This easy cranberry apple margarita recipe is a crowd pleaser! Cranberry juice and apple cider join tequila and a splash of orange juice for a tart, extra fruity spin on a cocktail classic with a golden sugar rim.
If there's one mixed drink that I'm nearly always a fan of, it's a margarita.
Tart, citrus-y, and not too sweet, this festive version of a cranberry apple margarita incorporates tequila, of course, but also apple cider, cranberry juice, and a splash of orange juice (or orange liqueur!) in place of lime for the citrus element.
Fitting as a Thanksgiving margarita? I think so.
Cocktail Ingredients
- Tequila: Blanco tequila (also known as silver tequila) is used for this cranberry apple margarita.
- Apple cider: Regular, unfiltered apple cider is used, not sparkling apple cider. I love this variety as it has a bolder apple flavor and adds some heft to this drink, though I've subbed in hard apple cider to good results. I haven't tried sparkling apple cider. If using something carbonated, stir, don't shake as the carbonation will cause a big mess.
- Cranberry juice: Either cranberry juice cocktail or 100% juice cranberry juice is a good option in a cranberry apple cocktail. That latter kind isn't a typo, this variety is 100% juice but cranberry is cut with naturally sweeter juices like white grape and apple. Real deal, 100% cranberry juice is unsweetened and may be too tart in a cocktail.
- Orange juice/liqueur: Instead of lime, orange juice or liqueur brings the citrus element and ties together all the flavors here. Freshly-squeezed orange juice is best if going that route, otherwise I like to use Cointreau.
How to Make This Cocktail
- Start by stirring together granulated and brown sugars on a small plate. It doesn't have to be really precise, just enough of each to make a "golden" sugar blend.
- Wet the outside edge of the rim with water, then press the moistened edge into the sugar until the glass is coated all the way around.
- Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour in the tequila, apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice/liqueur. Shake well until chilled, then pour/strain into glasses.
Tips and Tricks
- As with just about every drink recipe, feel free to tweak it to your tastes.
- Thinly-sliced apples and/or orange peel twists make a wonderful garnish.
- When it comes to mixing up cocktails, I love my mini angled measuring cup (affiliate link). I couldn't find the exact one I have, but the one I linked to is the same capacity and just as inexpensive. Love that it has both ounce and tablespoon measurements, visible both on the side and the top from the angled edge.
To Make a Pitcher
This cranberry margarita recipe can be easily scaled up to make a pitcher. The quantities below would make a pitcher that serves six drinks.
- 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) tequila
- 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) apple cider
- 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) cranberry juice
- ¾ cup (6 ounces) orange juice/liqueur
If you're serving the drinks quickly after pouring you can add ice to the pitcher, but it may be easier to just add ice to the individual glasses. That way you don't risk diluting the margarita pitcher if it melts.
Related Drinks
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating in the recipe card and/or a comment review below!
Cranberry Apple Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 1 ounce orange juice or orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- Ice
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar for rimming glass
Instructions
- On a small plate, stir together small, relatively equal amounts of brown sugar and granulated sugar until evenly combined. Wet the outer edge of the rim of the serving glasses with water, then press it into the sugar mixture until the rim is coated evenly.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the tequila, apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice/liqueur. Shake well, then pour/strain into the rimmed glasses. Serve with ice and/or with thin apple slices for garnish if you like.
Notes
- Cranberry juice: Either cranberry juice cocktail or "100% juice" cranberry juice (usually cut with white grape or apple juices) works here. Pure unsweetened cranberry juice would likely be too tart in a mixed drink
- Orange juice/liqueur: This margarita works well with either. If using juice, freshly-squeezed is recommended.
- 12 ounces (1 ½ cups) tequila
- 12 ounces (1 ½ cups) apple cider
- 12 ounces (1 ½ cups) cranberry juice
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) orange juice or orange liqueur
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
Brandi says
Fantastic combination of apple and cranberry makes this margarita an absolutely perfect fall drink!
Kathleen Kremis says
Outstanding! Thanks for the tease...I cannot wait till I make my guests and myself.️
Alyssa says
I hope you enjoy, Kathleen!
Merry Smith says
What a colorful drink and I love your combination of flavors. Definitely delicious.
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
Is it Friday yet? Lovely Alyssa... perfect celebration drink. 🙂
Alyssa says
I'm counting the days girl!! Haha thanks Anna!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
I was JUST going to say the same thing: Do these have GOLD DUST on the rim?! And then I read that it's brown sugar - it makes it look so festive and fun! I think these margaritas deserve a party.
Alyssa says
I think they do too, Sarah! 🙂
Ashley says
So pretty and festive! I love this! And I cannot believe that it's almost Thanksgiving - time is going wayyy too fast! It's crazy!
Alyssa says
I know! Craziness. Thanks Ashley! 🙂
K / Pure & Complex says
This looks amazing. I'm having a girls weekend and I can't wait to make this for my friends. I may not drink myself, but I can make a mean drink. Great post
Alyssa says
Thank you, K! This is definitely a girls weekend kind of drink. 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Girl, I am totally down with hot chocolate, snow flakes and the holidays, but can we puhlease disguise the cold weather with warm and balmy? 🙂 It was freezing here today (my hands went numb), so although I'm totally down with fire places and chunky sweaters, the cold and I =notfriends! I do love this warm, cozy drink though - you nailed it. Pinned!
Alyssa says
Haha I agree on all points, Kristi! It dipped down to the low 30s here today. I bundled in so many layers I'm surprised I fit in my car haha! And thanks for the pin!
Annie@ Maebells says
Yum!!! I will take two please!! 🙂
Alyssa says
Coming right up, Annie! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
This drink is calling my name!!
Alyssa says
Jocelyn....Jocelyn....haha! 🙂
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
This is my kind of holiday drink! And the sugars DO look like gold dust. Love. It snowed here for the first time last night. I still can't believe it. As much as I complain about winter, I know it's necessary for the gorgeous other seasons we get in Nebraska. Plus, I really do like wearing chunky sweaters and sitting by the fire. 🙂
Alyssa says
Oh my gosh, SNOW! We have a dusting in our weather forecast in the next few days. It's been a few years since I've seen snow so I'm eager! But yes, chunky sweaters and sitting by a fire sound so much more enjoyable than dealing with the frigidness outside! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
A little jealous that you're living somewhere with seasons. Fall is my favorite season, but here in California that just means the leaves turn orange and the temperatures drop to about 70 degrees. It would be nice to have one really cold, crisp day. But only 1! Because I'm sure after that I would turn in to a huge baby. I love this cranberry apple margarita! So perfect for the holidays!
Alyssa says
Yup that certainly sounds familiar with San Diego, except we had deciduous trees and more palm trees! All great, for sure, but it's nice to have some variation. I'm slathering on the hand lotion like crazy though so my hands don't dry out! Thanks Natalie!
marcie says
I love margaritas just like this -- on the rocks and nice and tart! Adding hard apple cider sounds delicious, and that sugary rim looks incredible! Pinned. 🙂
Alyssa says
You've described my ideal drink, Marcie! Glad to hear you're a fan too. Thanks for the pin 🙂
Nostramomous says
Oh goodness. Your photo is a work of art!
Alyssa says
Haha! Why thank you. 🙂
Sues says
Cranberry cocktails are my absolute favorite during this time of year- I LOVE the brown sugar rim!
Alyssa says
They're so delicious, Sues! I'm a relatively new fan myself. And that brown sugar rim...yum! 🙂
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Yes, I will take one (or a few ;)) of these. Sounds like my kind of drink.
Alyssa says
Wish I could send you one (or a few!) via the internet, Kathy!