Drinks

Ultimate Frozen Cranberry Margarita Recipe

ByLily Monroe December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

This Ultimate Frozen Cranberry Margarita is a vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Blending tangy cranberry sauce with smooth tequila and citrusy lime juice, it’s perfect for festive gatherings or a sunny afternoon treat.

Two clear glass cocktail glasses sit side by side on a white marbled surface, filled with a pale pink frozen drink that looks smooth and icy. Each glass has a small cluster of bright red cranberries on a thin metal pick resting across the rim. To the right, there is a clear glass bowl full of shiny red cranberries, and some cranberries along with sprigs of green rosemary are scattered in front of the glasses on the white marbled surface. The background is dark brown, making the light pink drinks and red cranberries stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 ounces frozen margarita mix (can)
¾ cup tequila
¼ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons triple sec
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the margarita mix, tequila, cranberry sauce, triple sec, and lime juice into a blender.
Step 2: Add 3–4 cups of ice and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the coarse kosher salt and granulated sugar on a flat saucer and spread evenly.
Step 4: Rub the rims of your glasses with the lime juice used earlier to moisten them.
Step 5: Dip the wet rims into the salt and sugar mixture to coat, then pour in the margarita blend.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh cranberries on small skewers if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use a regular blender instead of a high-powered one like a Vitamix to avoid melting the ice too quickly.
Keep all liquid ingredients chilled in the freezer before blending for a colder, icier drink. Make sure your triple sec is at least 60 proof to prevent freezing.
For a sweeter margarita, add an extra tablespoon of cranberry sauce or a splash of agave syrup.

Storage

This frozen margarita is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer and blend again briefly before serving to restore the texture. Avoid thawing completely to prevent dilution.

How to Serve

Two frozen pink drinks with a smooth and slushy texture are served in clear, classic martini glasses with rims coated in salt. Each drink is trimmed with two red cranberries on a small skewer, placed on the right side of the glass rim. The drinks sit on a white marbled surface scattered with fresh red cranberries and green sprigs of rosemary. A clear glass bowl filled with bright red cranberries sits behind the drinks on the right side. In front and to the right, two lime wedges with a pale green color rest on the surface. The background is dark brown, making the light pink drinks stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this margarita without frozen margarita mix?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite margarita mix or make your own by blending fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a touch of orange liqueur.

What should I use if I don’t have whole-berry cranberry sauce?

Unsweetened cranberry juice or fresh cranberries blended with a little sugar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Ultimate Frozen Cranberry Margarita Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

Enjoy a refreshing and festive Ultimate Frozen Cranberry Margarita, blending tart cranberry sauce with classic margarita flavors for a perfect icy cocktail that’s ideal for holiday celebrations or any fun gathering.

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids & Mixes

10 ounces frozen margarita mix can
¾ cup tequila
2 tablespoons triple sec
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Fruit

¼ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
½ cup fresh cranberries (Optional, for garnish)

Rimming

2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the margarita mix, tequila, cranberry sauce, triple sec, and fresh lime juice in a blender, ensuring all liquids and flavors come together smoothly.
Add Ice and Blend: Add 3-4 cups of ice to the blender and process the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, creating the signature frozen margarita texture.
Prepare Glass Rims: Mix the coarse kosher salt and granulated sugar on a flat saucer. Use the lime you juiced earlier to moisten the rims of your serving glasses.
Rim the Glasses: Dip the glued rims of the glasses into the salt and sugar mixture, coating evenly to add a sweet and salty crunch to every sip.
Serve and Garnish: Pour the frozen margarita mixture into the prepared glasses immediately. Optionally, garnish with small skewers of fresh cranberries for a festive touch and added tartness.

Notes

A regular blender works best with this recipe rather than high-powered blenders like Vitamix or Blendtec, which can overblend and melt the ice, compromising the drink’s texture.
Keep all ingredients, including tequila and triple sec, chilled or frozen before preparation to maintain the cold, icy consistency. Note that triple sec should be at least 60 proof to be safely stored in the freezer to avoid freezing.

Keywords: Frozen Margaritas, Cranberry Margarita, Holiday Cocktail, Frozen Cocktail, Margarita Recipe, Cranberry Sauce Cocktail

Lily Monroe

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