This Cranberry Orange Margarita Recipe is the perfect cocktail for your holiday celebration or a winter drink! Made with cranberry-orange syrup, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and silver tequila, this margarita has all the flavors of the season!
One of the best things about winter and holiday time is the produce that is in season like blood oranges to my Blood Orange Pisco Sour. It makes the ingredients in this Cranberry Orange Margarita recipe easy to find during Thanksgiving and Christmas and any day in between.
I love Margaritas so making one from the cranberry-orange syrup that was created from making my Boozy Sugared Cranberries was a no-brainer. And if that wasn't good enough, the cranberries are the perfect garnish for this cocktail!
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Cranberry Orange Margarita cocktail recipe for its perfect blend of citrus and cranberry flavors, perfectly balanced with a touch of tequila's warmth similar to my Grapefruit Elderflower Margarita. Each sip captures the festivity of the season, making it a delightful and refreshing cocktail for any celebration.
If you love margaritas as much as I do, check out my Dragon Fruit Margarita and my Hibiscus Margarita recipes too!
Ingredients Needed for This Cocktail
Silver Tequila - Silver tequila is known for its pure and crisp agave flavor. It forms the base of this cocktail, providing a smooth and slightly earthy element.
Fresh Lime Juice - Freshly squeezed lime juice offers a zesty and tangy element that balances the sweetness of the cranberry orange syrup.
Orange Liqueur - Orange liqueur adds a citrusy and aromatic note to the cocktail, enhancing the orange flavor while also contributing to the overall complexity.
Cranberry Orange Syrup - Cranberry orange syrup is a sweet and fruity mixture that infuses the cocktail with the rich flavors of cranberry and orange. It's the key to the cocktail's unique taste.
Sugar Rim - The sugar rim not only adds a touch of sweetness but also a decorative element that complements the drink's overall presentation.
Boozy Sugared Cranberries for Garnish - These sugared cranberries, soaked in orange liqueur, serve as a visually appealing and flavorful garnish, adding a burst of brightness and a subtle alcoholic twist.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Margaritas
Step 1: Make the Candied Cranberries and syrup ahead of time. This should be done a day in advance.
Step 2: Prepare a cocktail glass by dipping the rim in water or agave syrup and then rimming sugar. Add fresh ice and prepare cranberries on a garnish stick.
Step 3: Add all of the margarita ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, 10-12 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with sugared cranberries.
Expert Tips for This Recipe
- If you don't want to make the syrup, you can substitute 1 oz. cranberry juice and add an extra ½ oz of orange liqueur.
- Opt for high-quality silver tequila and fresh ingredients like freshly squeezed lime juice. Quality ingredients elevate the overall taste of the cocktail.
- For a perfect sugar rim, dip the rim in agave syrup or water and then the sugar. Alternatively, you can rim the edge with a lime slice for an added sour element to compliment the sweetness.
How to Make Boozy Sugared Cranberries and the Syrup
Check out the post for Boozy Sugared Cranberries for the full recipe. There is also a way to make them non-boozy so that kids can enjoy them too!
Other Rim Garnish Options
I just happened to have some Cranberry Rimming Sugar by Rokz, which I do recommend. However, if you don't want to wait for this to arrive, here are a few more ideas. And if you don't want a sugar or salt rim, skip it!
- Colored crystal sprinkles
- Fine sugar
- Salt
- Sugar and salt mix
- The sugar that the Boozy Cranberries were rolled in that didn't stick
Tools for Cocktail Success
In order to make the best cocktails at home, you need the right tools. Check out this List of Home Bar Tools for a complete list. Below are a few of my go-to tools that will help you make a perfect margarita!
Recipe FAQs
While a freshly shaken cocktail is ideal, you can make this cocktail in advance for parties. Add all of the liquid ingredients to a large sealable container and chill. When ready to serve, shake the liquid with ice to maintain freshness.
Yes, you can experiment with other types of tequila like reposado or añejo for added complexity.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice has added citric acid that will completely change the flavor of the drink.
If you get a chance to make this Cranberry Orange Margarita. recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes right in your inbox.
Cranberry Orange Margarita
Equipment
- juicer
- rimmer dish or small plate
- garnish stick
Ingredients
Cranberry Orange Margarita
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- ½ ounces orange liqueur (I used Grand Marnier)
- 1 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounces cranberry orange syrup
Garnishes
- cranberry rimming sugar (see post for other options)
- sugared cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare a cocktail glass by dipping the rim in water or agave syrup and then rimming sugar. Add fresh ice and prepare cranberries on a garnish stick.
- Add all of the margarita ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, 10-12 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with sugared cranberries. Cheers!
Notes
- If you don't want to make the syrup, you can also substitute cranberry juice and add an extra ½ oz of orange liqueur.
- Opt for high-quality silver tequila and fresh ingredients like freshly squeezed lime juice. Quality ingredients elevate the overall taste of the cocktail.
- For a perfect sugar rim, dip the rim in agave syrup or water and then the sugar. Alternatively, you can rim the edge with a lime slice for an added sour element to compliment the sweetness.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This looks insanely, incredibly good. Sooo yummy!
Emily says
Thank you, Maggie!!
Chef Dennis says
I am so excited to have a sip of this!
Audrey says
Such a fun twist on the classic margarita!
Emily says
Thanks, Audrey!
Catherine says
These were so delicious!
Emily says
That's so great to hear!!
Toni says
This is such an amazing holiday drink! I love it!
Emily says
I'm so glad you like it, Toni, it's one of my favorties!
Dannii says
This looks like a deliciously refreshing festive drink. I can't wait to try it.
Emily says
Thanks, Dannii, cheers!!
Andrea Metlika says
I love Margaritas and this seasonal one sounds amazing!!
Emily says
This one is a good one, I hope you get a chance to try it!
Carrie Robinson says
Such a festive cocktail for the holidays! Definitely making this one. 🙂
Emily says
Thanks, Carrie, you are going to love it!
Alison says
I love a good margarita, and this one has a delicious holiday vibe! Bookmarking this one for Christmas and New Year's.
Emily says
Margaritas are one of my favorites, I hope you enjoy this for the holidays!
Gabriela Herrera says
I love how quick and easy this cocktail is. It is so full of flavor and just perfect for my holiday table.
Emily says
Thank you, Gabriela!! It really is pretty easy to put together and totally worth it!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
Printing the recipe for my partner! I cook and bake; his job is to keep me happy:))
Emily says
Oooh, I like that arrangement! Enjoy!
Orlie says
What a refreshing take on a classic! My husband and I love trying new margarita flavors! I can't wait to try this one this weekend.
Emily says
You guys are really going to like this one, I know it!