Cranberry Ginger Margaritas

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Cranberry Ginger Margaritas put a holiday twist on the classic with sweet vanilla ginger syrup, tart cranberry juice, and your favorite margarita flavors.   This recipe was originally posted in December 2014.

A stemless wineglass rimmed with red sugar, filled with pink liquid, with a candy cane swizzle stick, on a red plaid tablecloth with a Christmas tree behind it.

Every holiday party needs a signature cocktail.    Whether it’s a simple champagne cocktail, a sparkling martini, or a fun and fruity cocktail.   I wanted to find a cocktail that I could make in a big batch so that when we start having Christmas parties again I could just fill up a jug with it and people could pour it out all night long.

My first thought when thinking Christmas was cranberry.   It’s just so red and festive and fun.  I went through several different cranberry drinks before I decided on a margarita.   Margaritas are such a summery drink but I knew that I could add in a few twists along with the cranberry juice to make it a new winter favorite.

A stemless glass rimmed with red sugar with pink liquid inside and a lime wedge on the rim on a blue background.

After several trials with different extracts, flavors, and spices I had a combination that hit the spot.  I made a spicy vanilla ginger simple syrup that added the perfect amount of sugar and spice to this cocktail.  I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

For this recipe you will need:

  • cranberry juice
  • lime juice
  • vanilla extract
  • ginger
  • sugar
  • orange liqueur
  • tequila
  • lime wedge
  • colored sugar
  • sugared cranberries (if desired)

I made the vanilla ginger simple syrup before making this cocktail.  Then I rimmed a glass with colored sugar and added in all of the ingredients.  Finally I added ice and game it a good stir.

Pin Image: Text overlay, A stemless wineglass rimmed with red sugar, filled with pink liquid, with a candy cane swizzle stick, on a red plaid tablecloth with a Christmas tree behind it.

The red cranberry juice colored the cocktail a festive red while lime juice gave it a nice tartness.  The ginger and vanilla simple syrup added spice and a delicious flavor.   While I rimmed my glass with sugar you can certainly rim it with classic salt. Then top it off with sugared cranberries if desired.

A top view of a glass filled with ice and pink liquid with red sugar around the rim and a lime wedge on a blue background.

The results were awesome!   The margaritas looked fun and festive and the taste was amazing.   I could barely taste the alcohol in them which is both good and bad.     These Christmas margaritas are sweet, tart, and spiced which makes for a tasty cocktail.   They were a huge hit at our last Christmas party and I even had several people request this recipe.   Make a single serving for yourself or a fill a jug for a party!

A stemless wineglass rimmed with red sugar, filled with pink liquid, with a candy cane swizzle stick, on a blue background.

Cranberry Ginger Margaritas

A holiday margarita made with cranberry juice, lime juice, sweetened with simple syrup, spiced with ginger, and finished off with a mellow vanilla flavor.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 margarita
Author: Hezzi-D

Ingredients

For the margarita:

  • 2 oz. cranberry juice
  • 2 oz. lime juice
  • 2 oz. vanilla ginger simple syrup
  • 1 oz. orange liqueur
  • 1 1/2 oz. tequila
  • Lime wedge
  • coarse salt
  • sugared cranberries

For the vanilla ginger simple syrup:

  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 T. fresh grated ginger
  • 2 T. vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients for the vanlla ginger syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for one minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • When ready to make the margarita take a lime wedge and rub it around the edge of a tall glass. Dip the glass into coarse salt. Fill glass with ice and set aside.
  • In a shaker combine the cranberry juice, lime juice, vanilla ginger simple syrup, orange liqueur, and tequila. Shake for 30 seconds.
  • Pour the margarita into the prepared glass. Top with sugared cranberries and the lime wedge.

Notes

Adapted from How Sweet It Is

A stemless wineglass rimmed with red sugar, filled with pink liquid, with a candy cane swizzle stick, on a blue background.

Holiday Cocktails

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