Cranberry Margarita

Per Bon Appetit, this is Thanksgiving-in-a-glass; we might make it Christmas-in-a-glass as well!! This cocktail was one of the biggest successes of our Thanksgiving celebration! We served it on Thanksgiving Eve so that I could enjoy it with everyone– it would have been too hectic (for me!) on Thanksgiving Day.

The cranberry jam used in the cocktail can be made up to 5 days in advance (wonderful) and can be made with frozen cranberries as well (a great use for leftover cranberries!). The glass rims are coated in salt, sugar, and Chinese five-spice powder which added a surprise flavor and aroma. Freshly squeezed juice is a must.

This recipe is from The Red Cat in New York City, via Bon Appetit. Great!

Yield: Serves 4  (I doubled the recipe for 6)

For the Cranberry Jam:

• ¾ cup fresh cranberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

For Assembly:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 lime wedge, plus 2 oz. fresh juice
• 4 oz. fresh orange juice
• 6 oz. tequila

To Make the Cranberry Jam:

1. Bring cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and ¼ cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy, 30–40 minutes.
2. Mix in orange zest; let cool.

DO AHEAD: Jam can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill.

To Assemble the Cocktail:

1. Mix salt, sugar, and five-spice powder on a small plate.
2. Rub rims of Old Fashioned or Margarita glasses with a lime wedge; dip in salt mixture and fill glasses with ice.
3. For each cocktail, combine ½ oz. lime juice, 1 oz. orange juice, 1½ oz. tequila, and 2 Tbsp. cranberry jam in a cocktail shaker; fill with ice.
4. Cover and shake until outside is frosty, about 30 seconds.
5. Strain into prepared glass. (We used a metal strainer.)

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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