A frozen cherry limeade margarita blends tart cherry juice, limeade concentrate, and tequila into a deep pink, icy cocktail that tastes like a roadside limeade stand.
The recipe uses only five ingredients and makes four drinks in ten minutes. A single can of limeade does most of the work, the cherry concentrate adds color and tartness, and the blender turns it all into a slush. This is an adult drink, so please plan a safe ride home.
Table of Contents
Why This Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita Recipe Works
Limeade concentrate gives you sugar, lime juice, and body in one step, so there is no squeezing or syrup. Using the empty can to measure the water keeps the recipe quick and foolproof.
Tart cherry concentrate adds a rich, slightly sour fruit flavor and a ruby color without making the drink too sweet. The result tastes like a classic cherry limeade with a gentle tequila kick.
Ingredients for Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita
- 1 can frozen limeade concentrate, 12 ounces
- 1 1/2 cups water, measured with the empty limeade can
- 2 tablespoons tart cherry juice concentrate
- 3 tablespoons tequila, about 1 1/2 ounces
- About 4 cups ice, enough to fill the blender
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt for the rims
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Lime slices for the rims and garnish
Frozen limeade concentrate. Let the can sit for about 10 minutes so it softens and pours easily.
Tart cherry juice concentrate. It adds deep color and a sharp, fruity edge. Look for pure tart cherry concentrate with no added sugar.
Tequila. Blanco tequila keeps the flavor bright. Add up to 1/4 cup more if you prefer a stronger drink.
Ice. Use plenty so the drink turns thick and slushy. Add it last so the blades catch the liquid first.
Maraschino cherries. They finish the glass with a sweet pop of color. Use cherries with stems for easy sipping.
How to Make Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita
1. Combine the liquids Pour the limeade concentrate, water, cherry juice concentrate, and tequila into a blender.
2. Add the ice Pack ice on top until it reaches the top of the blender jar.
3. Blend on high Blend on high or the ice crush setting until the mixture is thick and uniform, stopping to push down any ice.
4. Adjust the texture If the drink is too thin, add a handful of ice. If it is too thick, add a splash of water.
5. Rim and serve Rub a lime slice around each rim, dip into coarse salt, pour in the drink, and top with cherries and lime slices.
How to Serve Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita
Serve the drink immediately in salt rimmed glasses with wide straws. It pairs well with backyard food such as juicy cheeseburgers and oven baked BBQ chicken. A cool side of macaroni salad with sour cream fits a summer cookout, and a strawberry blueberry kefir smoothie makes a simple option for guests who skip alcohol. Please do not drive after drinking, and keep water on the table.
How to Store and Reheat Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita
This drink is ideal fresh, but leftovers freeze well. Pour any extra into a covered container and freeze for up to one week, then blend again with a splash of water. Do not leave the drink out because the ice melts quickly. Keep opened tart cherry concentrate in the refrigerator and use it within the time listed on the label, and keep unused limeade concentrate frozen in the can until you need it. Maraschino cherries keep in their jar in the refrigerator for several months once opened. This drink is served cold, so there is nothing to reheat.
Tips and Variations for Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita
Chill the glasses. Freeze them for 10 minutes so the drink stays thick.
Layer the blender. Put the liquids in first and the ice on top for a smoother blend.
Adjust the sweetness. Add more cherry juice for tartness, or use sweetened limeade for a sweeter drink.
Strengthen the drink. Add up to 1/4 cup more tequila for a stronger version.
Blend in batches. For a crowd, blend two batches rather than overfilling the jar.
Add sparkle. Top each glass with a splash of club soda.
Make it alcohol free. Leave out the tequila and add 3 tablespoons of sparkling water.
Store leftovers safely. Freeze extras promptly and thaw only what you need. The Purdue Extension guide to storing leftovers covers basic chilling habits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita
Can I make frozen cherry limeade margarita without tart cherry juice?
Yes. Use 2 tablespoons of the maraschino cherry syrup or pomegranate juice. The drink will be sweeter and slightly less tart.
How do I make frozen cherry limeade margarita less sweet?
Use unsweetened tart cherry concentrate and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. You can also add an extra half cup of ice.
Can I use fresh limes for frozen cherry limeade margarita?
Yes, but the drink will be less sweet. Use 1/2 cup lime juice and 1/3 cup agave nectar in place of the can of concentrate.
Can I make this without a blender?
Shake the liquids with ice and strain over crushed ice for a classic on the rocks version.
How many drinks does this make?
It makes four drinks. Double the ingredients and blend in two batches for eight.
Frozen Cherry Limeade Margarita with Tart Cherry Juice
Equipment
- Blender
- Four glasses
- Citrus knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can frozen limeade concentrate 12 ounce can, thawed 10 minutes
- 1 ½ cup water measured with the empty limeade can
- 2 tbsp tart cherry juice concentrate
- 3 tbsp tequila about 1 1/2 ounces
- 4 cup ice enough to fill the blender
- 1 tbsp coarse salt for the rims
- 4 maraschino cherries for garnish
- 4 lime slices for the rims and garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Blend. Blend the limeade, water, cherry juice concentrate, and tequila with ice on high until thick and slushy.
- Adjust. Add a handful of ice if thin or a splash of water if thick, then blend for 10 seconds.
- Rim. Rub a lime slice around each glass rim and dip into coarse salt.
- Serve. Pour into the glasses and top with maraschino cherries and lime slices.
