Tangy, tart and naturally sweet, this Cranberry Pomegranate Margarita is stunning on the eyes, and smooth to sip! Easy to prepare, and garnished with simple, DIY sugared cranberries, this cocktail is the perfect addition to any celebration, or a great way to toast 'it's 5 o'clock somewhere'!
Make the sugared cranberries: Combine ¼ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and stir until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and add in the cranberries. Stir until well coated. Allow to sit for 10 minutes*, then using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack*. Set aside and allow them to dry for at least 1 hour.
Once dry, add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar to a large plate. Roll the cranberries in sugar until well coated. Allow to dry again, for at least another hour.
For the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, or Mason jar, add the tequila through lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds. Taste and adjust with optional agave and club soda.
Serve: Strain margarita over ice filled glass rimmed with sugar and salt*. Garnish with sugared cranberries and other optional garnishes if using. Enjoy!
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Notes
*Yield: about 3 cups
This recipe utilizes either blanco, or silver tequila.
If you want your sugared cranberries to have a less tart taste, transfer the cranberries in the sugar water to a container with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate for 6 hours to overnight. Then proceed with recipe as directed - drying and rolling in sugar.
Allowing the sugared cranberries to dry on a wire rack is best, however if you do not have one, you can use a baking sheet covered with wax paper instead.
For the rim, Kosher Salt and Granulated Sugar are the best choices.
If you want a weaker margarita, top the cocktail off with a couple ounces of Club Soda. Just make sure you add the soda to the cocktail glass and NOT the shaker!
If a sweeter margarita is desired, add an ounce (or more to taste) of agave to the cocktail shaker.
Always make sure you are making your cocktails to YOUR taste. Use this recipe as a guide, then taste and adjust to your liking.