Cherry Margarita

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This refreshing and tasty Cherry Margarita is a delicious recipe that is made with tequila, cherry preserves, lime juice, orange-flavored liqueur, and maple syrup. Enjoy this drink at your next cocktail hour. 

 

I have recently developed a fondness for margaritas and having a new recipe every Monday. 

This has been fun coming up with so many options and using ingredients that I already have in my kitchen. Since I’m still currently enjoying cocktail hour at home…because of quarantine…*insert side-eye emoji here*. It has been important for me to be able to make a single serving. Last week I shared a recipe for an Original Margarita and before that, I shared recipes for Kombucha Margarita and Jalapeno Margarita.

This week I will be sharing a recipe for a cherry margarita. This recipe will use cherry preserves and is similar to a cherry limeade except for adults because of tequila. 

What ingredients are needed for this cherry margarita recipe?

1. Tequila – This truly comes down to preference, for this recipe I chose to use reposado tequila. This tequila is aged in oak for two months up to a year and this softens the taste a bit making it perfect for using in any margarita recipe. Other tequilas that are available are blanco, joven, anejo, and mixto. 
2. Cherry preserves – This step is simple and available all year long regardless of the season. There are many options available, but try to go with one that has minimal ingredients on the label. 
3. Lime juice – Use fresh limes for the juice or a lime juice that is 100% lime juice without any other additional ingredients. This is the most important part of the margarita in my opinion, so fresh lime juice is the best option to use. 
4. Orange-flavored liqueur – For this, you may choose to substitute orange juice. However, some particular brands of orange-flavored liqueur that are available are Triple Sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Curaçao. Go with whichever you prefer, I enjoy Cointreau personally to make my margaritas. 
5. Maple syrup – This twist really takes the flavor of the margarita up a notch. It provides so much depth and I prefer to use it instead of simple syrup. If you prefer to use simple syrup, simply mix one part cane sugar and mix with one part warm water until the sugar dissolves. 
6. Salt or sugar – Coarse sea salt, kosher salt, or large flake salt will work the best to rim the margarita glass. If you prefer to use sugar, then I love to use raw cane sugar.  
7. Ice – Crushed or cubed. For a frozen version, add all of the ingredients into a blender along with the ice and blend to your desired texture/smoothness.

How to make a cherry margarita from scratch:

Begin the recipe by using a cocktail shaker or jar with a lid to combine together the tequila, cherry preserves, lime juice, orange-flavored liqueur, and maple syrup together. 

Place the shaker top or jar lid on the shaker or jar and carefully shake for 10 to 15 seconds.

Pour the drink mixture from the shaker or jar into a glass. Top with a lime wedge for garnish. Serve and enjoy!

Tips to make the best margarita:

• You may substitute orange juice in the same unit of measure for the orange-flavored liqueur. 
• Be sure to use fresh lime juice for this recipe. For an ounce use approximately the juice of 1 ½ small limes. 
• Rim the glass with salt or sugar. If you prefer to use salt, use coarse sea salt or kosher salt. For a sweet margarita, rim the glass with raw sugar. 
• If this margarita is too strong in terms of alcohol, adjust to your preference or allow the ice to melt a little before drinking to dilute. 
• Double or triple the recipe as needed. 

Need more easy cocktail recipes? Try these:

• Original Margarita Recipe
• Jalapeno Margarita Recipe
• Kombucha Margarita 
• Blackberry Thyme Mocktail

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use this Cherry Margarita? Please share them in the comments below!