Happy almost New Years! Are we really here? Geez, good thing we’ve got this cranberry ginger cocktail.

I don’t have exciting new years plans. Years ago I came to the realization that NYE is best spent at home, having done the fancy hotel, fancy bar, not-fancy bar, house party, etc. many years ago when I was living in Chicago. It was always horribly cold, dreadful to catch a cab and never lived up to expectations. My solution was to tuck in at home with my favorite take away (which is a rare treat since I never order in) and enjoy a simple party of one or just a few to mark the occasion. I’m doing the same this year and Buddy’s pizza is on the agenda (but I do really miss my favorite Chinese restaurant!)!

cranberry ginger cocktail

Back to this drink. I’ve mentioned before that I’m not much of a mixologist. I don’t drink enough to really understand the flavors of what goes with what, how much should be added, etc, but I’m certainly trying! I have friends that are excellent at it and I always think of a few certain someones when I try out a new drink recipe. As much as I can tell you exactly what to add to make the perfect tagine, if you ask me what goes with tequila, my answer would be tacos!

However, since it is almost NYE, I thought that you might by chance be hosting a party, and I wanted to come up with something zippy to serve that was simple to make, pretty to hold, strong to drink and delicious to boot. I found some inspiration from the good folks at epicurious and came up with this cranberry ginger cocktail that got a thumbs up from my very exacting taste tester.

The booze in this babe is tequila, and hint of lime makes it almost feel like a margarita. Cranberry juice gives it some color and sweetness, and ginger beer adds the fizzy. For an extra something, soak some fresh cranberries in the tequila. Your guests will certainly be surprised when they take a nibble!

This recipe would be swell to make ahead, with a last minute topping of the ginger beer to add the lift.

And perfect to enjoy under the glow of your holiday decorations for just one more night before they come down for the season.

cranberry ginger cocktail

Cranberry Ginger Cocktail

December 30, 2019

Servings: 2

Total: 5 min

Difficulty: Easy

Print This

Fruity and refreshing cranberry ginger cocktail with tequila, lime, cranberry and ginger beer. The perfect holiday cocktail!

By: Chrissy

Ingredients

3 oz tequila
1/2 cup cranberry juice
2 TB lime juice
1/2 cup ginger beer, or more to serve
12 ice cubes

Directions

Step 1 Add three ice cubes to each of two glass. Set aside.
Step 2 Add the rest of the ice to a cocktail shaker. Add the tequila, lime juice and cranberry juice. Give it a good shake divide the mixture into two glasses. Top each with 2 ounces (approximately 4 TB) ginger beer, or more to taste. Serve cold.