With the holidays just around the corner, you’re probably looking for a new recipe to bump up your cocktail game.
Never fear though, because here at Cookingchew, we’ve got you!
This delicious and easy cranberry recipe is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering!
Everyone loves a good margarita, and when you add a tangy layer of cranberries AND a yummy sprig of rosemary to tie it all together, you’re probably going to be busy refilling everyone’s glass through the night!
What kind of tequila can I use?
While there are several types of tequila that you can find on the market, the most affordable types are silver and gold tequila.
Silver tequila, also known as “plata” or “blanco” tequila because of its clear color, is unaged and usually bottled right after distillation.
It is touted as the “purest” form of tequila because you can taste the genuine flavors of the blue agave plant.
Golden tequila, on the other hand, is known as “joven” tequila, which is Spanish for “young”.
It is a type of mixed tequila, as the color and flavor of gold tequila comes from various ingredients mixed by tequila makers.
These ingredients typically include sugar, oak tree extracts, glycerin, and caramel flavoring, which also lends the tequila its beautiful yellow shade.
For this recipe, it’s best to use silver tequila for that “pure” flavor, but gold tequila can also work in a pinch!
How do I pick the best limes?
There are four ways to pick the best limes.
First, smell the limes. Ripe limes have a strong, citrus scent.
Second, check the color! Limes with a deeper and more vibrant green hue will have a stronger lime flavor compared to pale yellow limes.
Third, feel the skin. Ripe limes are firm with a little bit of give to the skin. Under-ripe limes are too hard, while over-ripe limes are too soft. Think Goldilocks; you want limes that are just right!
Finally, weigh the limes in your hands. Bigger limes will have more juice compared to smaller limes.
If you’re looking for the best-quality limes, try to get limes when they are in season
What’s the difference between Key limes and regular limes?
There are several differences between Key limes and regular limes, also known as Persian limes.
Key limes have a tarter, more floral juice, as well as a tougher rind.
They are generally yellowish-green in color, and have more seeds.
What kind of cranberry juice is best for margaritas?
For this recipe, you can choose between cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail.
The main difference is that cranberry juice is generally made with 100% pure juice, while cranberry juice cocktail comes pre-mixed with sweeteners such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Choosing between these two products will come down to your personal taste preferences.
Keep in mind that pure cranberry juice is quite tart, and it’s kind of an acquired taste.
If you love your cocktails on the sweeter side, you might want to opt for cranberry juice cocktail.
What is Orange liqueur?
An orange liqueur is any alcoholic beverage that’s between flavored with orange flavoring and sweeteners.
Some of the most popular orange liqueurs on the market include Triple Sec, Curaçao, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier.
How do I get the most juice out a lime?
Before juicing your lime, roll the lime with your hand against your kitchen counter.
This will allow you to squeeze out more juice from the lime.
How long do rosemary sprigs last?
Fresh rosemary sprigs can last 10-14 days after you pick them
How do you store fresh rosemary?
If you want to store your rosemary sprigs, wrap them in a damp towel and place them in your fridge.
If you want to store the rosemary for longer, you can freeze them.
Rise off the sprigs, dry them completely, and chop the sprigs finely.
Place them in resealable plastic bag, remove all the air, and place them in your freezer.
Frozen rosemary sprigs can last 4-6 months.
If you don’t have a vacuum sealer in your kitchen, no worries! Here is an easy hack that you can use with resealable plastic bags and a bowl of water:
Cranberry Margaritas with Rosemary Garnish
When you think of margaritas, you generally picture drinking them while standing on a sunny beach, but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the delicious drink anywhere, anytime!
What’s more, this delicious version of this classic cocktail adds a holiday twist that will make it a hit at your next gathering.
Turn up your party’s “fun meter” a few notches with this easy and yummy cocktail, complete with seasonal garnish.
Cranberry Margaritas Recipe (With Rosemary Garnish)
Learn how to make a cranberry margarita with this simple margarita recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. tequila
tequila
- 2 oz. Cointreau (or other available orange liqueur)
Cointreau
- 2 oz. cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail, if you prefer)
cranberry juice
- 3 T. fresh lime juice
Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, bottom leaves removed, approximately 2-3” long
- Fresh cranberries
- Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Make your cranberry sprig garnish first. Carefully thread 3 fresh cranberries on each sprig. Make sure to thread the berries on the tough rosemary stems.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Close the cocktail shaker and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into cocktail glasses.
- Garnish with prepared rosemary sprigs, 1-2 cranberries, and fresh lime wedges, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!