The Best Mistletoe Margarita (Festive Red & White Versions)

Inside: This light, refreshing Mistletoe Margarita has the prettiest holiday color, a bright citrus kick, and just the right touch of sweetness. Make a classic red version, a snowy white version, or one of the fun variations below—perfect for Christmas parties or cozy holiday nights at home.

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If you love a good margarita any time of year, this Mistletoe Margarita is such a fun way to give it a holiday twist! It’s simple, festive, and the perfect balance of tart and sweet. You can shake up the classic red version with cranberry juice, or go with the snowy white version for a pretty twist. Either way, a rosemary sprig and a handful of cranberries make it look instantly Christmas-ready.

Ingredients.

For the classic red Mistletoe Margarita:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau (or any orange liqueur)
• 2 oz cranberry juice (100% cranberry or cranberry cocktail—see note below)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½–¾ oz simple syrup*, only if using 100% cranberry juice
• Ice

*SH&H Tip: If you use 100% cranberry juice, you’ll want a little simple syrup to balance the tartness, but it gives you more control over the sweetness. If you use cranberry cocktail, it already has sugar in it, so you can leave the syrup out.

For the garnish:

• Fresh cranberries
• Rosemary sprig
• Lime wheel or wedge

For the rim (choose one):

• Salt (classic margarita)
• OR lime-sugar rim: mix 2 tbsp sugar with ½ tsp lime zest

How to Make a Mistletoe Margarita.

1. Prepare the rim.

Run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass or dip it in simple syrup or water. Then dip it in coarse salt for a traditional margarita rim, or in sugar mixed with a little lime zest for a sweeter holiday twist.

2. Shake the cocktail.

Add the tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if needed) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake until the outside of the shaker feels frosty—about 15 seconds.

3. Pour and garnish.

Fill your rimmed glass with fresh ice and strain the margarita into it.

Garnish with cranberries, a lime wedge, a rosemary sprig, or all three to make it even merrier!

Classic Mistletoe Margarita Printable Recipe:

Classic Mistletoe Margarita

A bright, refreshing holiday margarita made with cranberry, lime, tequila, and a hint of orange liqueur. Easy to shake up and perfectly festive for Christmas.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails

Servings 1 serving

Ingredients

  

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For the margarita:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau or any orange liqueur
• 2 oz cranberry juice (100% cranberry or cranberry cocktail)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ –¾ oz simple syrup (only if using 100% cranberry juice)
• Ice

For the rim (choose one):

• Coarse salt
• OR 2 tbsp sugar mixed with ½ tsp lime zest

For the garnish:

• Fresh cranberries
• Rosemary sprig
• Lime wheel or wedge

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Instructions

 

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass or dip it in simple syrup or water, then dip it in salt or lime-sugar.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if needed).
• Shake until the shaker is frosty, about 15 seconds.
• Fill your rimmed glass with fresh ice and strain the margarita into it.
• Garnish with cranberries, rosemary, or a lime wheel.

Notes

• Cranberry juice:

If using cranberry cocktail, skip the simple syrup since it’s already sweet. If using 100% cranberry juice, add simple syrup to taste.

• White version:

To make a white Mistletoe Margarita, swap in white cranberry juice and taste before adding any simple syrup since white cranberry juice is often sweetened.

• Pitcher version:

To serve 8–10: combine 2 cups tequila, 1 cup orange liqueur, 2 cups cranberry juice, 1 cup lime juice, and ½–¾ cup simple syrup. Chill up to 24 hours; stir and add ice before serving.

Keyword christmas margarita, cranberry margarita, holiday margarita, mistletoe margarita, white christmas margarita

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

White Mistletoe Margarita (White Christmas Version).

If you want something just as festive but a little more elegant, try the equally delicious white version!

You’ll need:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau (or any orange liqueur)
• 2 oz white cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½–¾ oz simple syrup*, only if using 100% cranberry juice
• Ice

Shake and serve it just like the classic version. White cranberry juice is usually sweetened, so taste before adding simple syrup.

Garnish with rosemary and cranberries—they pop beautifully against the white Christmas margarita!

Pitcher Mistletoe Margaritas (Serves 8–10).

• 2 cups silver tequila
• 1 cup Cointreau
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup lime juice
• ½–¾ cup simple syrup (omit if using cranberry cocktail)

You can make the pitcher up to a day ahead. Just keep it chilled and wait to add the ice until it’s time to pour.

Optional Flavor Variations.

Add Pomegranate Juice.

If you want a deeper, jewel-toned red and a touch of extra flavor, add ½–1 oz pomegranate juice to the shaker.

Frozen Mistletoe Margarita.

Blend everything with 1 cup of ice until slushy.

Sparkling Mistletoe Margarita.

Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water.

Spicy Mistletoe Margarita.

Muddle a jalapeño slice in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

How to Make Sugared Cranberries (Optional).

These make the margaritas look extra special and take only a few minutes:

1. Roll fresh cranberries in simple syrup.
2. Swirl them around in a plate or bowl with white granulated sugar.
3. Let them dry for 10-20 minutes.

Remember these will add a little sweetness to the drink. They look pretty on top of the cocktail, but once submerged they lose their sugar coating. They can keep 2–3 days in the fridge if you want to make ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes—mix everything except the ice and garnishes up to 24 hours ahead.
Shake with ice when you’re ready to serve.

Do I have to use fresh lime?

Yes you should. It’s what makes the margarita bright and balanced.

What’s the best tequila?

A clean, smooth silver (blanco) tequila—Espolòn, Don Julio, and Casamigos are all great options.

Can I use cranberry cocktail?

Absolutely.
Just omit the simple syrup since it’s already sweet.

I’ll happily enjoy a margarita any time of year, but this one just feels made for December. However you shake it up, I hope it adds a little sparkle to your holidays!

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