple Sec
- ½ oz lime juice
- 1½ oz cranberry juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and fresh cranberries - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Margarita Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Strainer
Instructions
- Chill your margarita glass.
- Pour ½ oz lime juice in the shaker.
- Add 1½ oz cranberry juice.
- Follow with ½ oz Triple Sec.
- Finish with 1½ oz Tequila.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake it all together vigorously.
- Strain the mixture into your margarita glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh cranberries.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Tequila: If you're out of Tequila, use vodka as a substitute. It won't have the same flavor profile but will still make a tasty drink.
- Triple sec: use Cointreau or Grand Marnier as substitutes, but keep in mind that they may have a slight variation in taste compared to Triple Sec.
- Lime Juice: In a pinch, lemon juice can be used instead of lime juice. It will give the drink a different twist but still provide that necessary citrus kick.
- Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice could be used as an alternative to cranberry juice. It has a similar tartness and color.
Making a Pitcher of Cranberry Margarita:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of Triple Sec, 4 oz of lime juice, and 12 oz of cranberry juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled margarita glasses, garnish with a lime wheel and fresh cranberries, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic Tequila's flavor.
- Cointreau Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic orange liqueur or a simple syrup infused with orange peel.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
This Cranberry Margarita recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the specific brands of alcohol you're using are vegan, as some brands may use animal products in their processing methods.What is a Cranberry Margarita?
A Cranberry Margarita is a tequila-based cocktail made of cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and Tequila. It’s not difficult to make as it only requires the simple process of mixing the ingredients in a shaker with ice and then straining it into a glass. This drink is a variant of the classic margarita; its unique twist comes from substituting part of the traditional lime juice for tart cranberry juice, giving this version its distinctive flavor profile and festive coloration.
What is a Cranberry Margarita made of – The ingredients
To begin your Cranberry Margarita, have these ingredients ready:
- Cranberry juice: Add a tart, fruity flavor to the margarita. It also gives the drink its distinctive pink color.
- Lime juice: This is essential for any margarita. It adds a tangy citrus note that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Tequila: The base spirit of the drink. It provides a strong, robust flavor that matches the other ingredients.
- Triple sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a sweet, citrusy note to the drink. It also helps to balance out the tartness of the cranberries and lime juice.
- Ice cubes: These are used to chill the drink and dilute it slightly, making it more refreshing.
- Fresh cranberries and lime slices (for garnish) decorate the glass and make the drink look more appealing. They also hint at the flavors contained within.
