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.
Ingredients
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
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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!