Cranberry Apple Margarita (2024)

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 co*cktail 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.

co*cktail 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 co*cktail or 100% juice cranberry juice is a good option in a cranberry apple co*cktail. 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 co*cktail.
• 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 co*cktail

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Add ice cubes to a co*cktail shaker.

4. 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 co*cktails, 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.

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!