The Cranberry Sauce-a-Rita
Tart, tangy, and totally unexpected—like Thanksgiving at your in-laws, but with tequila.
As the days get shorter and the turkey talk gets louder, November calls for a cocktail that celebrates both gratitude and good mischief. Enter The Cranberry Sauce-a-Rita: a festive twist on the classic margarita that blends cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime for a bright, beach-meets-harvest harmony. Sugared rim? Absolutely. Bonus points if you toss in a spoonful of actual cranberry sauce—because sometimes “what is happening” turns into “why haven’t we done this before?”
Legend has it the first Cranberry Sauce-a-Rita was born when a Parrot Head realized you can’t spell Friendsgiving without tequila. One blender, a rogue can of cranberry sauce, and several questionable toasts later, a holiday hero was born.
🍸 The Cranberry Sauce-a-Rita Recipe
Serves: 2 thankful Parrot Heads—or 1 who’s hiding from family photos
Ingredients:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened preferred)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1 spoonful cranberry sauce for the bold and brave
- Ice
Garnish:
Sugared rim, fresh cranberries, and a lime wheel
🥄 Instructions:
- Rim your glass with lime juice, then dip in sugar for that frosty holiday sparkle.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, syrup, and ice. Shake like you’re trying to beat Aunt Carol to the mashed potatoes.
- Strain into your chilled glass—or blend it if you’re feeling extra festive.
- Drop in a spoonful of cranberry sauce for flair, stir, and watch the room react.
🎶 Parrothead Pairing
Suggestions:
Soundtrack: “Boat Drinks” or “We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About”
Snack: Sweet potato pie or leftover stuffing (no judgment)
Mood: Thankful, tipsy, and tropically unbothered
🥂 A Toast to November Sippers
“Here’s to cranberries, tequila, and cheer,
To feasts, friends, and frozen drinks near.
May your stuffing stay fluffy and your sauce stay strong—
In Margaritaville, Thanksgiving lasts all month long.” 🦜🍹
Did you enjoy this little escape?
Check out some of our other stories in our Tales From The Tiki Bar
Also, don’t forget to stay in the know on our upcoming shenanigans and past exploits.
