Merry margarita time!
Who doesn’t need a festive Christmas margarita? I think we all do.
Let’s get a head start on the season and start celebrating a few weeks early!
A few years ago I made a white Christmas margarita punch that I absolutely love, but it’s coconut-forward—coconut milk isn’t everyone’s idea of a winter flavor unless you’re pretending to be on the beach. I wanted a version that feels more seasonally appropriate in flavor, while still being fun and bright.
For this cocktail I used white cranberry juice. I hadn’t had it in years, but it brings a sweet, subtly festive character that pairs beautifully with tequila and Grand Marnier. Orange and cranberry is a classic combo for a reason—if you wanted, this could even be served with just Grand Marnier for a lighter, citrus-forward sipper.
If you’re planning drinks for Christmas morning or brunch, a margarita isn’t the usual choice. For a morning-friendly option, consider mimosas or another brunch cocktail. That said, these mistletoe margaritas are perfect for evening celebrations, present-wrapping sessions or a cozy movie night.
The flavors are versatile enough to enjoy year-round: white cranberry juice gives a sweeter, lighter color and taste, but you can substitute regular cranberry juice if you prefer a richer, redder drink. Either way, the combination of Grand Marnier, tequila, lime and cranberry is delightful.
So fun and festive!
I use rosemary purely as a garnish to evoke a pine-y sprig—if you love rosemary you can steep it in the drink for more flavor, but I prefer just a tiny, decorative touch. No rosemary margarita experiments… at least not yet. We’ll see what future recipes bring.
These margaritas also make a great late-night present-wrapping cocktail while you watch a holiday movie. Highly recommended.
Mistletoe Margaritas
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Ingredients
- coarse salt for the rim
- 2 ounces Grand Marnier
- 1 1/2 ounces Tequila
- 2 ounces white cranberry juice
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- lime for garnish
- fresh cranberries for garnish
- rosemary for garnish
simple syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
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Rim each glass with a lime wedge and dip in coarse salt. Fill each glass with ice.
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In a cocktail shaker, combine Grand Marnier, tequila, white cranberry juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Shake for 30 to 60 seconds and strain over the ice in prepared glasses. Garnish with lime wedges, fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary if desired.
simple syrup
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Stir together water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before using.
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