Frozen Cherry Margaritas

My recipe for Frozen Cherry Margaritas combines tart cherries and lime concentrate with sweet liqueur and tequila. It’s the perfect drink for a hot summer day!

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I remember in college having my first classic margarita and not caring for it. For one, they put too much of a sweet margarita mix in it, which I believe is a no-no when you can make your own mix. And two, even though I like margaritas now, I think they are a little boring. Unless it’s a Prickly Pear Margarita then I’m ALL over it! But that’s basically why the only other margarita you’ll find here is a Tequila Sunrise.

This cherry margarita recipe reminds me of frozen cherry limeade, one of my favorite summer drinks! This might become one of your favorite summer cocktails, too!

What do I need to make these Cherry Margaritas?

You only need six simple ingredients to make this margarita recipe for you and a friend:

• 2 cups frozen cherries
• 1 cup of ice
• ½ cup tequila
• ¾ cup lime concentrate
• ¼ cup Triple Sec
• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
• Salt and a Lime wedge for garnish

I chose frozen cherries because that way, you can have this drink any time of year, even when cherry season is over. But if you have fresh cherries – go ahead and pit those bad boys and toss the pitted cherries in the blender instead.

How to make a Frozen Cherry Margarita at home

This recipe couldn’t be easier! You don’t even need a cocktail shaker; just use a blender!

Pour tequila, lime concentrate, Triple Sec, and Grand Marnier into the pitcher of a blender. Then carefully add the frozen cherries and the ice. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.

Prepare the cocktail glasses by dipping each into water and then a small plate containing salt. This will give you that lovely salted rim margaritas are known for.

Pour the margarita mix into the margarita glasses, then garnish with a slice of lime and serve!

What kind of tequila should I use?

There are two popular types of tequila to use in these classic cocktails: a blanco or silver tequila or reposado tequilas.

Tequila reposado: This tequila is aged for 2-12 months in oak barrels, which gives it a nuanced, richer flavor.

Tequila blanco: this clear tequila is not aged and has a very agave-centered flavor with a bit of a spicy finish.

In general, use a mid-priced tequila; you’ll get the quality without wasting expensive tequila.

What kind of cherries are best for cherry margaritas?

It doesn’t really matter what kind of cherries you use; just grab a bag of cherries from whatever the grocery store carries, and it’ll work just fine. If you’re lucky enough to have a cherry tree, freshly picked cherries would be amazing!

Can I make non-alcoholic Frozen Cherry Margaritas?

Yes, it’s easy to make a non-alcoholic margarita! Make the following adjustments to make a virgin cherry margarita:

• Substitute sparkling water for the tequila.
• Use ¼ cup orange juice in place of the triple Sec
• Substitute agave syrup for the Grand Marnier

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. You can use the button on the recipe card to get exact amounts for a larger batch.

What to serve with Cherry Margaritas

Now the question is, what are you going to eat with this? Tacos? Enchiladas? At least have some cheese dip!  These homemade cocktails are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, backyard BBQs, and pool parties, or for a shower or brunch!

Try these fun drinks!

If you love making your own cocktail drinks at home, you have to try some of these recipes:

I love sangria! Continue the cherry theme with this sweet Cherry Sangria, made with cherries, strawberries, and plums mixed into Pinot Noir and sweet rose wine.

This Strawberry Basil Sangria, made with white wine, strawberries, and fresh basil, is a refreshing drink that looks beautiful as well! Or enjoy this Summer Rosé Sangria— the perfect choice for lazy summer days, backyard barbecues, and bridal showers. Pour a bottle of rosé wine over fresh fruit for the perfect fruity drink. 

If sangria isn’t what you’re looking for, try one of these mixed drinks instead:

• Pomegranate Lime Martini
• Cucumber Melon Mocktail
• Skinny Sparkling Margarita
• Winter Cosmopolitan

This post was originally written on July 27, 2017. It has been updated in format and with pictures on June 13, 2024.