Tart Cherry Margaritas | Fruity cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 60 ml (2 oz)silver tequila
• 15 ml (½ oz)Cointreau orange-flavoured liqueur
• 7.5 ml (¼ oz)grenadine
• 60 ml (2 oz)tart cherry juice
• to tasteslice of lime and/or maraschino cherry (garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake with ice

   Put all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.

2. 2

   Strain into glass

   Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

3. 3

   Add garnish

   Finish with a maraschino cherry and/or a slice of lime.

What is a tart cherry margarita?

A margarita is a tequila-based cocktail associated with Mexico; this version brings tart cherry juice and grenadine into the mix alongside orange liqueur. It keeps the familiar citrus-and-tequila character while adding a deep fruit flavour and vivid colour.

The recipe works because the cherry juice gives the drink its tart, fruity base, while the orange liqueur and grenadine round it out. Shaking with ice chills and combines everything quickly.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 212 calories, 0g protein, 21g carbs, 0g fat.

The carbohydrates in this cocktail mainly come from the cherry juice, grenadine and orange liqueur; tequila provides most of the alcohol, with little protein or fat. Pair it with a meal that includes vegetables and a protein-rich food for a more substantial plate.

Choosing the ingredients

Tequila: Silver tequila has a clean, direct flavour that lets the cherry and orange notes come through.

Cherry and orange: Use tart cherry juice for the sharp fruit character, and Cointreau for the orange-flavoured liqueur specified here. Grenadine adds sweetness and colour.

Shaking and straining

Shake: Add the ingredients and ice to the shaker, then shake until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. This also brings the juices and spirits together evenly.

Strain: Pour over fresh ice in the serving glass. Straining keeps the shaker's ice out of the finished drink while the fresh ice keeps it cool.

Serving and garnish

Garnish: A lime slice brings a fresh citrus aroma, while a maraschino cherry echoes the drink's fruit flavour; use either or both.

Serve the cocktail straight after mixing, while it is cold. It works well as a summery aperitif or alongside Mexican-inspired food.

Adjusting the balance

For a tarter result, use a particularly sharp cherry juice and keep the listed grenadine amount. For a sweeter impression, choose a sweeter cherry juice rather than changing the other ingredients.

Keep the drink on ice as it is served, but avoid leaving it to stand for long: melting ice gradually dilutes the fruit and spirit flavours.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the serving glass in advance if you want the drink to stay cold for longer.
• Measure the small amount of grenadine carefully so it does not overpower the tart cherry.
• Shake firmly until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
• Strain over fresh ice rather than pouring in the shaker ice.
• Add the lime or cherry garnish just before serving.

Variations

• More lime: Garnish with a generous lime slice for a brighter citrus aroma.
• Cherry garnish: Use a maraschino cherry to echo the juice's fruit flavour.
• Both garnishes: Add lime and a maraschino cherry for a colourful finish.
• Sweeter juice: Choose a sweeter tart cherry juice for a softer, fruitier balance.
• Tarter finish: Choose a sharper cherry juice while keeping the listed quantities.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Weak shaking: The drink may not be cold enough; shake with plenty of ice until chilled.
• Too much grenadine: Its sweetness can dominate; measure the 7.5 ml carefully.
• Skipping the strain: Shaker ice can end up in the glass; strain onto fresh ice.
• Leaving it to stand: Melting ice dilutes the cocktail; serve as soon as it is made.
• Overdoing the garnish: Keep the lime and cherry to a modest finishing touch so they do not crowd the glass.

How to store

This cocktail is best mixed and served immediately. It is not well suited to storage once shaken with ice, as melting ice dilutes it.

Frequently asked questions