Thirsty Thursdays: Cranberry Margarita
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: November 17, 2011

If you are looking for a festive cocktail this holiday season, this cranberry margarita is just the ticket.  This simple cocktail is a blend of sweetened cranberry puree (not juice), tangy tequila, and a splash of citrus from the Grand Marnier.  Garnish this beautiful drink with a couple sugared cranberries and you're ready to party.
Cranberry Margarita



Ingredients for Cranberry Puree
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, about 9 oranges
1 cup sugar
16 ounces package of fresh cranberries
 
Ingredients for 1 drink
1 ounce of your favorite tequila
1/2 ounce of Grand Marnier
2 ounces of cranberry puree
 
Ingredients for Cranberry Swizzle Sticks
10 skewer sticks
16 ounces package of fresh cranberries
1 cup of light Karo syrup
1 cup of granulated sugar
 





 Directions: 
   
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar in the orange juice. Add the cranberries and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Set aside and let it cool. Blend cranberries in a blender, then strain to make the puree


   
In a shaker add crushed ice, 1 1/2 ounces of tequila, 1/2 ounce of Grand Marnier, 2 ounces of cranberry puree and shake to mix.


   
Skewer several cranberries onto 10 skewer sticks but leave enough skewer exposed on one end. Lightly brush each cranberry skewer with Karo syrup and then sprinkle granulated sugar over the cranberry skewers. Place the cranberry swizzle sticks on wax paper and place in the freezer to set.


   
Pour drink into a sugar rimmed martini glass. Add a cranberry swizzle stick for garnish.

Comments:
Jennifer
November 17, 2011

What a yummy idea! I love cranberries and experimenting with all things fruity and alcoholic :) Great shot next to he pine needles. Must get some fresh berries so I can give it a try. Thanks!
Jennifer
Beth

Please include directions. How do you make the cranberry puree?
Leah Rodrigues

You can click on the title which links to the recipe page but I have also included the directions in the post.