For a holiday cocktail that will impress, try out these fresh cranberry ginger margaritas! Simple syrup infused with fresh flavors really take this from ordinary to special. And the color is beautiful and festive!
When it comes to cocktails, if I’m drinking one it has to be good.
I love sipping on a glass of red wine on weekends, but… sometimes a cold, tart, citrusy margarita makes your dinner pop. We love Mexican food in this house and nothing beats this combo. And while the classic is tough to beat, you know I’m constantly riffing on recipes to make them unique and put my own twist on them. After I got a suggestion for something cranberry/ginger on Instagram, my mind immediately went here.
Here’s what we’re working with today.
Ingredients:
- Tequila (I used Casamigos)
- Orange Liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
- Fresh Cranberries
- Oranges (or store-bought orange juice)
- Fresh Ginger
Making a margarita at home is a breeze once you have the necessary supplies. Trust me: you will love having the option to throw one together at the end of a long week. How “adult” is it to have a fully stocked bar cart?
This one has one more step than a traditional marg: making the cranberry ginger syrup. But the longest part is the time spent cooling it, which is totally hands-off. You could make extra and gift it too! I would love to receive a little jar of homemade simple syrup as a gift. Just me?
The syrup is a gorgeous deep red color thanks to the fresh cranberries that get blended right in. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids (because no one wants to “chew” a cocktail).
If you’re a cocktail-lover, you need to try to this one. It pairs perfectly with Mexican food and holiday appetizers alike. It’s sure to impress company, but is approachable enough to make for yourself, just because.
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Fresh Cranberry Ginger Margaritas
For a holiday cocktail that will impress, try out these fresh cranberry ginger margaritas! Simple syrup infused with fresh flavors really take this from ordinary to special. And the color is beautiful and festive!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1” knob fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/3 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed, or store-bought)
- 3/4 cup tequila
- 1/2 cup grand marnier (or triple sec)
Instructions
- Make the cranberry ginger simple syrup: Add sugar, water and ginger to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir often and heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Add the cranberries and syrup (including ginger!) to a blender or food processor and run until dark red and smooth. Pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids. Save the relish in the fine mesh strainer for another use!
- Combine the following in a large wide-mouth jar or cocktail shaker: syrup, orange juice, tequila and grand marnier. Screw lid on tight, shake well and pour over a salt-rimmed glass of ice.
- Garnish with additional cranberries and an orange wedge.
Notes
- The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
- To rim your glass with salt: run the inside flesh of an orange around the rim, then roll the rim in a plate of kosher salt
- To make a single serving: 1 shot tequila, 1/2 shot grand marnier, 1-2 shots orange juice (to taste), 1 shot syrup.
- You can use the cranberry/ginger relish to top oatmeal or yogurt. It’s packed with flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 margarita (4 ounces)
- Calories: 295 calories
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 37 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
Shelby says
Tasty, festive cocktail for the holidays! Cheers!
Leanne says
Thanks for giving this one a try! So glad you enjoyed it!