Grand Christmas Cran-Barita

This is the first recipe in my Holiday Drink series.  It is a cranberry margarita made with delicious ingredients you will love, and it looks gorgeous too! Enjoy!

Servings: 8ish
Equipment: Margarita glasses & Beverage Shaker

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cups silver tequila
2 cups no sugar added cranberry juice
3/4 cup Cointreau (orange liquor)
1 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4-1/2 cup honey, use more or less to your taste
zest from 1 orange
3-4 cups ice
rosemary and sugared cranberries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the sugar and salt on a shallow plate. Rim each glass in salted sugar.
2. In a blender, combine the tequila, cranberry juice, orange liquor, lime juice, cranberries, and honey. Add the ice and blend until slushy. Add the orange zest and blend to combine. Pour into your prepared glasses. Garnish with rosemary and sugared cranberries, if desired. Drink! You can strain the mixture if you desire.

SUGARED CRANBERRIES

1. In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup pure maple syrup. Let sit 10-15 minutes. Strain the cranberries, then add them to a parchment lined baking sheet.
2. Toss the cranberries with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until all the cranberries are coated. Allow the cranberries to dry, in a single layer, for at least one hour.