Cranberry Margarita – Festive Holiday Tequila Cocktail
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Cranberry Margarita

A festive twist on the classic margarita featuring tequila, cranberry, lime, and agave for the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and citrus. Ideal for holiday celebrations or year-round sipping.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

A Cranberry Margarita served over crushed ice in a short glass, garnished with a lime wheel and fresh cranberries against a dark background.
Ingredients
  • 2 ounces tequila (Blanco or Reposado)

  • 1 ounce cranberry juice

  • ½ ounce triple sec or Cointreau

  • ¾ ounce fresh lime juice

  • ¼ ounce agave syrup

  • Optional: salt or sugar for rimming the glass


Instructions
  1. Rim a rocks glass with salt or sugar (optional), then fill with crushed or cubed ice.

  2. In a shaker, combine tequila, cranberry juice, triple sec (or Cointreau), lime juice, and agave.

  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until chilled.

  4. Strain into the prepared glass over ice.

  5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel.

Notes from the Bar

Tequila Choice

Use Blanco tequila for a bright, crisp finish or Reposado for added warmth and subtle spice. Either works beautifully depending on your mood and menu.


Rim Options

Salt brings out the lime and balances the tart cranberry, while sugar enhances the drink’s festive sweetness. A half-and-half rim is the perfect compromise if you’re serving a crowd.


Make It Sparkle

Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or soda for a light, fizzy finish, or skip the bubbles and add a pinch of edible glitter for a holiday shimmer without changing the flavor.


Cranberry Juice Tip

100% cranberry juice gives this cocktail a tart, sophisticated edge. For something softer, use cranberry cocktail or blend the two to taste.


Seasonal Tip

This cocktail transitions seamlessly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s and adds a cheerful pop of color to any winter gathering.


Batch for 6

Combine 12 ounces tequila, 6 ounces cranberry juice, 3 ounces triple sec or Cointreau, 4½ ounces lime juice, and 1½ ounces agave in a pitcher. Stir well and refrigerate until chilled. Shake or stir individual servings with ice before pouring.

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until next time, keep the spirit high and the company good,

Kevin & Kate
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