Cran-Apple Margarita Cocktail
This vibrant margarita mixes tequila, cranberry juice, apple juice, lime, and ginger beer for a crisp, refreshing cocktail. Not too sweet, super easy, and perfect for parties or any time you want something a little different.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Ice cubes
- Cocktail glass or margarita glass
- Small plate
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco for classic flavor
- 1 oz lime juice fresh
- 1 oz cranberry juice unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- 1 oz apple juice or apple cider
- 1/2 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 2-3 oz ginger beer for topping
- ice cubes
- salt or sugar for rimming glass, optional
- fresh cranberries or apple slices for garnish, optional
- lime wedge for garnish or rimming
Instructions
- Rim the cocktail glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt or sugar, then set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, lime juice, cranberry juice, apple juice or cider, and triple sec to the shaker.
- Shake well for 10-20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared cocktail glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with ginger beer.
Notes
Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart drink, or add simple syrup for more sweetness. Try it without ginger beer for a classic margarita feel, or with it for fizz. Sugar rim pairs nicely with the fruit. Batch ahead for parties—just add ginger beer right before serving.