Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Cranberry Margaritas (Perfect for your Holiday Parties)


This is the perfect cocktail for all of your Holiday gatherings. Delicious, easy, can be made ahead of time, and so beautiful...I make these margaritas all December. We had some friends over for drinks before attending the Lighting of Ledoux, a Taos tradition. What did I serve? Cranberry Margaritas. We are having a Holiday Christmas Cocktail party. What will be my "signature" cocktail? You know the answer. And Christmas Eve with family? Perfect! (Would Christmas morning brunch be pushing it?)


I use an organic brand of 100% cranberry juice with no added sugar. The ingredients are simply water, cranberry juice and cranberry juice concentrate. I also do not add any sweeteners to the recipe so the margaritas are a bit tart which I (and my guests) love. The hint of sugar from the sugar-rimmed glasses creates a wonderful balance of sweet and tart. If you are making these for a large party, you may want to provide a bowl of sugar cubes in case you have guests who like their drinks a bit sweeter. My suggestion? Make the recipe as is, taste, and then decide.


Cranberry Margaritas (Perfect for your Holiday Parties)
(makes 6)

1 3/4 cups cranberry juice
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup good quality tequila
1/2 cup Grand Marnier (orange-flavored cognac liqueur)
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup coarse sugar, such as Demerara
1 tsp ground allspice powder
1 fresh lime, cut into wedges

In a large pitcher, add the cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, Grand Marnier, and cranberries. Stir to combine. Refrigerate until very cold. (At least 6 hours or overnight).

Add 1/4 cup water to small bowl. Add coarse sugar and allspice to a small plate and stir to combine. Dip the rims of 6 glasses individually into the water and then the sugar mixture. Set aside

When ready to serve, fill each glass 1/4 full of crushed ice cubes. Pour the margaritas into the sugar-rimmed glasses ensuring some fresh cranberries are added to each glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

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Other Cocktail Recipes You May Enjoy



It is "Holiday Cocktails" week at Food Network's Fall Fest roundup. Do you have a favorite cocktail recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one. Be sure to check out the delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network. 

Daisy at Home: Spiced Up Eggnog Latte
The Lemon Bowl: 
Mexican Hot Chocolate
The Cultural Dish: 
Homemade Adult Eggnog
The Mom 100: 
Caramel Chocolate Frappe
Napa Farmhouse 1885: 
Cranberry Margaritas (Perfect for your Holiday Parties)
Red or Green: 
Spiced Eggnog (Egg and Dairy Free)
Weelicious: 
Double Chocolatey Hot Cocoa in a Jar
Dishing with Divya: 
Caribbean Carrot Punch
Taste with the Eyes: 
Exquisite French Martini for the Holidays, Macaron Garnish
Domesticate Me: 
Grapefruit-Rosemary Mule
FN Dish: 
Best Sipped Out of a Mug: Warming Holiday Cocktails

best,
diane

I have started sharing my newest blog "California Girl in Taos."  Please visit and let me know what you think.

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