I was hesitant to call these margaritas because in my mind, the classic recipe is the definitive version of a margarita and that’s that. But as I was drinking one of the many trials we attempted with this recipe, the vibe of a traditional margarita with just a little bit of autumn “dressing” came through.
I also feel like using “margarita” in the title might help some people better understand what the drink is like before scanning the ingredients. Either way, these spiced cranberry orange margaritas are really good. The flavour combination just works! If you love cranberry and orange, but are looking for a wholesome vegan breakfast idea, check out my orange cranberry smoothie recipe.
For this drink, we make a spiced cranberry syrup with ginger and cinnamon, and shake that up with cranberry cocktail, orange juice, a squeeze of lemon, tequila, and cointreau. Other great uses for the syrup: as a spritz with ginger beer, kombucha or sparkling water, or in an apple cider-based cocktail/mocktail.Cheers to you and the weekend ahead. I’ve got my usual assortment of links and questions below. I hope that all my Canadian friends are having a nice holiday weekend. If you’re still planning your cozy dinners at home, I’ve got all my best ones right here.
Spiced Cranberry Orange Margaritas
These spiced cranberry orange margaritas are refreshing, subtly spiced, and perfect for slow sipping during the holidays (or any time!).
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes minsCook Time: 5 minutes minsTotal Time: 15 minutes mins
Servings 2
Ingredients
SPICED CRANBERRY SYRUP
- 1 cup cranberry cocktail NOT pure cranberry juice
- 1 cup cane sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- ½ cup frozen or fresh cranberries
SPICED CRANBERRY ORANGE MARGARITAS
- 3 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz Cointreau
- 3 oz cranberry cocktail
- 1½ oz lemon juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz Spiced Cranberry Syrup
- ice
TO GARNISH
- cinnamon sticks
- frozen cranberries
Notes
- Other great uses for the spiced cranberry syrup: in a spritz with ginger beer or sparkling water, as part of an apple cider cocktail with bourbon or rye, in a kombucha spritz over ice with either ginger kombucha or plain kombucha. The syrup keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge!
- This is a strong drink! Just so you know 😉
Instructions
- First, make the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry cocktail, cane sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cranberries. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a strong simmer, stirring often. Once the cane sugar has dissolved and the cranberries are popping and splitting, remove the syrup from the heat. Run the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and press on the cranberries to extract their juice. Let the syrup cool before bottling and storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Make the spiced cranberry orange margaritas. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, Cointreau, cranberry cocktail, lemon juice, orange juice, and cranberry syrup. Top it up with lots of ice. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker tight and shake vigorously, until the outside of the shaker has condensation and feels very cold.
- Strain the spiced cranberry orange margaritas over two glasses filled with ice. Garnish the beverages with cinnamon sticks and a few frozen cranberries.
Author: Laura Wright
Course: Beverage, CocktailCuisine: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, VeganDiet: Gluten Free, Vegan, VegetarianKeyword: cinnamon, cranberries, fall, holidays, orange, tequila, winter