This festive Cranberry Margarita Mocktail is fresh, delicious, and super easy to make (no need for any fancy bar equipment). Plus there are two ways to enjoy this mocktail: with or without non alcoholic spirits.
More cranberry inspired recipes: Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine and Cranberry Pie Dip. Or try my traditional Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail.
Why You’ll LOVE This Cranberry Margarita Mocktail Recipe
- Bright festive flavors. The major flavors in this margarita is cranberry, orange, and a little bit lime juice. It is so balanced and truly addicting. I guarantee you will be drinking more than one of these. I recommend making a pitcher for yourself.
- Two super delicious ways to make it- one with non alcoholic spirits and one without. The non alcoholic spirits replicate the flavors of alcoholic spirits, that version will taste most like an authentic margarita. The other version uses juices and tonics to replicate a margarita and are just as delicious. You choose what works for you and what you have in your at home bar!
Let’s Make Them Together (click to watch):
Cranberry Margarita Mocktail Ingredients
This recipe has two versions: one with and one without non alcoholic spirits. I find having these options makes it easy for everyone to enjoy this delicious Cranberry Margarita Mocktail.
Version #1 – With Non Alcoholic Spirits
- Non Alcoholic Tequila: I use Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit. Brands like Ritual, Spiritless, and Free Spirit have options as well.
- Non Alcoholic Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur): I use Lyre’s Orange Sec, it is the only alcohol free version I know of.
- Cranberry Juice: Be sure to use 100% juice with no sugar added. Do not use cranberry juice cocktail, the taste just isn’t the same. I made my own with fresh cranberries using this recipe.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is best.
- Simple Syrup: This adds a little sweetness to our margarita. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought. I prefer to make my own and here are a few that taste delicious in this:
- Jalapeno Simple Syrup: For a little bit of spice.
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup: To amp up the winter holiday flavors.
- Simple Syrup: A classic!
Version #2 – WITHOUT Non Alcoholic Spirits
- Tonic Water: This is a great substitute for tequila because of it’s neutral flavor. It also boosts flavors while giving the drink a bubbly effervescent mouth feel.
- Orange Juice: Bottled orange juice that has no pulp works best and it is the easiest option. You can use freshly squeezed or 100% orange juice too.
- Cranberry Juice: see above note.
- Lime Juice: see above note.
- Simple Syrup: see above note.
Optional Ingredients
- Flaky Sea Salt: For the rim of the glass.
- Fresh Cranberries: To use as a garnish.
How to Make A Cranberry Margarita Mocktail
This drink is very simple to make for one or a whole pitcher for guests. Here are the basic steps, the recipe card will have more details.
- Rim your margarita glass with lime juice and then flaky sea salt.
- Combine the non alcoholic tequila (or tonic water), non alcoholic triple sec (or orange juice), cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir well to combine, add ice to your glass.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a slice of lime.
PRO TIP: Have your ingredients chilled ahead of time so you do not have to add ice. Your margarita won’t get watered down too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Yes! All you have to do is combine the cranberry juice and lime juice and freeze it into cubes. Once it is frozen you can add everything to your blender and blend until smooth. If it is too thick add more liquid, if it is too thin add a few ice cubes.
Yes! You can use leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays, cranberry jam, and canned cranberries. Use 3 ounces of whatever type of cranberry you use.
If you have friends or family who want to make their margarita boozy, just follow these directions. Add 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of triple sec or orange juice, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, 1/2 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup.
More Delicious and EASY Mocktail Recipes:
- Peppermint White Russian Mocktail
- Paloma Mocktail
- Smoked Whiskey Sour Mocktail
- Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail
- Apple Bee’s Knees Mocktail
- Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail
- Lemon Mojito Mocktail
- Pina Colada Mocktail
- Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail
- Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail
- Blue Lagoon Mocktail
- Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer
- Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail
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Cranberry Margarita Mocktail
EQUIPMENT
- glassware - hand blown Mexican tumblers, or your choice
INGREDIENTS
To Rim The Glass
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt
With Non Alcoholic Spirits
- 6 ounces cranberry juice - 100% juice*
- 4 ounces non alcoholic tequila - Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit
- 2 ounces non alcoholic triple sec - Lyre’s Orange Sec
- 2 ounces simple syrup - recipes below in notes
- 1 ounce lime juice - about 1 lime
Without Non Alcoholic Spirits
- 6 ounces cranberry juice - 100% juice*
- 4 ounces tonic water
- 2 ounces orange juice - without pulp
- 2 ounces simple syrup - recipes below in notes
- 1 ounce lime juice - about 1 lime
Garnish
- fresh cranberries
INSTRUCTIONS
Rim the Glass
- In a shallow plate, add flaky sea salt to.
- Rub the rim of two glasses with a lime slice and then dip in the flaky sea salt.
- Add ice to the glasses.
Version #1 – With Non Alcoholic Spirits
- Stir together cranberry juice, non alcoholic tequila, simple syrup, non alcoholic triple sec, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Divide between the two glasses and garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices.
Version #2 – Without Non Alcoholic Spirits
- Stir together cranberry juice, tonic water, simple syrup, orange juice, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Divide between two glasses and garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices.
VIDEO
RECIPE NOTES
Simple Syrup Recipes:
- Jalapeno Simple Syrup Recipe
- If you do not like spicy drinks, use my Simple Syrup Recipe
- To add holiday flare, use Cinnamon Simple Syrup
How to make Frozen Cranberry Margarita Mocktails:
- Combine the cranberry juice and lime juice and freeze it into cubes. Once it is frozen you can add everything to your blender and blend until smooth.
- If it is too thick add more liquid, if it is too thin add a few ice cubes and blend again.
How to make a Cranberry Margarita with alcohol:
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- NOTE: Prepare the recipe as written above.
Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
I made this last night, and it was delicious! So refreshing. I used a zero-proof tequila, and you wouldn’t know the difference. And that color — so pretty for Christmas!