Introduction

The Mistletoe Margarita is a festive twist on the classic margarita, blending tart cranberry and fresh lime flavors with smooth tequila. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this vibrant cocktail adds a refreshing touch to any Christmas celebration.

A clear, tall margarita glass filled with light green liquid, mixed with small green leaves and bright red cranberries floating inside. The glass’s rim is coated with coarse white salt and green herbs, and the top holds a cluster of shiny red cranberries and fresh green herb leaves. A thin slice of green lime with pale yellow flesh is placed on the right edge of the glass. Around the base of the glass, several red cranberries and green fir branches lie scattered on a surface with a white marbled texture. Warm, blurry orange lights form the background, adding a cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ounces tequila blanco or reposado
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce cranberry juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Fresh cranberries for garnish
Lime wedge for garnish
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Coarse salt or sugar for rimming
Ice cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your glass by running a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into coarse salt or sugar to coat evenly.
Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients properly.
Step 3: Pour in the tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
Step 5: Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes.
Step 6: Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass over the ice.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of fresh mint before serving immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter touch, adjust the simple syrup to taste or substitute with agave nectar.
Use sugared cranberries by tossing fresh cranberries in sugar for a sparkling garnish.
Try rimming the glass with chili powder and salt for a spicy kick.
Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice for a different festive twist.

Storage

Mistletto Margaritas are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, you can prepare the cocktail mixture (without ice) and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving and add fresh ice and garnishes just before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a festive cocktail in a clear glass with a long stem, sitting on a white marbled surface. The drink has two main layers: a pale yellow-green liquid at the bottom filled with small chopped green herbs, and a top layer of crushed ice. Around the rim of the glass is a layer of coarse salt and small green herb pieces. Just below the rim, bright red cranberries float on the surface, contrasting with the pale drink. A thin slice of lime and a small bunch of fresh green leaves rest on the rim as garnish. The background is blurred with warm yellow and red lights. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tequila?

Yes, both blanco and reposado tequilas work well. Blanco gives a cleaner taste while reposado adds a slight oakiness and depth.

What can I use instead of triple sec?

You can substitute triple sec with other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a similar flavor profile.

Mistletoe Margarita Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 107 reviews

Celebrate the holiday season with a refreshing and festive Mistletoe Margarita. This vibrant cocktail blends tequila, cranberry juice, and lime with a touch of sweetness, perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter evenings. Garnished with fresh cranberries, lime, and mint, it’s a visually stunning and delicious cocktail to enjoy with friends and family.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cocktail

2 ounces tequila blanco or reposado
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce cranberry juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Ice cubes

For Garnish and Glass

Fresh cranberries for garnish
Lime wedge for garnish
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Coarse salt or sugar for rimming the glass

Instructions

Prepare the Glass: Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into coarse salt or sugar to create a festive rim.
Fill Cocktail Shaker with Ice: Add enough ice cubes to a cocktail shaker to chill the drink thoroughly.
Add Ingredients to Shaker: Pour in the tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup into the shaker filled with ice.
Shake Well: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
Prepare Serving Glass: Fill the rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes to keep the cocktail cool.
Strain and Serve: Strain the chilled margarita mixture into the prepared glass over the fresh ice.
Garnish: Decorate the cocktail with fresh cranberries, a lime wedge on the rim, and a sprig of fresh mint for a festive touch.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your refreshing Mistletoe Margarita right away for the best flavor and chill.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best citrus flavor.
Simple syrup can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness.
To make simple syrup, dissolve equal parts sugar in hot water and let cool.
Try reposado tequila for a slightly richer, smoother taste.
Rim the glass with sugar for a sweeter cocktail or salt for a more traditional margarita balance.
Fresh cranberries are seasonal, but frozen can be used as a garnish as well.

Keywords: Christmas cocktail, Mistletoe Margarita, holiday drinks, festive cocktails, tequila margarita, cranberry margarita, holiday party drinks