Homemade Cranberry Apple Margarita Recipe

Cranberry Apple is more than just a flavor combo—it’s a seasonal experience, especially when swirled into a chilled margarita glass. These Cranberry Apple Margaritas blend tart cranberries with crisp apple cider and smooth tequila, creating a vibrant cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing and cozy. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply winding down after a long day, this easy-to-make drink brings autumn vibes straight to your glass. It’s fruity without being overly sweet and balanced with just enough citrus to keep it zesty. Trust me, this is one margarita you’ll crave long after pumpkin spice season ends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Seasonal Perfection: The blend of cranberry apple flavors delivers a festive twist on the classic margarita—perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday parties.
• Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and no cooking required, you’ll have this ready in under 15 minutes.
• Beautiful Presentation: The deep ruby color of the drink, paired with sugared rims and fresh apple garnish, makes it a true showstopper.
• Balanced Flavor: It’s neither too sweet nor too tart—the cranberry apple mix plays perfectly with the citrus and tequila.
• Easy to Batch: Great for hosting! You can scale this up effortlessly to make a pitcher for your next event.

Ingredients

To craft the ultimate Cranberry Apple Margarita, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:

• 2 oz silver (blanco) tequila
• 2 oz apple cider (fresh pressed if possible)
• 2 oz 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened preferred)
• 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh apple slices (for garnish)
• Brown sugar (for rimming the glass)
• White sugar (for rimming the glass)
• Lime wedge (to moisten the rim)

🔄 Optional Swaps:
• Bottled apple juice (if cider isn’t available)
• Grand Marnier or fresh orange juice in place of liqueur
• Cinnamon sugar rim for a spiced twist

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a perfect Cranberry Apple Margarita every time:

🍹 1. Prepare the Glass Rim

1. Mix equal parts brown sugar and white sugar on a small plate.
2. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it.
3. Dip the rim into the sugar mixture, turning to coat evenly. Set aside.

🧊 2. Mix the Cocktail

4. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
5. Pour in:
   • 2 oz silver tequila
   • 2 oz apple cider
   • 2 oz cranberry juice
   • 1 oz orange liqueur
6. Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until well chilled.

🍏 3. Serve & Garnish

7. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
8. Add fresh ice if desired.
9. Garnish with a thin slice of apple or a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.

✅ Pro Tip: Always shake with enough ice to get that perfect chill and slight dilution—it makes all the difference!

Recipe Details & Nutrition

⏱️ Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 cocktails
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated Cost: Low to moderate (depending on tequila and juice brands)

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — Approximate)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
• Sugars: 25–30 g
• Protein: 0–1 g
• Fat: 0–0.5 g
• Fiber: <1 g
• Alcohol Content: Moderate (based on 2 oz tequila per serving)

🧊 Note: Values may vary slightly depending on juice brands and optional garnishes.

Tips & Variations

🔧 Tips for the Best Cranberry Apple Margarita

• Use Fresh Juice: Choose 100% cranberry juice and fresh apple cider for a clean, bold flavor. Avoid overly sweet cocktail blends.
• Chill Ingredients Ahead: Store your juices and tequila in the fridge before mixing for an extra-refreshing sip.
• Shake It Like You Mean It: Shake with plenty of ice for at least 15 seconds. This dilutes and chills the drink perfectly.
• Taste & Adjust: If it’s too sweet, add a splash of lime. If it’s too tart, a little extra orange liqueur helps balance it out.

🍹 Fun Variations to Try

• Spiced Version: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker for a warm fall twist.
• Sparkling Margarita: Top each glass with a splash of club soda or sparkling apple cider.
• Frozen Style: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy version—great for warmer fall days!
• Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila and orange liqueur, and use sparkling water instead for a festive non-alcoholic treat.

Cranberry Apple Margarita

This **Cranberry Apple Margarita** is a crisp, festive cocktail perfect for fall gatherings. It blends tart cranberry and sweet apple with smooth tequila for a perfectly balanced drink.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 cocktails

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 2 oz silver blanco tequila
• – 2 oz apple cider
• – 2 oz 100% cranberry juice unsweetened
• – 1 oz orange liqueur Cointreau or Triple Sec
• – Ice cubes
• – Fresh apple slices for garnish
• – Brown sugar for rimming
• – White sugar for rimming
• – Lime wedge to moisten the rim

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• – Jigger or measuring tool
• – Rocks glasses
• – Plate for sugar rim

Method

 

1. **Rim the Glass**:
2. Mix equal parts brown and white sugar on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into the sugar mixture to coat.
3. **Shake the Cocktail**:
4. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
5. – 2 oz silver tequila
6. – 2 oz apple cider
7. – 2 oz cranberry juice
8. – 1 oz orange liqueur
9. Shake well for 15–20 seconds.
10. **Serve**:
11. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of fresh apple or cranberries if desired.

Notes

– For a spiced twist, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg before shaking.
– Make ahead by mixing the liquids and refrigerating; add ice when ready to serve.
– Swap orange liqueur with fresh orange juice + simple syrup for a lighter variation.

FAQs

❓ Can I make this margarita ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix all the liquid ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve to avoid dilution.

❓ What type of tequila works best?

Blanco (silver) tequila is ideal because of its clean, crisp flavor that lets the cranberry and apple shine. Reposado can work too, though it adds a hint of oakiness.

❓ Can I use sweetened cranberry juice?

You can, but reduce the quantity slightly and balance it with a squeeze of lime juice to avoid an overly sweet drink.

❓ What can I use instead of Cointreau or orange liqueur?

Triple Sec or Grand Marnier are great alternatives. In a pinch, fresh orange juice plus a dash of simple syrup works too.

❓ Do I need to rim the glass?

It’s optional—but highly recommended! The sweet sugar rim enhances the flavor and adds that festive cocktail look.

Conclusion

Whether you’re throwing a holiday party or simply craving a cozy cocktail, this Cranberry Apple Margarita is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just a few fresh ingredients and less than 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a drink that’s bold, balanced, and beautifully seasonal. The combo of tart cranberries and sweet apple cider captures the essence of fall in every sip. Pair it with appetizers or sip it solo—either way, it’s a festive favorite you’ll come back to year after year.