Napa Farmhouse 1885™: Cranberry Margaritas (Perfect for your Holiday Parties)

This is the perfect cocktail for all of your Holiday gatherings. Delicious, easy, can be made ahead of time, and so beautiful...I make these margaritas all December. We had some friends over for drinks before attending the Lighting of Ledoux, a Taos tradition. What did I serve? Cranberry Margaritas. We are having a Holiday Christmas Cocktail party. What will be my "signature" cocktail? You know the answer. And Christmas Eve with family? Perfect! (Would Christmas morning brunch be pushing it?)

I use an organic brand of 100% cranberry juice with no added sugar. The ingredients are simply water, cranberry juice and cranberry juice concentrate. I also do not add any sweeteners to the recipe so the margaritas are a bit tart which I (and my guests) love. The hint of sugar from the sugar-rimmed glasses creates a wonderful balance of sweet and tart. If you are making these for a large party, you may want to provide a bowl of sugar cubes in case you have guests who like their drinks a bit sweeter. My suggestion? Make the recipe as is, taste, and then decide.

Cranberry Margaritas (Perfect for your Holiday Parties)
(makes 6)

1 3/4 cups cranberry juice
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup good quality tequila
1/2 cup Grand Marnier (orange-flavored cognac liqueur)
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup coarse sugar, such as Demerara
1 tsp ground allspice powder
1 fresh lime, cut into wedges

In a large pitcher, add the cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, Grand Marnier, and cranberries. Stir to combine. Refrigerate until very cold. (At least 6 hours or overnight).

Add 1/4 cup water to small bowl. Add coarse sugar and allspice to a small plate and stir to combine. Dip the rims of 6 glasses individually into the water and then the sugar mixture. Set aside

When ready to serve, fill each glass 1/4 full of crushed ice cubes. Pour the margaritas into the sugar-rimmed glasses ensuring some fresh cranberries are added to each glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

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