I’m pretty sure Margaritas may be my favorite cocktail. Citrusy and refreshing. I’ve had this version, with fresh cranberries and oranges, in my head forever. I finally got around to testing it this week and the results were better than I’d imagined. Even Lola begged for a taste.
Yes, you can absolutely take a short-cut and use bottled cranberry and orange juice, but I personally think this is so worth the little bit of effort. This method, using a simple syrup, adds a more concentrated flavor that you can adjust and play around with. The syrup can be made up to a week in advance, bottled up and ready when you need it. Perfect. And personally, I love that this syrup has less added sugar than traditional recipes and gives you the option of using natural sweeteners like honey or maple.
I’d like to propose a toast…to you all. Wishing each and every one of you a healthy, happy holiday full of family and friends around your table. Laughter and peace. Love to you all. Cheers.
Fresh Cranberry Orange Margarita
Ingredients
Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey pure maple syrup or granulated sugar
- 1 or 2 orange slices
- 1 cinnamon stick about 2 inches long
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Single Margarita
- 2 ounces white tequila
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 2 ounces cranberry orange simple syrup
- fresh lime juice as needed
Pitcher of Margaritas
- 8 ounces tequila
- 4 ounces triple sec
- 8 ounces cranberry orange simple syrup
- fresh lime juice as needed
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, over high heat, bring the cranberries, orange juice, water, your choice of sweetener, orange slices and cinnamon stick to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve, using a spoon to push the syrup and juices from the cranberries through. Discard the berries, orange slice and cinnamon stick. Allow the syrup to cool, then add the lime juice and mix to combine.
- To make a single cocktail, combine the tequila, triple sec and cranberry orange simple syrup in a glass rimmed with either coarse salt or sugar* over ice. Stir to combine. Add additional fresh lime juice to taste.
- To make a pitcher of margaritas, combine the tequila, triple sec and cranberry orange simple syrup in a glass pitcher. Serve over ice in glasses rimmed with either coarse salt or sugar* and add additional lime juice to taste.
- *To rim the glass with salt or sugar, just run a lime or orange around the rim of the glass, them immediately dip the rim into the salt or sugar in a flat dish.
Notes
More Holiday Cocktails to Love…
Rosemary Infused Citrus and Cranberry Holiday Cocktail from Fork Knife Swoon
Question regarding the simple syrup. Does it need to be refrigerated if I make it in advance? Thanks! Looking. forward to making these.
That’s a great question, Jolene! You can make the simply syrup up to a week in advance, but yes, be sure to keep it refrigerated. Hope you love it! Happy holidays!
Thank you, and you too!
These look so delicious, gorgeous photos! Will have to make myself one as a Friday night treat!
Thanks so much, Isabella! Yes…I could use a Friday night treat like this too! Cheers and happy weekend! xo
Well, this looks like the perfect way to kick off 2016! Gorgeous pictures too!
Thanks so much, Kate! Yes, these were a huge hit this holiday! Cheers and happy new year!
Looks festive and delicious! Is that sugar or salt around the rim of your glasses in the photos?
Leah, I need to hire you as my editor! :) I had forgotten to include that step! I just updated the recipe now. I personally always use lime then rim with coarse salt, but sugar works too. Thanks so much and happiest of holidays! xo