Spiced Cranberry Margaritas

December 28, 2016

Spicy Cranberry Margaritas | Sarcastic Cooking

Just when you thought all your caloric intake for the year had reached its max, here comes New Year’s Eve to put the final nail in your 2016. I guess those resolutions are going to be pretty long this year. Oh well.

If you asked me, “Would you rather spend calories on cookies or an alcoholic beverage?” I would jump off a cliff rather than answer.

Just kidding.

I have just enough willpower to skip dessert if wine or beer is involved. While I was pregnant with Jack, all I wanted was a margarita. Making it through the whole summer without a margarita was not fun. Manageable, but not fun. Then once he was born, December, margarita season is over. Or is it?

Spicy Cranberry Margaritas | Sarcastic Cooking

And another question: is cranberry season over too?

Maybe something I should have thought about before planning my New Year’s Eve cocktail post.

Alas, another New Year’s Eve on the couch with cheese and some classy drinks. Here I come. I will be delving into the freshest soft cheeses and drinking these margaritas all night long because I can. Past pregnant me is getting her fix now thanks to present me. That was confusing.

Spiced Brown Sugar Cranberry Simple Syrup | Sarcastic Cooking

Ok, a few things about the recipe.

First off, make the simple syrup ahead of time. It needs time to cool. The brown sugar really adds to the warm, spiciness of this margarita. You can add it to margaritas or champagne or even some sparkling water. It ends up being the prettiest deep red color. If you don’t have margarita mix, what’s wrong with you? Kidding! You can skip it and just add in some lime juice instead.

Just because you will be sitting on the couch in your sweats, doesn’t mean you can’t drink a fancy drink.

Spicy Cranberry margaritas | Sarcastic Cooking

Today, drinks. Tomorrow, snacks.

The next day…. Oh baby!  Let’s just say we will all need to go on diets after one bite of that recipe.

Good thing January is right around the corner!

Spiced Cranberry Margaritas

A spicy twist on a margarita. Warm spices in brown sugar cranberry simple syrup make the coziest holiday or fancy party cocktail.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 Margaritas

Ingredients

For the Spiced Brown Sugar Cranberry Simple Syrup:

  • 1 1/2 Cups Fresh Frozen Cranberries
  • 1 Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 2 Slices Fresh Ginger
  • Orange Zest
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Star Anise

For the Cocktail (makes 2):

  • 4 Tablespoons Simple Syrup above
  • 1/4 Cup Margarita Mix or Lime Juice
  • 6 Ounces Tequila
  • Ice
  • Lime Wedges Orange Slices, Cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine brown sugar, water, cranberries, ginger, orange zest, cinnamon, anise in a small pot. Bring to a simmer over medium for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst. Give them a little mash.
  2. Pour the syrup through a mesh strainer into a large measuring cup. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a jar with a lid.
  3. To make the margaritas, add cooled syrup, tequila, and margarita mix to a small pitcher. Stir to combine.
  4. Add ice to two glasses. Pour half the mixture into one glass and half into another.
  5. Garnish with limes, orange slices, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh cranberries.

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