If you love bold and unexpected flavors then you need to give this Cherry Dr Pepper Margarita a try. The Dr. Pepper margarita has been viral on Tik Tok this summer and it’s easy to see why. It’s sweet, tart, fizzy, and the fun twist on a classic margarita. This version combines tequila, fresh lime juice, homemade cherry syrup, and a splash of bubbly Dr Pepper.

The secret to this twist is the cherry syrup, which adds a rich sweetness to this drink. Dr. Pepper may seem like a strange thing to add to your margarita but if you’re a fan of both drinks then you’ll love them together.

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, game night, or a cozy weekend gathering, this margarita brings something fun and different to the table.

How to Make a Classic Margarita

Before we create this drink, let’s break down the base of a classic margarita. The margarita is one of the most balanced cocktails out there, it’s tart, sweet, and refreshing.

The classic formula looks like this:

2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
½ to 1 oz orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau)
1/2 oz sweetener (like simple syrup or agave)

Traditionally, margaritas are served over ice in a rocks glass or blended into a frozen cocktail. What makes them so versatile is that you can easily customize the flavors by adding seasonal herbs or fruits fruits or home made syrups.

In this recipe, I’m using the classic formula but swapping the sweetener for a homemade cherry syrup and finishing the drink with a splash of Dr Pepper.

What Tequila Should I Use?

The tequila you choose really shapes the flavor of your margarita. For this Cherry Dr Pepper Margarita, we want a tequila that can stand up to the sweetness of the cherry syrup and soda but still keeps the drink balanced and refreshing.

Here are my recommendations:

Blanco (Silver) Tequila: Best for this recipe. It’s will lett the cherry syrup and Dr Pepper shine without overpowering them.

What Is Dr Pepper?

Dr Pepper is a classic soda that was created in 1885 in Waco, Texas. Dr Pepper is a unique blend of 23 different flavors, including hints of cherry, vanilla, cola, spice, and a little caramel.

When you add Dr Pepper to this margarita, it does two things:

Adds Effervescence – The bubbles make the cocktail extra light and refreshing.
Enhances the Cherry Flavor – Since Dr Pepper already has a natural cherry-like note, it amplifies the fruitiness in the drink without needing extra ingredients.

You can use regular Dr Pepper for a richer, sweeter finish or Dr Pepper Zero Sugar if you want to cut back on sweetness.

How to Make a Cherry Syrup

Homemade cherry syrup is what gives this cocktail its rich, vibrant sweetness. Using fresh or frozen cherries, you can make a quick, flavorful syrup in just a few steps. I used brown sugar here to add a little warmth and depth, but you can use white sugar, raw sugar, or even a sugar substitute depending on your preference.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
1 cup brown sugar (or any sugar of choice)
1 cup water

Instructions

In a small saucepan, add cherries, sugar, and water.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as the cherries soften.
Use the back of a spoon to lightly mash the cherries as they cook, helping release more juice and color.
Remove from heat, strain out the solids, and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Pro tip: Make extra! This syrup isn’t just for margaritas, try it in iced tea, lemonade, mocktails, or even drizzled over ice cream.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Dr Pepper Margarita

Want to take this cocktail to the next level? Here are a few tips to make sure every sip is perfectly balanced and delicious:

1. Use Fresh Lime Juice

Skip the bottled lime juice and squeeze fresh limes for the best flavor.

2. Choose a Taller Glass

This margarita works beautifully in a highball or Collins glass rather than a traditional short margarita glass. A taller glass allows room for the Dr Pepper to fizz and stay bubbly longer.

3. Chill Your Ingredients

Using cold tequila, lime juice, and Dr Pepper keeps the drink crisp without relying on too much ice, which can water it down.

4. Adjust the Sweetness

Taste as you go! If you want the drink less sweet, reduce the cherry syrup to ¼ oz. If you want more bold cherry flavor, add a little extra.

5. Garnish for Visual Impact

A lime wheel and a bright red maraschino cherry make this cocktail look as good as it tastes.

How To Make A Cherry Dr Pepper Margarita