This Cherry Margarita recipe puts a twist on the classic cocktail using fresh cherries and a little maraschino liqueur. This margarita is perfect for BBQs, picnics, and parties. You will be making this cherry cocktail all summer long!
I love margaritas and this Cherry Margarita is my new favorite for summer! When the cherry season rolls around every year I always find myself with an abundance of cherries. This year my friend suggested a cherry cocktail and the rest was history!
How to Make a Cherry Margarita
Prepare your favorite lowball cocktail glass with fresh ice. Place the cherries in a cocktail shaker and muddle them with a muddler until nice and crushed. Add the tequila, maraschino liqueur, lime juice, agave nectar, and ice and shake for 20-30 seconds.
Tips for Making a Perfect Cherry Lime Margarita
- The more you muddle the cherries, the more cherry flavor you will extract. I would suggest muddling for 45-60 seconds.
- The same goes for shaking a cocktail. You want all of the ingredients to mix together and for the cocktail to get nice and cold. Make sure you shake for a good 20-40 seconds.
- This cherry cocktail is also delicious unstrained with the cherry pieces still in the drink.
- If you want more liquid, add a splash of tonic water or club soda.
- If you want the cocktail to be less sweet, add more lime juice, omit the agave nectar, or add salt to the rim of the glass.
What Tequila to Use
I recommend using silver tequila for this drink. Although silver tequila usually has a harsher taste, it’s perfect for cocktails because it mixes with the rest of the ingredients to tone down the harshness.
Good gold tequila is usually expensive and is best reserved for sipping, in my opinion. You can also find 100% agave silver tequila for a decent price. I used Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila which you can usually find for under $30.
But, as with all homemade cocktails, you can use whichever tequila is your favorite!
What is Maraschino Liqueur?
Maraschino liqueur originated in Croatia and is made from Marasca cherries. It’s a clear, cherry-flavored liqueur that isn’t overly sweet so it’s perfect for cocktails like the Last Word or my Gin Elderflower Cocktail.
Any home bar should have a bottle of Maraschino Liqueur in it. If you can find the Luxardo brand, Maraska, and Lazzarroni are both good options.
Tools to Make Cocktails at Home
Cherry Margarita
Equipment
- strainer
Ingredients
- 10 fresh cherries, rinsed and pitted
- 2 ounces tequila (I used a silver tequila)
- ½ ounce maraschino liqueur ( I used Luxardo brand)
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce agave nectar
- fresh cherry or lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your favorite lowball cocktail glass with fresh ice. Place the cherries in a cocktail shaker and muddle them with a muddler until nice and crushed.
- Add the tequila, maraschino liqueur, lime juice, agave nectar, and ice and shake for 10 seconds. Strain into the prepared cocktail glass and garnish. Cheers!
Notes
- This cocktail is also delicious unstrained with the cherry pieces in the drink.
- If you want more liquid, add a splash of tonic water or club soda.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Show me your Cherry Margarita!
If you get a chance to make this Cherry Margarita, don't forget to leave a review below. You can also tag me in a photo on Instagram or Facebook.
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Ramona says
I’ve made this cherry margarita with cherries from my garden. It was absolutely delicious and refreshing, thank you so much for sharing!
Emily says
I’m so glad you loved this cocktail and I’m jealous you can just grab cherries from your garden! 😁
Natalie says
I'm definitely making this. Looks refreshing and perfect for summertime. My hubs will love this too I'm sure.
Emily says
I hope you and your husband enjoy this one!
Toni says
I really loved how refreshing this drink is! Thank you for the recipe!
Emily says
You’re welcome, Toni!
Brianna says
I'm always looking for new ways to use my Luxardo liquer, this cherry marg was fab!
Emily says
I’m glad you liked it! I love using Luxardo whenever I can!
Anaiah says
Oh, this sounds amazing! Definitely going to add this cherry margarita recipe to our poolside bar. It'll make parties that much more fun!
Emily says
This margarita was made for poolside fun!! Enjoy!
Amanda Dixon says
Looks great for cherry season! Can't wait to try it.
Emily says
You are gonna love it!! Cheers!
Toni says
This is really refreshing!! I am definitely making it again!! A staple for me this summer!
Emily says
The summer cocktail of 2021 🤣🤣
Erin says
Oh yum! This is my new favorite drink!
Jenn says
I was worried this would be too sweet but it was perfectly balanced and yay! I get to use up that jar of cherries!
Emily says
Yay! I’m glad your found it balanced. Cheers!
Audrey says
I love anything cherry YUM!!
Emily says
This margarita was made for you! Cheers!
Michelle says
Such an easy and refreshing drink, perfect for summer!
Emily says
Thanks, Michelle, enjoy!
Lauren says
I've never put cherries in a margarita but it's an exceptional addition! Can't recommend enough
Emily says
Thanks, Lauren. I’m glad you tried it.
Kayla DiMaggio says
Yum! I made this last night for the 4th and it was so delicious!
Emily says
Oh good, I’m glad you liked it!
Angela says
Thanks for sharing! It was a hit with all my guest.
Emily says
So glad to hear it, Angela!!
Brianna May says
Yum!!
Beth Sachs says
Such a refreshing summer drink! Perfect for the weekend!
Emily says
The weekend, a Tuesday…🤣🤣. Enjoy!
Kalin says
Beautiful! Ive never heard of maraschino liqueur but it sounds so good in a summer cocktail
Emily says
It’s a good liqueur to have in you home bar, it adds a delicious cherry flavor and a little bit of sweetness to all kinds of cocktails including this margarita.
Addie says
So refreshing and delicious! Yummy!!
Emily says
Thanks, Addie!