8 steps, about 25 minutes start to finish.
Make the Cranberry Juice: Combine the cranberries and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the cranberries burst.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
While still warm, sweeten the juice to taste with sugar, honey, or agave. Stir to dissolve. Let cool completely. (Store extra cranberry juice refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.)
Make the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the tequila, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and agave syrup.
Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange slice or fresh cranberries. Serve immediately.
“Homemade cranberry juice is worth the extra 15 minutes. It is brighter and less sweet than store-bought. For a party punch, multiply the cocktail ingredients by 8 and serve in a pitcher over a block of ice.”
