Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (for rim)
  • 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt (for rim)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon (for rim)
  • 1 Fresh Lime Wedge (for rimming)
  • 1/2 cup Water (for syrup)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (for syrup)
  • 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup, Grade A Dark (for syrup)
  • 1 (3-inch) Whole Cinnamon Stick (for syrup)
  • 4 oz Reposado Tequila (or Blanco)
  • 2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • 5 oz Orange Liqueur (Cointreau or good Triple Sec)
  • 5 oz Cranberry-Maple Syrup (cooled)
  • Ice Cubes (plenty)
  • 6 Fresh Cranberries (for garnish)
  • 2 Thin Orange Slices or Lime Wheels (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Spiced Rim: Mix the granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly on a small, flat saucer or plate.
  2. Wet the Glass: Take a fresh lime wedge and rub it around the rim of each glass (only the outer edge).
  3. Rim the Glass: Gently dip and twist the wet rim of the glass into the spiced mixture until evenly coated. Set aside.
  4. Make the Syrup (Simmer): In a small saucepan, combine the water, cranberries, maple syrup, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  5. Reduce: Reduce heat slightly and let simmer gently for 5 minutes, mashing the cranberries against the side of the pan occasionally to release their juices.
  6. Strain: Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container, pressing the solids lightly to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids and cinnamon stick.
  7. Cool: Allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature (approx. 30 minutes). Do not use warm syrup.
  8. Measure Ingredients: Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur, and 1.5 oz (45 ml) of the cooled Cranberry-Maple Syrup.
  9. Shake: Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly frosted (a hard shake to ensure maximum chilling and dilution).
  10. Strain and Serve: Fill the prepared, spiced-rimmed glasses with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail mixture evenly into the two glasses.
  11. Garnish: Spear 3 fresh cranberries and an orange or lime slice onto a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim.