The holidays may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate with a little bit of “holiday cheer” on the side. Cranberry margaritas provide the perfect seasonal twist on a classic cocktail and have been a holiday tradition in my family for years.

I know what you’re thinking, tequila and the winter holidays sounds like an unlikely pair. But trust me, whether you’re hosting a socially distanced get-together or simply looking to treat yourself, this drink will become an instant favorite.

Cranberry Margaritas*

• ¾ cup 100% cranberry juice
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups fresh or thawed cranberries
• ¾ cup lime juice
• ¾ cup tequila
• ½ cup orange liqueur (Triple Sec, Cointreau, etc.)
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Pour cranberry juice into the blender and reserve 1 Tbsp to coat the rims of your glasses.
2. Sprinkle 3 Tbsp sugar onto a small plate. Dip the glasses (with rims coated in cranberry juice) in the sugar, and fill with ice.
3. Set aside 10 cranberries, placing the rest in the blender with the water, sugar, lime juice, tequila and orange liqueur.
4. Blend for 30 seconds or until smooth, and pour the contents through a strainer.
5. Pour the strained margarita into the glasses, add reserved berries and additional garnish as desired.

Optional garnish

• For a bit of holiday decoration, spear two cranberries with a sprig of rosemary and place on top of drink OR
• Slice limes leftover from lime juice extraction, cut a notch into each of them and place on the rim of each glass.

* serves 2-3, depending on your enthusiasm