Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas

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Who says margaritas are only for summer? These Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas are the delicious proof that margaritas can be enjoyed all year round. Made with fresh cranberries, pomegranate arils, agave nectar, lemon and lime juices, orange liqueur, and tequila, these margaritas will add a festive flavor to your holiday season! {GF + VG}

I intended to make a festive holiday salad, complete with cranberries, pomegranates, walnuts, and some sort of leafy green. And then, oops, I turned the salad into a cocktail. Possibly, maybe, Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas, to be more specific. Normally, I’d say, “Gee, I hate it when that happens,” except that I don’t hate it. In fact, I have been loving on these margaritas for several days now.

Because “quality control” is of the utmost importance in this Spirited community. And if that means I need to take an extra sip or two, then count me in! I’ll take one for the team. And if you need me to take another sip, you know, just to be sure, then I’m all too happy to do that, too.

So, put me in, coach! Suffice it to say, these Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas are incredible. But what strikes me the most about how incredible they are is how well the tart cranberries and pomegranates pair with the orange liqueur and tequila. This isn’t your usual raspberry or strawberry margarita, and, Spiriteds, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. Because these margaritas go down smooth and smack your tastebuds straight in the face.

In the most delightful way, of course.

And thanks to this recipe, margaritas now work just as well in December and January as they do in June, July, and August. So let’s make a pitcher!

Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas are

• Gluten-free and dairy-free
• Sweet and tart
• Easy to make ahead (just fridge them until you’re ready to serve them)
• Perfect to share with a crowd or for date night in

I’ve made these Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas in batches, as listed below, and as a doubled batch. Both worked out well. Just refrigerate your margaritas until you’re ready for them, and refrigerate any leftovers. My multi-batch lasted a good 2-3 weeks, and I didn’t noticed a reduction in quality.

Ingredients to make Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas

Below are the ingredients you’ll need for your very own Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas. Fresh ingredients definitely work best and give you the greatest control over the flavor. Additionally, these ingredients make for a gluten-free and vegan margarita recipe!

• Fresh fruit. You’ll want fresh cranberries (halved), arils of two pomegranates, lemon juice, and lime juice.
• Sweetener. While you can technically use any sweetener you want, blue agave nectar works the best here. Feel free to adjust the amount used to your liking.
• Alcohol. We’re going with orange liqueur and tequila. I don’t think you have to go “top shelf” to get the best flavor. But I would also stay clear of pre-made mixes or those that already include agave and/or lemon/lime juice, because we’ll be adding those ourselves.

How to make Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas

And now here are the simple steps to prepare your own batch of Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas!

1. In a small saucepan, bring the halved cranberries, pomegranate arils, and water to a gentle boil. This can take up to 20 or so minutes. Let the ingredients simmer, covered, for at least 10 minutes, or until the cranberries are softened. Then remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a mesh strainer into a large mixing bowl. Let cool.
2. Next add the agave nectar, lemon juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila to the cooled cranberry pomegranate juice. Then add ice cubes if serving immediately.
3. Garnish with extra cranberries, pomegranate arils, or lemon/lime slices. Add coarse sea salt or sugar to the rims of the drinking glasses. Serve with ice cubes.
4. Keep chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

And now you have an incredible, eye-popping Cranberry Pomegranate Margarita recipe for festive holiday parties, cozy get-togethers, date nights in, or book nights on the couch.

Cocktails and mocktails galore!

If you are interested in a few other holiday cocktails, then may I suggest:

• Dairy-Free Eggnog
• Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktail
• Spiked Sour Apple Cider

And if you’re in the mood for a few mocktails, may I also suggest:

• Cranberry Fizz Mocktail
• 3-Ingredient Pineapple Fresca Mocktail

Spiriteds, stay well and stay wild. Jump into the fun whenever you can, and always remember I’m glad you’re here. Always. 🩷

Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas

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Who says margaritas are only for summer? These Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas are the delicious proof that margaritas can be enjoyed all year round. Made with fresh cranberries, pomegranate arils, agave nectar, lemon and lime juices, orange liqueur, and tequila, these margaritas will add a festive flavor to your holiday season! {GF + VG}

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 cups 1x
• Category: Mixed Drinks and Cocktails
• Method: Stovetop
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cranberries, halved
• Arils of two pomegranates
• 3 cups water
• 3–4 tablespoons organic agave nectar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/3 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur

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Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring cranberries, pomegranate arils, and water to a gentle boil. Simmer for at least 10 minutes or until cranberries are softened and the color of the water has turned a deep red.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and when cooled, pour the mixture from the saucepan through a mesh strainer into a large mixing bowl. Discard the cooked cranberries and pomegranate arils. Let the cranberry pomegranate juice cool even further in the bowl. Then add the agave nectar, lemon juice, lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur. 
3. Garnish with fresh cranberries, pomegranate arils, and lemon/lime slices. Add coarse sea salt or sugar to the rims of the drinking glasses, if desired. Serve with ice cubes.
4. Store chilled in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Notes

• Please note that cooking times are an approximation. Your cranberries and pomegranate arils may need a little more or a little less cooking time to soften.
• Also, adjust sweetener and alcohol amounts up or down as desired.
• To add coarse sea salt or sugar to the glasses, pour some salt or sugar into a small bowl and pour a little margarita mixture into another small bowl. Place the drinking glasses face down in the margarita mixture first and then place them face down in the salt or sugar mixture. Spin the glasses in the salt or sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. Turn the glasses right side up and fill/garnish as desired.