When you want to elevate the classic margarita with a vibrant, fruity twist that’s both refreshing and visually stunning, this Cherry-Lime Margarita delivers the perfect balance of tart cherries, bright lime, and smooth tequila in a cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass. Imagine sweet-tart cherries muddled with fresh lime juice and quality tequila, shaken until icy cold, and served in a salt-rimmed glass with a beautiful ruby hue. Each sip delivers layers of flavor with the natural sweetness of cherries complementing the classic citrus tang of a traditional margarita while adding gorgeous color and fruity depth. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, enjoying happy hour with friends, or simply want a cocktail that’s both delicious and impressive, this cherry-lime margarita proves that sometimes the best drinks come from unexpected flavor combinations. It’s equally perfect frozen or on the rocks, making it versatile for any preference.
Serving Quantity: 4 servings
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (all prep, no cooking required)
Nutritional Information per serving:
1. Calories: 215
2. Protein: 1g
3. Carbohydrates: 24g
4. Fat: 0g
5. Fiber: 2g
6. Sugar: 20g
7. Sodium: 5mg (without salt rim)
Ingredients You Need:
For the Margaritas:
1. 1.5 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
2. 6 ounces silver tequila (1.5 ounces per drink)
3. 3 ounces triple sec or Cointreau
4. 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
5. 1/4 cup simple syrup or agave nectar
6. 2 cups ice
For the Salt Rim:
7. Coarse salt or margarita salt
8. Lime wedges for rimming
9. Optional: mix salt with a bit of sugar for a sweeter rim
For Garnish:
10. Fresh cherries
11. Lime wheels
12. Fresh mint leaves
13. Cherry syrup for drizzling (optional)
Prepare the Cherries
If using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and remove the pits. You can use a cherry pitter for this, or carefully cut around the pit with a small knife. If using frozen cherries, let them thaw slightly for easier blending but keep them mostly frozen for a colder drink. Reserve a few whole cherries with stems for garnish.
Make the Salt Rim
Pour coarse salt onto a small shallow plate. If you prefer a sweeter rim, mix the salt with an equal amount of granulated sugar. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass to moisten it. Dip the moistened rim into the salt mixture, rotating to coat evenly. Set the prepared glasses aside or place them in the freezer to chill.
Muddle the Cherries
Place the pitted cherries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or large glass. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, muddle the cherries thoroughly to release their juices. You want to break them down into a chunky puree. The more you muddle, the more cherry flavor you’ll extract.
Add Liquid Ingredients
Add the tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup or agave nectar to the shaker with the muddled cherries. The proportions can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference. If the cherries are very sweet, use less simple syrup. If they’re tart, you might want a bit more.
Shake with Ice
Fill the shaker with ice, about 2 cups or enough to fill it three-quarters full. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 20 to 30 seconds. You want to shake hard enough to chill the drink thoroughly and dilute it slightly with the melting ice. The shaker should feel very cold to the touch.
Strain and Serve
Strain the margarita through a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared glasses filled with fresh ice. The strainer will catch the cherry pulp and ice chips, giving you a smooth drink with beautiful color. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip the straining or use a larger strainer.
Frozen Version Option
For a frozen cherry-lime margarita, combine all ingredients except the ice in a blender. Add 3 cups of ice and blend on high speed until smooth and slushy, about 30 to 45 seconds. The frozen cherries work especially well for this version. Pour into prepared glasses without straining.
Garnish Beautifully
Add garnishes to make each drink look as good as it tastes. Thread a fresh cherry and lime wheel onto a cocktail pick and rest it on the rim. Add a sprig of fresh mint for color and aroma. If desired, drizzle a small amount of cherry syrup over the top for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Serve Immediately
Serve the cherry-lime margaritas immediately while they’re ice cold. The drinks should be frosty, vibrant in color, and incredibly refreshing. Provide straws or stirrers so guests can mix the drink as they sip.
Batch Option
To make a pitcher for a party, multiply the recipe by your desired number of servings. Combine everything except the ice in a large pitcher and refrigerate. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice or pour over ice-filled glasses and stir well.
Adjust to Taste
Everyone’s sweetness and tartness preferences differ. Taste the mixture before shaking with ice and adjust. Add more simple syrup for sweetness, more lime juice for tartness, or more tequila for strength. Get it right before diluting with ice.
Helpful Tips for Success:
1. Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor and color.
2. Fresh lime juice is essential, bottled juice tastes flat and artificial.
3. Quality tequila makes a huge difference, use at least a mid-range silver tequila.
4. Muddle cherries thoroughly to extract maximum flavor and color.
5. The fine-mesh strainer removes pulp for a smoother drink.
6. Frozen cherries work great and make the drink extra cold.
7. Adjust sweetness based on the natural sweetness of your cherries.
8. Rim glasses just before serving so the salt doesn’t dissolve.
9. Chill glasses in the freezer for the coldest possible margaritas.
10. Make cherry simple syrup ahead by simmering cherries with sugar and water.
11. The drink can be made non-alcoholic by omitting spirits and adding sparkling water.
12. Try different cherry varieties like Bing, Rainier, or sour cherries for varied flavors.
13. Add a splash of grenadine for deeper color and extra sweetness.
14. Shake vigorously to properly chill and dilute the drink.
15. These pair perfectly with Mexican food, grilled meats, or spicy dishes.
