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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Cocktails

    Ultimate Frozen Cranberry Margarita Recipe

    December 3, 2018 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated July 15, 2020 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Easy Frozen Cranberry Margaritas - A Christmas Cocktail

    I have the perfect Christmas margarita to kick off the holidays, Frozen Cranberry Margaritas! Not only are they a beautiful rosy color, but they are delicious and this recipe is oh so easy to make.

    Two cranberry margaritas garnished with fresh cranberries.

    On this third day of Christmas, instead of three French hens, I’m bringing you this easy Frozen Cranberry Margarita recipe for your holiday entertaining

    Why you will love this recipe:

    1. The secret to this delectable cranberry margarita recipe is canned cranberry sauce! Yes, you read that right, canned cranberry sauce! It gives these mouthwatering libations a beautiful color and delightful cranberry flavor.
    2. Another unique twist for these yummy holiday drinks is instead of rimming the edge of the glass with salt, I’ve combined salt and sugar for a sweet and salty surprise that compliments this flavorful Christmas margarita.
    3. This tequila cocktail is so simple to make, I’m almost embarrassed to call this a recipe. All of the ingredients are just dumped into a blender and it does all of the heavy lifting! Your guests will never know, and it can be our little secret.

    A frozen cranberry margarita with rosemary and fresh cranberries for garnish.

    Whether you are hosting a small holiday party or a large bash, these festive cranberry margaritas will be the hit of the evening. And, speaking of margaritas, if you like them as we do, you might also want to check out my Ultimate Frozen Margarita recipe too!

    Here’s what you will need:

    To make this delicious cocktail you will need frozen margarita mix, tequila, triple sec, whole berry cranberry sauce, and fresh lime juice. You will also need ice, coarse salt, and granulated sugar to rim the glasses.

    Here’s how to make it:

    1. Place the margarita mix, tequila, cranberry sauce, triple sec, and lime juice in a blender.
    2. Add three to four cups of ice and process until smooth and creamy.
    3. Combine the salt and sugar and spread out evenly on a small plate.
    4. Use the lime you have juiced to rub the rims of the glasses to wet them.
    5. Dip the rim of the prepared glasses into the salt and sugar mixture.  Add the margarita mixture and serve it immediately.
    6. Optional: garnish with small skewers of fresh cranberries.

    Two margarita glasses full of frozen cranberry margaritas.

    Sharon’s tips:

    A regular blender works best with this recipe instead of a Vitamix or Blendtec because those machines are so powerful they can melt your ice if you aren’t careful. 

    Keep all of your ingredients, including the tequila and triple sec, in the freezer so they will be icy cold when you start. However, your triple sec will have to be at least 60 proof to leave it in the freezer. Any less, and it will freeze.

    More Christmas recipes: 

    Check out these delicious recipes: Santa Clause Christmas Punch, Spinach and Goat Cheese Tartlets, Cranberry Brie Bites, Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip, and Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls.

    Need more ideas for holiday food, click here to browse all of my Christmas recipes.

    ★ If you make this recipe, please consider rating it and leaving a comment. I’d love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones. I hope you’ll come back soon!

    Two frozen Christmas margaritas garnished with fresh cranberries.

    Frozen Cranberry Margaritas Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    Easy Frozen Cranberry Margaritas are the perfect Christmas cocktail to kick off the holidays! They are festive and delicious and they are easy to make.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 266 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 ounces frozen margarita mix can
    • ¾ cup tequila
    • ¼ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
    • 2 tablespoons triple sec
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • ½ cup fresh cranberries Optional, for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Place the margarita mix, tequila, cranberry sauce, triple sec, and lime juice in a blender.
    • Add 3-4 cups of ice and process until smooth and creamy.
    • Combine the salt and sugar and spread out evenly in a flat saucer.
    • Use the lime you have juiced to rub the rims of the glasses to wet them.
    • Dip the rim of the glasses into the salt and sugar mixture and then pour in the margarita mixture. Serve immediately.
    • Optional: garnish with small skewers of fresh cranberries.

    Notes

    A regular blender works best with this recipe instead of a Vitamix or Blendtec because those machines are so powerful they can melt your ice if you aren't careful. 
    Keep all of your ingredients, including the tequila and triple sec, in the freezer so they will be icy cold when you start. However, your triple sec will have to be at least 60 proof to leave it in the freezer. Any less, and it will freeze.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.03gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 34mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin C: 7.4mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    1. Cheryl

      December 05, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      I’m having difficulty finding frozen margarita mix. Is there a substitute?

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        December 05, 2018 at 10:20 pm

        Hi Cheryl,
        I have never tried it, but I believe you could substitute frozen lime juice and then just add a little simple syrup to taste and it should be fine. You can buy simple syrup, or make your own by combining equal parts of water and sugar in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves and the water is clear. Hope this works for you!
        All my best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    2. Linger

      December 04, 2018 at 10:09 am

      Sharon, I am in LOVE with this recipe. How festive this is for setting a Holiday mood. I think I need to make one of these for the weekend. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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