This black cherry margarita is a sweet and fruity twist on the classic tequila based cocktail. While black cherries are typically ripe in the late summer and early fall, juice and frozen varieties are available all year. So, you can still enjoy one for Cinco de Mayo or any other celebration!
With just 5 ingredients, this black cherry margarita is easy to make, but also incredibly delicious! You can enjoy it on the rocks or blended in a frozen version – your choice.
Thanks to black cherry juice and frozen fruits being available all year, you can enjoy this margarita year round. However, if you want to puree fresh fruit, you’ll need to wait until late summer or early fall.
I’ll make sure to give you all the details on some swaps you can make based on what you can find (and your personal preferences of course)!
I love serving up these fun and fruity margaritas for Cinco de Mayo, but cherry is a great flavor that carries well for spring, summer, and even fall, so enjoy one anytime you like!
Ingredients List
2 ounces tequila
3 ounces black cherry juice
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce agave (or to taste)
Ice cubes
Optional Rim
Lime wedge
Sea salt
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use any type of tequila you like, but I usually stick with blanco or silver for this. Feel free to use half tequila and half of a black cherry liqueur if preferred (like schnapps) or black cherry flavored rum, whiskey, etc
Instead of black cherry juice, you can also use a black cherry syrup or puree, like Monin, Real, or Filthy brands. These are sweeter than juice, so omit the agave and reduce to around 1 ounce for these options
I think fresh lime juice tastes best, but you can swap in prepared sour mix instead
The agave is technically optional and adjustable to taste. A lot depends exactly how sweet your black cherry juice is (I use Knudsen 100% juice) and your personal preference for sweetness. You can also substitute honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup in place of the agave
Garnishes are optional, but you can do a sea salt rim, a slice of lime, or a skewer of dark sweet cherries if you’d like one
Buffalo Wild Wings Black Cherry Margarita Copycat
Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) offers a special black cherry margarita known as a “mezgarita”. To make this version, use half regular Lunazul blanco tequila and half Mezcal tequila, which has a smoky flavor.
BWW uses black cherry flavored Real brand syrup and lime juice (but no triple sec) in their recipe. However, the black cherry juice should still be a viable substitute here (and allows you to better control the sweetness levels).
Step By Step Instructions
(Optional) To rim your glass, run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass to wet it. Then, dip it into a plate or shallow bowl with sea salt to coat
In a shaker (or mason jar), combine the tequila, black cherry juice, lime juice, agave, and triple sec, along with a few ice cubes
Shake until well mixed and chilled, approximately 20-30 seconds, and then strain into an ice-filled margarita glass
Garnish with a slice of lime or some dark sweet cherries if desired, and enjoy!
A black cherry margarita is a fruity cocktail variation of the classic margarita, featuring the sweet and tangy flavor of black cherries combined with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
The sweetness levels can be adjusted with agave syrup, which compliment the tequila base well.
How Do I Make a Black Cherry Margarita?
To make a black cherry margarita, add tequila, black cherry juice, lime juice, agave, and orange liqueur to a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar). Shake well with ice, then strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
To make a frozen version, add all ingredients to a blender instead and blend with ice until a slushy consistency forms. Garnish with a lime wedge or fresh dark cherries.
What Ingredients Do I Need for a Black Cherry Margarita?
The ingredients for a black cherry margarita typically include tequila, black cherry juice or syrup, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau), and optionally agave or another sweetener to adjust to taste.
Optional garnishes include lime wedges or salt for the rim.
Can I Use Frozen Black Cherries for a Black Cherry Margarita?
Yes, you can use frozen black cherries in a black cherry margarita. If you are making a frozen version, feel free to blend them along with the other ingredients for extra flavor.
For an on the rocks serving, replace some of the ice with frozen cherries to reduce dilution, or you can thaw and muddle them in the bottom of your shaker to add flavor and fruit pieces to your drink.
Is a Black Cherry Margarita Sweet or Tart?
A black cherry margarita can vary in sweetness depending on the brand and proportions of ingredients used.
The natural sweetness of black cherries balances the tartness of the lime juice, creating a well-balanced drink. However, you can add more lime juice for tartness, or agave for sweetness as desired.
Can I Make a Non Alcoholic Version of a Black Cherry Margarita?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of a black cherry margarita by omitting the tequila and orange liqueur. Simply mix black cherry juice or syrup with fresh lime and orange juice and serve over ice for a refreshing mocktail option.
You can also add some Sprite (or another similar soda) for a bubbly option!
What Variations Can I Try with a Black Cherry Margarita?
There are many variations of black cherry margaritas to explore. You can try adding other fruit juices such as cranberry or pineapple, experimenting with different types of tequila or mezcal (like Buffalo Wild Wings does), or incorporating herbs like basil or mint for added complexity.
Black cherry also pairs well with peaches, plums, and vanilla flavors, so feel free to add different fruits or liqueur pairings to create unique combinations.
Is a Black Cherry Margarita Gluten Free?
Yes, a black cherry margarita is typically gluten free, as long as the specific ingredients used are free from gluten.
Always check the labels of flavored syrups and liqueurs to ensure they are gluten free if you have dietary restrictions.
Recipe Pro Tips
To make a frozen black cherry margarita (as opposed to on the rocks), add all ingredients to a blender with about 1 cup of ice and blend until a frozen slushy consistency is reached
This drink is about medium strength and not overly sweet as written (assuming the use of 100% juice with no sugar added). However, you can adjust by adding more or less tequila for strength, and more lime juice or agave to adjust sweetness one way or another
Serving Tips
While a margarita glass is the most common serving option, you can also use a coupe, mason jar, or white wine glass for serving this recipe
You can scale this recipe for a party pitcher if desired. Mix everything up to 24 hours in advance and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Stir, then pour into individual glasses filled with ice for serving. Tip: let guests add their own sweetener to taste
This delicious black cherry margarita is perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration, or anytime you’re craving a fruity tequila based drink.
With just 5 ingredients (plus ice) and 5 minutes to put together, it’s a simple option that delivers on flavor. It’s easy enough to make anytime, but also great to scale up for parties so you can get back to spending time with your company that much faster.
I love to serve mine with some fresh Air Fryer Sopapillas for the ultimate combination! However, these margaritas are great on their own, as well as served up with your favorite Mexican-inspired fare. Enjoy!
Easy Black Cherry Margarita Recipe
This easy black cherry margarita has just 5 ingredients and takes about 5 minutes to throw together. Serve it frozen or on the rocks for a fruit twist on a classic cocktail!
Shake until well mixed and chilled, approximately 20-30 seconds, and then strain into an ice-filled margarita glass
Garnish with a slice of lime or some dark sweet cherries if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
You can use any type of tequila you like, but I usually stick with blanco or silver for this. Feel free to use half tequila and half of a black cherry liqueur if preferred (like schnapps) or black cherry flavored rum, whiskey, etc
Instead of black cherry juice, you can also use a black cherry syrup or puree, like Monin, Real, or Filthy brands. These are sweeter than juice, so omit the agave and reduce to around 1 ounce for these options
I think fresh lime juice tastes best, but you can swap in prepared sour mix instead
The agave is technically optional and adjustable to taste. A lot depends exactly how sweet your black cherry juice is (I use Knudsen 100% juice) and your personal preference for sweetness. You can also substitute honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup in place of the agave
Buffalo Wild Wings black cherry mezgarita copycat: to make this variation, use half regular Lunazul blanco tequila and half Mezcal tequila, which has a smoky flavor. BWW uses black cherry flavored Real brand syrup and lime juice (but no triple sec) in their recipe (but feel free to adjust to personal tastes)
Garnishes are optional, but you can do a sea salt rim, a slice of lime, or a skewer of dark sweet cherries if you’d like one
To make a frozen black cherry margarita (as opposed to on the rocks), add all ingredients to a blender with about 1 cup of ice and blend until a frozen slushy consistency is reached
This drink is about medium strength and not overly sweet as written (assuming the use of 100% juice with no sugar added). However, you can adjust by adding more or less tequila for strength, and more lime juice or agave to adjust sweetness one way or another
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes or rims added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword black cherry margarita, black cherry margarita recipe, black cherry tequila drink, cherry margarita, cherry margarita on the rocks, homemade black cherry margarita, tequila based cocktails
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
