overhead close up of glass of cranberry margarita

Why I love this Cranberry Margarita

These easy cranberry margaritas made from scratch, which means they taste way better than any margarita mix you could ever buy.

Who’s ready for the weekend? I know I am, and these cranberry margaritas are just the thing to celebrate this summer being almost over. The margaritas are perfect for the heat, but the cranberry reminds you that fall is just around the corner. Yes. The heat will end. Maybe not as soon as I would like it, but there is an end in sight.

If you like this recipe, you have to try these fresh prickly pear margaritas, and this cranberry mule and these white christmas margaritas. If you like a little spice, try these spicy jalapeño margaritas

Searching for more cranberry recipes? easy cranberry bars / spiced cranberry sauce / cranberry salsa / cranberry orange cookies / cranberry chicken salad

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Ingredients & substitutions

Tequila – I always opt for silver tequila, I actually used to think I hated tequila – turns out I only dislike the gold tequila.
Cranberry juice – This tart juice completes this margarita and saves you a ton of time, you only have to juice a few limes.

In case you don’t know how to rim a cocktail glass, check out this article. If you do it the right way, it’s super easy.

Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.

overhead view of hand reaching for one of three glasses of cranberry margarita

The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.

How to make a cranberry margarita

Rim a glass. You can use either a lowball or margarita glass, rim it with sugar and fill with ice.

Shake. Fill a cocktail shaker with all ingredients and ice. Shake until well chilled, strain and pour into your rimmed glass.

Garnish. Add a lime wedge and a mint sprig with a few fresh cranberries and serve.

side view close up of glass of cranberry margarita rimmed with salt

Frequently asked questions

Is Triple Sec necessary for margaritas? No triple sec isn’t necessary for margaritas, but it adds a great depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to your margaritas. If you don’t have triple sec, an orange liqueur, such as Cointreau will work. You can also substitute another fruity liqueur or an equal amount of simple syrup.
What is better in a margarita Cointreau or Triple Sec? It honestly just depends on what you’re going for. Cointreau has a higher alcohol content, so it won’t be quite as sweet, but I prefer it to triple sec. Triple sec, however, is significantly cheaper (making it a great budget-friendly option) and on the sweeter side for those that prefer their drinks sweet.
What’s the best tequila for margaritas? I recommend buying the highest quality silver tequila you can afford, but it doesn’t have to be the best tequila on the shelf either. You will be mixing it with sweeteners and lime juice – and in this case cranberry juice. I don’t recommend gold tequila for margaritas, but if you do prefer the flavor, go for it.