Fresh Cranberry Margaritas

1. Create a cranberry simple syrup by combining 1 part water, 1 part sugar and 2 parts fresh cranberries in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low.

2. Add grated lime zest to the pot. Optionally, add half as much lemon and orange zest to create a rounded citrus profile to accompany the cranberry flavor.

3. Cover the pot and let the cranberry simple syrup simmer for approximately 10 minutes. The cranberries should be soft and just beginning to burst.

4. Mash the cranberries with a fork or the back of a spoon to release the flavor into the syrup. Allow it to cook for another 2 to 5 minutes or until it's just starting to thicken.

5. Strain the cranberry syrup through a sieve, reserving only the liquid. If time permits, allow it to cool to room temperature before using.

6. Pour a small amount of sugar into a shallow bowl or plate before running a wedge of lime around the rim of a margarita, martini or rocks glass. Dip the rim of the glass into the sugar and set it aside.

7. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Combine 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice with 2 parts freshly squeezed orange juice. Add 5 parts tequila and 4 to 5 parts cranberry syrup.

8. Cover the shaker and shake it vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is very cold. Strain into the prepared glass.

9. Thread a few cranberries onto a toothpick or a cocktail stirrer. Garnish the margarita with a freshly cut round or wedge of lime and the cranberries.

Frozen Cranberry Margaritas

1. Pour a small amount of cranberry juice into a shallow bowl or a plate. In another bowl or plate, pour a small amount of sugar.

2. Dip the rim of your glass in the juice and then the sugar. Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.

3. Add equal parts of cranberry juice, lime juice and tequila to a blender. Add half as much orange liqueur and freshly squeezed lime juice. Add twice as much frozen cranberries as your tequila and lime juice.

4. Blend the mixture until everything is smooth and frosty. If it isn't icy enough to suit your preferences, add a few ice cubes and blend it again until the ice is incorporated.

5. Strain the mixture into a pitcher or directly into the prepared glasses. Garnish with a fresh wedge of lime and a few cranberries.