This Cranberry Orange Margarita is a refreshing drink perfect for any occasion! With its bright flavors of tart cranberries and juicy oranges, it’s as tasty as it is pretty.
Mix it up for a fun twist on taco night, or just sip it while relaxing at home. I love how quick it is to make—just shake, pour, and enjoy a vibrant splash of flavor!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tequila: I prefer using silver or blanco tequila for its smoothness. If you don’t drink alcohol, try a non-alcoholic tequila alternative available in stores for a similar flavor.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is my go-to, but triple sec works just as well and can be more budget-friendly. For a non-alcoholic option, look for orange-flavored syrup or soda.
Cranberry Juice: Use unsweetened cranberry juice if you enjoy tart flavors. Lightly sweetened works too! You can make your own by blending cranberries with water and a touch of sweetener.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice really brightens the drink. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice is an OK substitute, but it won’t taste as fresh.
How Do I Perfectly Rim My Glass with Salt?
Rimming the glass is a simple but important step. It adds flavor and presentation. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by cutting a lime wedge and running it around the rim of your glass.
- Pour coarse salt onto a plate, then flip the glass upside down and gently dip the rim in the salt.
- Turn the glass right side up and give it a gentle shake to remove excess salt. Now it’s ready for your refreshing cocktail!
Cranberry Orange Margarita
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz tequila (silver or blanco)
- 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Coarse salt for rimming the glass
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Orange slice for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedge for rimming the glass
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare this vibrant drink. This includes the time for rimming the glass, mixing the ingredients, and garnishing. It’s a quick and fun recipe that’s perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by taking a lime wedge and running it around the rim of your glass. Then, dip the rim into coarse salt. This adds a nice salty flavor and looks great. Set the glass aside once it’s rimmed.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink. This will create a delicious blend of flavors!
3. Shake It Up:
Fill the shaker with ice and shake it vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want it well chilled and nicely mixed!
4. Fill the Glass:
Grab your prepared glass and fill it with crushed ice or regular ice cubes to your liking.
5. Strain and Pour:
Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into your glass filled with ice. Watch the colors mix beautifully!
6. Garnish:
Add a fun garnish by skewering 3-4 fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick and laying it across the rim of the glass. Throw in an orange slice on the rim and, if you like, a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Take a moment to admire your beautiful drink before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Cranberry Orange Margarita and share it with friends for a delightful toast!
Can I Use a Different Type of Tequila?
Absolutely! While silver or blanco tequila is preferred for its smooth flavor, you can also useReposado tequila if you enjoy a richer, oakier taste. Just remember that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Orange Liqueur?
If you’re out of orange liqueur, try using a splash of orange juice mixed with just a bit of extra sweetener. Alternatively, an orange-flavored soda can also work in a pinch for a lighter version.
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! Simply replace the tequila and orange liqueur with orange juice and soda or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative. You can still enjoy the same refreshing cranberry flavor without the alcohol!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover cocktail mix, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, so it might taste a bit different after being stored!
