Christmas Margaritas – just 4 ingredients in this delicious, festive cocktail served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Perfect for spreading a little holiday cheer!
A Traditional Margarita is one of my favorite drinks but this time of year, I’m looking for something a little more festive.
This 4-ingredient Christmas cocktail – cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, the right amount of tequila and triple sec (or Cointreau) poured over ice in a salt-rimmed glass – is sure to be a huge hit at any holiday party.
Why I love this recipe:
Quick and easy made from scratch – way better than the bottled stuff.
If your holiday gatherings are like mine, they include tasty holiday cocktails.
A Christmas Margarita blends ingredients of a classic margarita with the flavors of the season.
Good quality silver tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and a splash of cranberry juice for a lip-smacking good cocktail.
Ingredients in a Christmas Margarita:
Just 4 simple ingredients found in most grocery stores and you’ll be on your way to the perfect holiday cocktail.
- silver – blanco tequila
- cranberry juice (100% juice recommended) – or to taste
- triple sec
- whole limes
Optional/extras and garnish:
- ice
- coarse salt for rimming the glass
- fresh cranberries
- fresh rosemary
How to make Christmas Margaritas:
To make two Christmas Margaritas:
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In a small pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec (or Cointreau), and cranberry juice.
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Roll two limes on the counter with the heel of your hand to release the juice.
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Cut and juice both limes into the pitcher. Shake or stir to mix.
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Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip in coarse salt on a small plate.
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Fill glasses with ice (avoid disturbing the salt rim) and pour the margarita over the top.
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Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve immediately.
Garnishing the Christmas Margaritas:
The garnish you choose can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Have fun with it – it’s the holiday season after all.
- fresh cranberries or other fresh fruits
- sugared cranberries
- a sprig of rosemary
- mint leaves
- lime wedge
Tips for the best Christmas Margaritas:
- Use Triple Sec as a budget friendly option. Splurge with Cointreau.
- Give the limes a good roll on the counter before slicing to release the most juice from them. Before slicing, firmly press the limes onto the counter with the palm of your hand rolling back and forth several times.
- Use a short glass as you see in the photos or a margarita glass. Either works well.
Variations to this recipe:
- Cranberry juices gives this cocktails a good amount of sweetness, but if you like a sweeter cocktail just add simple syrup.
- Try Cointreau – another orange liqueur in place of triple sec.
- For a milder flavor with less tang, use white cranberry juice instead of red.
- Try pomegranate juice instead of cranberry juice, garnish with pomegranate seeds and a cinnamon sugar rim for each glass.
Best appetizers with Christmas Margaritas:
Grape Jelly Meatballs – just 3 ingredients!
Christmas Puff Pastry Appetizer with pears and fig jam
Cheesy Sausage Wontons – the #1 appetizer on my site!
Charcuterie Board – easy, make ahead!
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – butter-garlic flavor
Merry Christmas!
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Christmas Margaritas
Ingredients
- 3 ounces silver tequila
- 8 ounces cranberry juice 100% juice recommended
- 2 ounces triple sec or cointreau
- 3 whole limes juice 2, 1 sliced to wedges
Optional garnishes/extras:
- ice cubes
- 1/4 cup coarse salt for rimming glasses
- fresh cranberries
- rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Add the tequila, triple sec (or cointreatu) and cranberry juice to a small pitcher or cocktail shaker.
- Roll the limes (see above), then cut them in half and juice two of them into the pitcher or cocktail shaker. Stir or shake to blend. Slice the remaining lime into wedges.
- To rim the glass, pour the salt onto a small shallow dish. Run a wedge of lime (from the remaining lime) around the edges of two glasses then dip the glasses into the salt gently pressing so the salt sticks to the rim.
- Fill the glasses with ice being careful not to disturb the salt then pour the Christmas Margarita into the glasses, garnish as you like and enjoy right away!