Ingredients:
- 120 ml (½ cup) 100% Cranberry Juice
- 120 ml (½ cup) Water
- 120 ml (½ cup) Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark Robust Taste)
- 2 large Cinnamon Sticks
- 5 whole Cloves
- 1 small piece (2cm / ¾ inch) Fresh Ginger, thinly sliced
- 45 g (3 Tbsp) Granulated Sugar
- 15 g (1 Tbsp) Coarse Sea Salt (or kosher salt)
- 5 ml (1 tsp) Ground Cinnamon
- 5 ml (½ tsp) Freshly Grated Nutmeg
- 1 wedge of Lime (for wetting the rim)
- 60 ml (2 fl oz) Tequila Blanco or Reposado (100% Agave)
- 25 ml (¾ fl oz) Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 15 ml (½ fl oz) Premium Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- 15–20 ml (½ – ¾ fl oz) Spiced Cranberry-Maple Syrup
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, water, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger slices.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the maple syrup is fully dissolved. Do not boil vigorously.
- Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and allow the spices to steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain and Chill: Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container. Cool to room temperature, then place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until fully chilled.
- Mix the Rim: On a small, shallow plate, combine the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg thoroughly.
- Rim the Glass: Run a lime wedge around the outer edge of each serving glass. Dip the rim gently into the spiced sugar mixture, rotating slowly until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Combine Liquids: Pour the tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and 15 ml (½ fl oz) of the chilled Spiced Cranberry-Maple Syrup into the cocktail shaker.
- Shake Vigorously: Fill the shaker ⅔ full with ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake hard for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain and Serve: Fill the prepared glasses with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail mixture immediately into the prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a lime wheel or a few fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick.