Celebrate peak cherry season with this flavorful and juicy cherry margarita.
Ah, the margarita…a traditional cocktail made with tequila and triple sec, served in a salt-rimmed margarita glass with ice. We’re here to show you a delicious, deep red take on the classic citrusy wonder. Behold, the cherry margarita!
You may be thinking, “Cherry? In a margarita? But how?” This libation has a lot going for it. Not only are cherries tasty, but they’re also extremely good for you. And the cherry margarita packs a sweet punch with just enough kick of honey and salt to become an instant favorite.
Cherry Margarita Ingredients
- Lime wedges
- Kosher salt
- Cherry juice (or cherry juice blend)
- Tequila
- Lime juice
- Frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
- Honey
- Ice, optional
Directions
Step 1: Salt the rim
Using the lime wedges, moisten the rims of four margarita or cocktail glasses. Set aside the lime wedges for garnish. Sprinkle some kosher salt onto a plate. Hold each glass upside down and dip the rims into a generous amount of salt, enough to cover the edges. Set the drinking glasses aside.
Step 2: Blend
In a blender, combine the cherry juice, tequila, lime juice, frozen cherries and, if desired, honey for some sweetness. (Start with 1 tablespoon.) If you’d like your margarita to be slushy, add ice to the blender as well. Cover and process until completely blended, about 45 seconds to one minute.
Step 3: Serve
Pour the margarita into each of the salt-lined prepared glasses. Garnish with the reserved lime wedges and a cherry. Cheers!
Cherry Margarita Tips
What type of tequila do you use in a cherry margarita?
Tequila comes in two main types: gold (amber-colored) and silver (clear). Gold tequila may be aged or have caramel coloring or flavoring added to mimic the aging process. Silver tequila tastes more crisp and bright, and you may prefer it in a cherry margarita. Check out our picks for the best tequila for margaritas.
Can you make a cherry margarita without alcohol?
Yes! For a tasty virgin margarita even the kiddos will love, leave out the tequila.
Ingredients
- Lime wedges
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup cherry juice blend
- 4 ounces tequila
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 package (12 ounces) frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
- Honey, optional
Directions
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1Using lime wedges, moisten the rims of 4 margarita or cocktail glasses. Set aside lime wedges for garnish. Sprinkle salt on a plate; hold each glass upside down and dip rim into salt. Set aside. Discard remaining salt on plate.
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2In a blender, combine the cherry juice, tequila, lime juice, cherries and, if desired, honey to sweeten to taste; cover and process until blended. Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with the lime wedges. Serve immediately.
