Cranberry Margarita

I know what you’re thinking: it’s February, and this Cranberry Margarita sounds like a Christmas drink. Well, it can be, and it almost was. Let me explain. My original Christmas 2021 menu had this recipe as the cocktail, but it got bumped when I found the adorable Holiday Gin & Tonic. I just couldn’t resist those cute fillable ornaments! I thought about moving this recipe to my Christmas 2022 menu, but then Margarita Day came around and it was the perfect excuse to try this recipe a little sooner. Besides, it’s still wintertime, and I think a frosty cocktail with a frosty sugared cranberry garnish still works. Let’s give it a try!

These delicious Mistletoe Cranberry Margaritas are just the thing to spice up any party or girls night!

Recipe Author: Kayti and Diane at Homemade Food Junkie
Get the recipe

The Ingredients

I had a bottle of triple sec and just enough Casa Migos Tequila to make a couple of these Cranberry Margarita. That left me to buy some cranberry juice and limes, but that was no big deal.

I also picked up some fresh cranberries since I noticed them in the photo. What I didn’t notice (and should have) was the mint garnish. Thank goodness the hubs was able to swing by the store and pick up a packet for me. I really wish the garnishes were listed with the other ingredients.

Cranberry Margarita Ingredients
Triple sec, lime juice, cranberry juice, ice cubes, and tequila

The Process

I’m used to making margaritas on the rocks, so this Cranberry Margarita was a little different. I read through the recipe and noticed the part about the sugared cranberries. Mainly that the instructions say to make them last because the sugar will melt.

I have made sugared fruit many times, and that has never been a problem. I think it’s due to the method. The recipe says to soak fresh cranberries in lime juice then roll them in sugar. It makes sense that the wet lime juice would dissolve the sugar. I wasn’t having that!

Tip: I used the recipe below to make a batch of sugared cranberries that would last. In fact, the sugared cranberries in my photos were done the day before the margaritas, and they still had plenty of sugar on them.

In short, my method is to soak the cranberries in simple syrup, then let them dry. The dried cranberries are very sticky! Rolling them in sugar gives them that frosty effect, and it lasts. The downside is it takes a good hour to complete whereas the recipe’s version only takes a minute or two.

With my sugared cranberries and other ingredients in hand, making the Cranberry Margarita was pretty simple. Tip: I filled two rocks glasses with crushed ice to chill them quickly. As they chilled, I added all the ingredients to my blender and blended. The mixture didn’t seem slushy enough, so I added more ice until I liked the consistency. I’d say I doubled the amount.

Once the margaritas were blended, I dumped out the crushed ice and rimmed the glasses as instructed. A sprig of fresh mint and a few sugared cranberries to garnish, and I was ready to snap a few photos and give them a try.

Sugared Cranberries
Sugared cranberries
Sugared Cranberries

Sugared Cranberries (No cooking required!)

The Hungry Pinner
Sugar-covered cranberries make a festive Christmas garnish for drinks, desserts, and more! This method can be used with other types of fruit too. Try it with strawberries, blueberries, grapes, etc.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Dry 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Garnish
Servings 1 cup

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • slotted spoon
  • wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup simple syrup * See notes

Instructions
 

  • Place cranberries into a small mixing bowl. Pour the simple syrup over them and stir to thoroughly coat each cranberry.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the bowl and place them onto a wire cooling rack. Allow to dry for at least 1 hour.
  • Pour half the sugar into a small mixing bowl that is completely dry. Add the cranberries, then pour the rest of the sugar over them. Gently stir to ensure all the berries are coated with sugar.
  • Remove the cranberries with a slotted spoon. Use immediately or store refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Notes

*Simple syrup can be bought ready-made or easily made at home with this Simple Syrup recipe.

So how was it?

Clear & Accurate Directions
Accurate Time(s)
Appearance
Taste
This Cranberry Margarita was delightfully tart, sweet, and salty. It did lean more toward tart, but I was okay with that--the flavor was still delicious and refreshing. The cocktail was easy to make, but I did substitute another recipe for the sugared cranberry garnish for more staying power. My cranberry juice wasn't as pink as the recipe photo, but I can't fault the recipe for that. However, I would have liked to see the garnishes listed in the ingredients and the steps consolidated and better ordered. For example, chilling the glasses as the first step instead of a note afterward. Also, rimming the glasses before making the cocktail. Even so, I was able to figure it out and get my cranberry margaritas made beautifully if I do say so myself!
The Hungry Pinner
The Hungry Pinnerhttps://www.hungrypinner.com
I'm Candice, and I'm The Hungry Pinner. I created this blog to share my love for cooking and my experiences with the MANY recipes I've found on Pinterest over the years. Join me as I blog my way through those recipes to find out if they are worth trying yourself.

Popular

This post may contain affiliate links to products available to purchase through Amazon. These purchases earn a small commission that funds The Hungry Pinner. There is never any additional cost to you.

More Recipes Like This

2 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Comments are welcome! Please be aware that all comments are reviewed before they are posted and will not appear immediately.

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This Cranberry Margarita was delightfully tart, sweet, and salty. It did lean more toward tart, but I was okay with that--the flavor was still delicious and refreshing. The cocktail was easy to make, but I did substitute another recipe for the sugared cranberry garnish for more staying power. My cranberry juice wasn't as pink as the recipe photo, but I can't fault the recipe for that. However, I would have liked to see the garnishes listed in the ingredients and the steps consolidated and better ordered. For example, chilling the glasses as the first step instead of a note afterward. Also, rimming the glasses before making the cocktail. Even so, I was able to figure it out and get my cranberry margaritas made beautifully if I do say so myself!Cranberry Margarita