If you’re searching for a refreshingly vibrant cocktail to brighten your evenings, look no further than this Cherry Margarita Recipe. Bursting with the perfect balance of tangy lime, luscious cherry, and smooth silver tequila, this drink elevates the classic margarita into a fruity fiesta of flavor. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, entertaining friends, or just craving a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, this Cherry Margarita Recipe brings that irresistible summertime zing straight to your glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Margarita Recipe calls for just a handful of simple, quality ingredients that come together to create a cocktail rich in flavor, color, and refreshment. Each component is essential to achieve that perfect harmony between sweet, tart, and boozy.
- 2 ounces silver tequila: The backbone of the margarita, providing a smooth, clean agave flavor.
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity that livens up the drink.
- 1 ounce cherry juice (or muddled fresh cherries): Gives the cocktail its signature fruity punch and gorgeous deep red hue.
- 1/2 ounce triple sec or orange liqueur: Contributes a subtle citrus sweetness that balances the tartness.
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste): Adds sweetness and smoothness to round out the flavors.
- Ice: Essential for chilling the drink to perfection.
- Salt or sugar for rimming the glass (optional): Enhances flavor and adds a touch of flair to your presentation.
- Lime wedge and fresh cherries for garnish: The final touch that makes the Cherry Margarita Recipe look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Cherry Margarita Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
If you want to elevate your Cherry Margarita Recipe, start by rimming your glass with salt or sugar. Just run a lime wedge around the rim and then dip the edge into a plate of salt or sugar. This step is optional but adds a delightful contrast to the tartness of the drink, making each sip even more enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, pour in the silver tequila, fresh lime juice, cherry juice or muddled cherries, triple sec, and simple syrup. The secret to a perfectly balanced Cherry Margarita Recipe is the fresh lime and real cherry flavor, so fresh juices make all the difference!
Step 3: Shake It Up
Add plenty of ice to your shaker, then seal and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. This chills the drink, blends all those wonderful flavors, and slightly dilutes the cocktail for a smoother sip. You’ll see the mixture turn a beautiful vibrant red, a sign you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Strain the chilled margarita into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a wedge of lime and a couple of fresh cherries on top for that irresistible presentation that screams “refreshment.” Now you’re ready to enjoy your handcrafted Cherry Margarita Recipe!
How to Serve Cherry Margarita Recipe
Garnishes
The garnish isn’t just about looks—adding a lime wedge and fresh cherries not only makes your Cherry Margarita Recipe visually stunning but also enhances the drinking experience by offering an extra burst of citrus and fruit aroma. Feel free to skewer a few cherries or drop them right in for a playful touch.
Side Dishes
A Cherry Margarita pairs beautifully with Mexican-inspired appetizers like fresh guacamole and tortilla chips, spicy shrimp tacos, or zesty grilled chicken skewers. The cocktail’s tangy sweetness balances the savory, spicy notes on your plate, making it a versatile companion for many dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving the Cherry Margarita Recipe in a festive glass with a colorful sugar rim or blend it with ice for a frozen margarita version. Adding edible flowers or a sprig of mint can also add a lovely aroma and extra visual appeal that makes every sip feel like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cherry margarita mix, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before serving again to re-integrate any separated juices. Fresh is best, but this makes it easy to prepare ahead for a party.
Freezing
Freezing a fully mixed Cherry Margarita Recipe is not recommended because the texture can change and ingredients may separate. However, you can freeze the cherry juice or simple syrup beforehand to keep things cool without losing flavor.
Reheating
This cocktail is designed to be served cold, so reheating is not appropriate. Instead, remix your ingredients fresh or add fresh ice to a pre-made batch to bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry juice?
Absolutely! Muddling fresh cherries adds a natural, fruit-forward taste and slight texture, making your Cherry Margarita Recipe feel extra vibrant and homemade.
What type of tequila is best for a Cherry Margarita Recipe?
Silver or blanco tequila is preferred for its smooth agave flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, allowing the cherry and lime to shine.
How can I make a frozen Cherry Margarita?
Simply blend all the ingredients with plenty of ice until smooth for a refreshing frozen twist on the classic Cherry Margarita Recipe.
Is it possible to make this cocktail less sweet?
Yes, you can adjust or omit the simple syrup depending on your taste. Using tart cherry juice also helps keep the drink more tangy and less sweet.
Can I rim the glass with something other than salt?
Definitely! Sugar or even a mix of sugar and chili powder can create a sweet or spicy rim that complements the flavors in this Cherry Margarita Recipe beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cherry Margarita Recipe that instantly lifts your spirits and refreshes your senses. This cocktail is approachable yet elegant, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to drink for parties, quiet nights, or any time you crave that delightful cherry-lime tequila goodness.
Print
Cherry Margarita Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken for Cherry Margarita, Stirred for Cherry Old Fashioned
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired for Cherry Margarita, American for Cherry Old Fashioned
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free for Cherry Margarita; Gluten Free for Cherry Old Fashioned
Description
Two delicious cherry cocktails to enjoy: the Cherry Margarita offers a refreshing, fruity twist on the classic margarita with tart cherry juice and silver tequila, perfect for summer gatherings. The Cherry Old Fashioned is a smooth and slightly sweet bourbon-based cocktail enhanced with bitters and cherry flavors, ideal for whiskey lovers seeking a refined drink.
Ingredients
Cherry Margarita
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce cherry juice (or muddled fresh cherries)
- 1/2 ounce triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice
- Salt or sugar for rimming the glass (optional)
- Lime wedge and fresh cherries for garnish
Cherry Old Fashioned
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube or a few smaller ones
- 1–2 fresh or cocktail cherries (like Luxardo)
- Splash of cherry juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the glass (Margarita): (Optional) Rim the edge of a glass with lime juice and dip it into salt or sugar. Set aside.
- Mix the Cherry Margarita: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, fresh lime juice, cherry juice or muddled cherries, triple sec, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Serve the Margarita: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a cherry or two. Serve immediately.
- Muddle the Old Fashioned base: In a lowball glass, place the sugar cube and douse it with Angostura bitters. Muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Combine ingredients for Old Fashioned: Add bourbon and a splash of cherry juice if using. Stir to combine.
- Add ice and chill: Add a large ice cube or a few smaller ones to the glass. Stir again for 15–20 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.
- Garnish and serve: Drop in one or two cherries and garnish with a twist of orange peel. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For the Cherry Margarita, use tart cherry juice for a bold, tangy flavor or muddle fresh cherries for a natural fruit-forward taste.
- To make a frozen Cherry Margarita, blend all ingredients with ice until smooth.
- For the Cherry Old Fashioned, choose high-quality cherries like Luxardo to enhance flavor.
- For a smoky twist on the Old Fashioned, add a dash of cherry wood-smoked bitters or use a smoked glass.
