Hosting a holiday get-together or looking for something festive to sip while helping Santa get ready for Christmas? This simple mistletoe margarita is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright! A cranberry margarita that is bursting with bright juicy flavor, this cocktail feels like a delicious little holiday indulgence.
Serve one for yourself, or make a pitcher for a crowd. Any way you serve them, they are sure to be a hit!
I love serving margaritas to cool off and refresh throughout the summer, but who says these tasty drinks can’t be enjoyed year round?! Substitute for your favorite holiday flavors and voilà – you have a Christmas cocktail ready to serve.
Whether you are hosting a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, these mistletoe margaritas are a perfect way to celebrate the season!
This mistletoe margarita recipe is a spin off of my classic margarita recipe, while adding a simple twist to incorporate a favorite winter garnish – cranberries! This year, add an extra pop of color and flavor to your table with this irresistible recipe!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Margaritas
- This recipe is quick and easy – making it the perfect addition to your holiday menu! Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your friends and loved ones.
- Mistletoe Margaritas are a fun and festive cocktail your guests will love. This spirited drink is sure to spread Christmas cheer!
Ingredients and Substitutions to Make Mistletoe Margaritas
Cocktail
- Silver tequila – Your favorite Tequila Blanco works just fine. Don’t skip my complete Tequila Guide to learn about the best tequila for margaritas – you don’t have to choose something expensive, I promise!
- Orange liqueur – Grand Marnier is a great option here. Sub with Triple Sec if you can’t find it.
- Lime juice – Fresh squeezed is always best here, but feel free to take a shortcut with bottled juice from the produce department.
- Cranberry juice – This is where you get the gorgeous color and sweet, tart flavor in this margarita. Choose a lower-calorie cranberry juice to keep things a little lighter.
- Ice (If making frozen)
Garnish
- Cranberries – Fresh or frozen, you choose!
- Fresh Mint – Because it adds the prettiest shot of green.
- Lime Juice – Dip the edge of your glasses in lime juice and then sugar.
- Granulated sugar – To rim your “snowy” glasses.
Variations
- Use Triple Sec instead of orange liqueur.
- Try a salted rim (kosher salt) instead of sugar.
How to Make a Frozen Mistletoe Margarita
- Add all ingredients into a blender.
- Pulse until frothy and smooth.
- Run your lime wedge around the rim of glasses, or dip your glasses into a plate with a little lime juice on it. Dip the edges of the glasses in granulated sugar.
How to Make a Mistletoe Margarita on the Rocks
- Mix together the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and orange juice in a pitcher and stir with a wooden spoon.
- Moisten the rim of each glass with lime juice before coating them with sugar. Fill each glass with ice.
- Pour the margarita mixture over the ice and garnish with a handful of cranberries.
Learn how to set up a Margarita Bar for the ultimate fiesta! Guests can serve themselves and customize each cocktail.
Tips
- I love to keep simple syrup on hand during the holidays, it’s perfect for a quick cocktail.
- If you’re making these frozen, it can be helpful to add a cup of ice at a time so as to not overwhelm your blender.
- While a garnish is never necessary, it’s especially pretty and fun for parties.
- Float your cranberries on top of this margarita, or string them on a classic bamboo toothpick.
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Shortcuts
- If you prefer, you can add your cranberries to the mixture in the pitcher before serving each glass. The colorful red berries make this drink a holiday decoration in of itself as it adorns your bar cart or kitchen counter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out my printable measurement conversion chart to size up or down to fit your needs!
I am convinced you don’t have to use top shelf tequila to make a good margarita! Your favorite tequila blanco works great with this recipe. I created my ultimate tequila guide to help serve the perfect margarita!
Make Ahead
- Squeeze your lime juice ahead of time so that it is on hand, ready for the festivities!
- You can rim your wintery glasses before your guests arrive so there is less prep to worry about once the party begins.
How to Store
- Refrigerate – You can refrigerate for up to two days after serving. However, the frozen margaritas will turn back into liquid, so keep that in mind. Simply toss back in the blender with more ice for a slightly watered down cocktail.
- Freezer – You can throw your pitcher of frozen cranberry margaritas back in the freezer to store. Just store in an airtight container for up to three months, and they’ll be a cranberry margarita slushy when you’re ready to serve!
More Cocktail Guides to Inspire You
What to Do with Leftovers
- Margaritas served on the rocks will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If freezing what’s left, pour your mixture into individual jars or glasses with lids or that are easy to cover. This is the perfect individual serving size to enjoy at a later date!
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
More Easy Recipes
Mistletoe Margarita
Ingredients
- ½ cup silver tequila
- 1 cup orange liqueur Grand Marnier or similar
- ½ cup lime juice fresh squeezed
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 8 cups ice
Garnish
- ½ cup cranberries
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup sugar
- fresh mint sprigs optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender.
- Pulse until frothy and smooth.
- Run your lime wedge around the rim of glasses, or dip your glasses into a plate with a little lime juice on it. Dip the edges of the glasses in granulated sugar.
- Add garnish of cranberries, and even a sprig of mint if you're inclined. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Julie’s Tips
Make it on the Rocks
- Mix together the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and cranberry juice in a pitcher and stir with a wooden spoon.
- Moisten the rim of each glass with lime juice before coating them with sugar. Fill each glass with ice.
- Pour the margarita mixture over the ice and garnish with a handful of cranberries.
To Store
- Refrigerate – You can refrigerate for up to two days after serving. However, the frozen margaritas will turn back into liquid, so keep that in mind. Simply toss back in the blender with more ice for a slightly watered down version of the same cocktail.
- Freezer – You can throw your pitcher of frozen cranberry margaritas back in the freezer to store. Just store in an airtight container for up to three months, and they’ll be a cranberry margarita slushy when you’re ready to serve!
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
