Spiced Cranberry Margarita Cocktail
A tart, spiced twist on the classic margarita—cranberry juice, cinnamon, and tequila make this a festive drink for holidays or any time you want a little warmth and color in your glass. Easy, crowd-pleasing, and delicious!
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Margarita 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
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
- 0.5 oz agave syrup or simple syrup
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- ice cubes
- lime wheel for garnish
- fresh or dried cranberries optional, for garnish
- sugar and ground cinnamon to rim the glass
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 cinnamon.
- Shake well for 15-20 seconds until cold.
- Strain into your rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and cranberries if desired.
Notes
Use reposado tequila for depth or blanco for brightness. Adjust sweetness to taste. Fresh lime juice is best. Try Grand Marnier for a richer orange note, and double everything for a crowd. For extra flair, rim with cinnamon sugar and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or extra cranberries.