Spiced Cranberry Margarita Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for experimenting with classic cocktails, and honestly, the spiced cranberry margarita is one of those drinks I keep coming back to. There’s something about mixing tart cranberry juice with a touch of spice and tequila—it just works, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or winding down after a long day.

The deep red color and the little kick from cinnamon make this drink feel extra special. Every time I serve it, someone inevitably asks for the recipe.

Looking to shake things up at your next gathering? This cocktail might just steal the show.

Spiced Cranberry Margarita Cocktail Recipe

I keep making this spiced cranberry margarita because it’s such a good blend of tart, spice, and smooth tequila. With the right tools and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a festive drink without too much hassle.

Perfect for a crowd or just a quiet night in.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Margarita glass or rocks glass
• Measuring jigger or shot glass
• Small plate for sugar rim
• Citrus juicer
• Fine mesh strainer
• Bar spoon or stirrer
• Knife and cutting board
• Ice cubes

Honestly, the right equipment makes a difference. A shaker chills everything perfectly, and I like the look of a margarita glass, though rocks glasses do the trick too.

The strainer keeps those big ice cubes out of your glass. Sometimes I get fancy and rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz reposado tequila (or blanco tequila)
• 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or triple sec)
• 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel (for garnish)
• Fresh or dried cranberries (optional, for garnish)
• Sugar and ground cinnamon (to rim the glass)

I’m a fan of reposado tequila for its smoothness, but blanco works if that’s what you’ve got. Unsweetened cranberry juice keeps things tart and refreshing.

Always go with fresh lime juice if you can. Agave syrup gives just enough sweetness, and that pinch of cinnamon? It makes the whole thing pop.

Instructions

• Mix sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon on a small plate.
• Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into the cinnamon sugar to coat.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
• Shake it up for about 15-20 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain into your rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lime wheel and, if you’re feeling it, a few cranberries.

The cinnamon sugar rim is honestly my favorite part. It adds a sweet little crunch with every sip.

Notes

Sometimes I switch between reposado and blanco tequila—depends on what’s in my cabinet. Reposado adds a bit more depth, though.

If I want it lighter, I’ll pour in a splash more cranberry juice. Sweetened cranberry juice is a bit much for me, so I stick with unsweetened.

Fresh lime juice really does make a difference, but if you’re in a rush, bottled will do. For garnish, a few cranberries or even a sprig of rosemary looks great.

If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use Grand Marnier for a richer orange flavor. And if you’ve got a crowd, just double everything—no need to overthink it.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Spiced Cranberry Margarita, the first thing that jumps out is this bright, tart cranberry flavor. It lands on my tongue with a little zing—kind of wakes you up.

There’s a gentle sweetness from the triple sec and agave that follows. Honestly, that balance keeps things lively but not mouth-puckering.

I notice the warmth of the spices almost immediately. Hints of cinnamon and a little clove sneak in, giving each sip a cozy, almost nostalgic feel.

The spices definitely don’t take over, but they do add some nice depth.

The tequila’s got a solid backbone, holding everything together. It’s not too strong, which I appreciate.

A salted rim adds a little pop, bringing out both the sweetness and those tangy notes.

Chilled and served over ice, the margarita feels super refreshing. I like how the flavors shift as the ice melts and everything mingles just a bit more.