This Cranberry Orange Margarita Recipe is the perfect cocktail for your holiday celebration or just a winter drink! Made with a 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. 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 Boozy Sugared Cranberries are the perfect garnish for this cocktail!
Ingredients Needed for This Cranberry Orange Margarita Recipe
- Silver Tequila
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Orange Liqueur
- Cranberry Orange Syrup
- Sugar Rim
- Boozy Sugared Cranberries for Garnish
How to Make Orange Cranberry Margaritas
- Make the Boozy Sugared Cranberries and syrup ahead of time. This should be done a day in advance.
- 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, 20-30 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with sugared cranberries. Cheers!
TIP: If you don't want to make the syrup, you can also substitute 1 oz. cranberry juice and add an extra ½ oz of orange liqueur.
How to Make Boozy Sugared Cranberries and the Syrup
- Place 1.5 cups of sugar, 1 cup of water, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, and 2 tsp. orange liqueur in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves but do not bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in 2 cups of cranberries. Place something heavy on top to keep the cranberries submerged.
- Once the mixture has cooled enough, cover with foil or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 12 hours or overnight.
- Strain the cranberries through a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Once fully drained, place the syrup in a sealable bottle or container.
- Put the remaining sugar in a container with a lid. Put the cranberries in the container, put on the lid, and gently shake and turn to fully coat the cranberries with sugar. Place the cranberries on a piece of wax paper to dry for at least an hour.
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
More Cocktail Recipes to Check Out
- Gingerbread Martini
- Gin Elderflower Cocktail Recipe
- Coconut Lime Margarita
- The Last Word Cocktail
- Pumpkin Spice Martini
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!
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, 20-30 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.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did You Make This Cranberry Orange Margarita Recipe?
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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!