Tart Cherry Margaritas are a delicious cocktail to enjoy on your deck, in the hot tub, or lakeside? I love making a little tart cherry syrup perfect for lemonade, sparkling water or, you guessed it, margaritas.
Those of you who have been with me for a while know that I love a good margarita. What I love even more in experimenting with different flavors. Recently, we have made Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas, Peach Margaritas, and Classic Lime Margaritas. I also made watermelon, but I did not get a photo to share.... next time. I have to say that this recipe might hold the title as my favorite. I think I say that every time, but this time I am serious. The tart but sweet syrup is perfect with the lime. The result is a margarita that isn't too sweet, but still also not to sour. The cherry flavor is subtle, but a great compliment to the acidic lime partner.
I use a homemade margarita mix, and I always recommend doing that over store bought. Obviously, if you are in a pinch pick some up, but the time to make your own mix is generally not long and totally worth it. Many times I will make a bunch and freeze it in mason jars for a later date. The cherry syrup I use for this recipe is nice and easy as well. It has a few steps because you have to simmer the cherries to help them breakdown, but it is not a long process and allows for multitasking if you are working around your kitchen or house while it cooks.
I am in love with the color of these drinks- the perfect red. It is so summery, and transports me to relaxing in the sunshine while I sip on my drink. I have some leftover syrup and am going to bring a few to mix-up at my friend's house tonight while we have some pizza.
Tart Cherry Margaritas
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted tart cherries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 /4 cup water
- 8 oz silver tequila
- 12 oz margarita mix
- Salt, lime wedges and cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Place cherries, sugar, and water in a sauce pan. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and place in a food processor. Blend till smooth. Strain with a fine mesh strainer over a medium bowl. You will need to use a spatula to move the cherries around and press the puree into the sides. You will be left with very little solids. Pour into a jar and allow the puree to cool for about 45 minutes before using it.
- Run a lime around the lip of 4 -8 oz glasses. Pour a little salt on to a plate and dip the glass into the salt. Add ice to the 4-8 oz glasses. Add 2 oz tequila, 1 ½ Tbl syrup, 3 oz margarita mix to each glass. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and tart cherries.
Christie
Tart cherry juice has so many health benefits. I love that you turned it into a 'rita. I can tell people it's a healthy 'rita!
Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Oh, my goodness. These look fantastic! I can't wait to try these.