Fireside Cranberry Cider Margarita.

Fireside Cranberry Cider Margarita, my favorite quick and easy, but oh-so-warming holiday margarita recipe. Smoky Mezcal (or use your favorite type of tequila) mixed with a splash of spiced apple cider, cranberry juice, triple sec, a touch of fresh lime juice, and orange juice. This warm, spicy margarita is a cozy take on the classic, and the perfect cocktail to sip with friends and family. Make each of your cranberry margaritas feel special with a gingered sugar rim and smoking star anise.

I’m in my cozy fireside “era”, literally. As I type away here in New York I am sitting by the hotel fire. It’s cloudy and cozy out. New York really has such a specialness to it this time of year. I love it!

Before I left on this week-long work trip, I did my best to get as many recipes tested, photographed, and ready for sharing as possible.

The one recipe I really made sure to prioritize was this cranberry margarita recipe. It’s the most wonderful drink to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can make it as a single or create a bigger batch for all your holiday guests.

And if you don’t want the alcohol, I have the mocktail directions all ready for you!

Details

Step 1: mix the gingered sugar rim

This is the element that makes this margarita sparkle for this special time of year. It adds the prettiest touch and of course, the flavors are delicious!

This is a mix of coarse sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and candied ginger. Run a lime or orange wedge around the rims of your glasses and then dip in the sugar. It creates the perfect sugared rim. So fun for Thanksgiving!

Step 2: mix your margarita

Grab either Mezcal or tequila blanco, use what you prefer. We love the smokiness Mezcal adds, but of course, use your favorite!

Now spiced apple cider, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, orange juice, and lime juice. Shake everything up to evenly mix.

Strain the drink into your favorite cocktail glass and stir in some ginger beer. Yes, I use ginger beer in most of my cocktails. It adds sweetness without having to add any additional sugars to the cocktail.

Plus, to me, it’s what really makes most drinks feel a little more magical than all the rest.

It takes only minutes to make but always turns out looking so impressive and extra pretty with its dark red color. I’m planning to make the pitcher for Thanksgiving. My family is already looking forward to this one. I sent everyone a few sneak peek photos and they seem very excited.

My best entertaining tip for the holidays

During the holiday season always keep the essentials for a few good cocktails on hand. I like to keep bourbon, vodka, and tequila stocked this time of year. These are my family’s alcohols of choice.

Then I always have cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lime wedges, fresh oranges, grapefruit, and ginger beer in the fridge. These are my go-to mixers. You never know when you’ll need to mix up a quick drink…it’s always a good idea to be prepared!

Looking for other easy drink recipes?? Here are my favorites: 

Pumpkin Head Punch

Sparkling Christmas Party Punch

Holiday Cheermeister Bourbon Punch

Spiced Cranberry Punch

Thanksgiving Sangria

Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned Pitcher

Thanksgiving Cider Punch

Lastly, if you make this Fireside Cranberry Cider Margarita, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!