These Cranberry Pitcher Margaritas with Spiced Salty Sugar Rim are a super festive holiday cocktail to make for a crowd! The margaritas are made with tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice, a touch of freshly squeezed orange juice, and simple syrup! To make them extra special, the glasses get rimmed in a spiced salty sugar. The best kind of holiday cheer!
To a large pitcher, add the tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Let chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve. To serve, moisten the edge of your glasses with lime and rim in the spiced salty sugar rim. Fill the glasses with crushed ice and pour in the margaritas! Garnish with lime slices and sugared cranberries.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Once boiling, stir for 30 seconds to ensure sugar is dissolved, then set aside to cool completely.
On a small plate, mix together the salt, sugar, and spices until combined.
*To make sugared cranberries: Bring 1/2 cup water and ½ cup of sugar to a boil. Once boiling, stir for thirty seconds until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries. Stir until completely coated, then transfer to a wire rack to dry for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup sugar to a large bowl and roll the cranberries in the sugar, working in batches. Transfer back to the rack, and let dry for an hour. Store in a cool, dry place.
*If you want to make the margaritas ahead of time, I'd make them and chill the pitcher in the fridge no earlier than the morning of. You can make the simple syrup and the spiced salty sugar several days in advance though!
*I prefer Grand Marnier over other orange liqueurs, but Triple Sec or Cointreau will work here!
*Since you'll be using a lot of limes, I'd highly recommend using a citrus juicer like this one here!