This cherry margarita combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherry preserves with smooth reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of maple syrup for a refreshing cocktail that's ready in just 5 minutes. Think of it as a grown-up cherry limeade, perfect for summer parties, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Fourth of July cookouts, or a relaxing happy hour at home.
Updated January 14, 2026: This post has been updated with a new frozen cherry margarita variation, a batch recipe for parties, and an expanded FAQ section. It was originally posted on August 10, 2020.
As someone who has been developing cocktail recipes for years, I love how using cherry preserves makes this margarita accessible year-round, no need to wait for fresh cherry season! The preserves add both sweetness and that gorgeous deep red color that makes this drink absolutely stunning. More About Me.
Whether you're making one for yourself or mixing up a pitcher for friends, this cherry margarita recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cocktail rotation.
Jump to:
What You Need for This Cherry Margarita Recipe
- Tequila - I recommend reposado tequila for this recipe. It's aged in oak barrels for 2-12 months, which softens the flavor and adds subtle notes that complement the cherry beautifully. Blanco tequila works too if that's what you have on hand, but reposado really elevates this cocktail.
- Cherry Preserves - The secret ingredient! Cherry preserves are available year-round and provide both the cherry flavor and natural sweetness. Look for preserves with minimal ingredients, just cherries and sugar. Brands like Bonne Maman or your local farmers' market preserves work wonderfully.
- Fresh Lime Juice - Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. You'll need about 1½ small limes to get one ounce of juice. Bottled lime juice just doesn't compare, the fresh stuff makes all the difference in a great margarita.
- Orange Liqueur - Triple Sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Curaçao all work here. I personally love Cointreau for its clean orange flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute fresh orange juice.
- Maple Syrup - This adds depth and a subtle richness that simple syrup can't match. The maple complements the cherry flavor beautifully. You can substitute simple syrup (equal parts sugar and warm water) if needed.
- Salt or Sugar for Rimming - Coarse sea salt, kosher salt, or raw cane sugar for the rim. I love the sweet-salty contrast of a salted rim, but sugar works beautifully if you prefer a sweeter experience.
- Ice - Cubed for shaking and serving. For a frozen version, see my variation below!
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
How to Make a Cherry Margarita
Making this cherry margarita is incredibly simple. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Add 2 ounces of tequila, 1 tablespoon cherry preserves, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce orange liqueur, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Don't have a shaker? A mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly!
Step 2: Shake It Up
Add ice to the shaker, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. This chills the drink and helps dissolve the cherry preserves into the liquid.
Step 3: Prepare Your Glass
While your margarita chills, prep your glass. Run a lime wedge around the rim to moisten it, then dip the rim into a plate of coarse salt or raw sugar. Add fresh ice to the glass.
Step 4: Pour and Garnish
Strain the margarita into your prepared glass (or pour directly if you like the cherry pieces). Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy immediately!
📖 Recipe
Cherry Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 tablespoon cherry preserves
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ice
- salt or sugar to rim glass (optional)
- 2 small lime wedges
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by using a cocktail shaker or jar with a lid to combine together 2 ounces of tequila, 1 tablespoon cherry preserves, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce orange-flavored liqueur, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup together.
- Place the top/lid on the shaker or jar and carefully shake for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Grab your favorite glass and rub the rim with a slice of lime for the lime juice. Rub this part of the glass in salt or sugar until the rim of the glass is completely covered.
- Add ice into the glass.
- Pour the mixture from the shaker or jar into the glass. Top with a lime wedge for garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- 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 it.
- Double or triple the recipe as needed.
- Best served immediately. Ingredients can be prepped up to 1 hour ahead, just shake with ice when ready to serve.
How to Make a Frozen Cherry Margarita
Want a slushy, frozen version? It's just as easy:
- Add all ingredients (tequila, cherry preserves, lime juice, orange liqueur, and maple syrup) to a blender.
- Add 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and slushy, about 30 seconds.
- Pour into a salt or sugar-rimmed glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Pro tip: For an even thicker frozen margarita, freeze your cherry preserves for 30 minutes before blending.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get comforting new recipes from us every week!
Cherry Margarita Pitcher Recipe (Serves 6)
Hosting a party? Here's how to make a full pitcher:
| Ingredient | Pitcher Amount (6 servings) |
| Tequila | 12 oz (1½ cups) |
| Cherry Preserves | 6 tablespoons |
| Fresh Lime Juice | 6 oz (¾ cup) |
| Orange Liqueur | 6 oz (¾ cup) |
| Maple Syrup | 2 tablespoons |
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and stir well to dissolve the preserves. Refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 4 hours). When serving, shake or stir again, then pour over ice in prepared glasses.
Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Margarita
- Use quality tequila. You don't need top-shelf, but avoid the bottom shelf. Mid-range reposado like Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Cazadores makes excellent margaritas.
- Always use fresh lime juice. This is non-negotiable for a great margarita. Bottled lime juice has a preservative taste that affects the final cocktail.
- Shake longer than you think. A full 15 seconds of vigorous shaking ensures the cherry preserves fully incorporate and the drink gets properly chilled.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Cherry preserves vary in sweetness. Taste your margarita before serving and add more maple syrup if needed.
- Strain for a smoother drink. If you prefer a completely smooth margarita without cherry pieces, strain through a fine mesh strainer.
Perfect for Summer Celebrations
This cherry margarita is ideal for warm-weather entertaining:
- Cinco de Mayo - The vibrant red color and festive flavor make it perfect for Mexican-themed celebrations.
- Fourth of July - Pair with a blue curaçao cocktail and something white for a patriotic drink spread.
- Memorial Day & Labor Day - A refreshing choice for backyard BBQs and pool parties.
- Valentine's Day - The gorgeous deep red color makes it romantic and festive.
- Summer Happy Hours - Keep ingredients on hand all season for easy entertaining.
Cherry Margarita FAQ
Yes! Muddle 6-8 fresh pitted cherries in your shaker before adding the other ingredients. You may need to add a bit more maple syrup since fresh cherries are less sweet than preserves. This works best during cherry season (late May through August).
Reposado tequila is my top choice. It's aged in oak barrels, which gives it a smoother, slightly complex flavor that pairs beautifully with cherry. Blanco (silver) tequila works well if you prefer a cleaner, more agave-forward taste. Avoid gold/joven tequila as it often contains additives.
Absolutely! For a virgin cherry margarita (or "cherry limeade mocktail"), replace the tequila with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda, and use orange juice instead of orange liqueur. Increase the lime juice slightly for more tartness.
Yes, but the results will be different. Use 1-2 ounces of tart cherry juice and increase the maple syrup to taste. Tart cherry juice (like R.W. Knudsen brand) works better than sweet cherry juice. The preserves give a richer, more full-bodied cherry flavor.
Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out the cherries and cool completely. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Cherry margaritas are best served immediately after making. The pitcher version (without ice) can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving. Once ice is added, drink within 30 minutes before it becomes diluted.
If the alcohol taste is too strong, you have a few options: add more ice and let it dilute slightly, add a splash more lime juice, or increase the maple syrup. You can also reduce the tequila to 1.5 ounces for a lighter cocktail.
More Margarita Recipes to Try
Love this cherry margarita? Try these other favorites:
- Strawberry Margarita Recipe - The timeless classic.
- Peach Margarita - For those who like a little peach flavor.
- Kombucha Margarita - A probiotic twist on the classic.
- Blackberry Thyme Mocktail - A non-alcoholic option.
Have questions about this cherry margarita recipe? Leave a comment below. I love hearing from you, and I respond to every question!
Leave a Reply