Christmas Margaritas ~ you’re just 4 ingredients away from this delicious, festive holiday cocktail! Silver tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Cheers!
I love a good Margarita but when it comes to the holidays, I’m looking for something even more festive. These Christmas Margaritas are just what the doctor ordered. Tangy cranberry juice, fresh squeezed lime juice, the right amount of tequila and triple sec (or Cointreau) poured over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.
Festive enough for the holidays – delicious enough to enjoy all year. Quick and easy made from scratch – way better than the bottled stuff.
Our family gatherings always include a self-serve bar. It’s casual and keeps entertaining easy. For the holidays I like to create a signature cocktail.
This year it’ll be a Christmas Margaritas that can be enjoyed anytime – not just Thanksgiving or Christmas – but anytime you want a delightfully refreshing cocktail. It’s a twist on the classic and with just 4 ingredients and I’m betting it could easily become your new favorite drink.
what is a christmas margarita?
A Christmas Margarita blends the tangy flavors of a classic margarita – good quality silver tequila, orange liqueur (more about that in a sec) and fresh lime juice along with some cranberry juice for a sweet-tangy-fruity flair.
It goes as well with chips and salsa as it does with your favorite holiday appetizers.
tips for the best christmas margaritas:
Triple Sec or Cointreau? The answer is: you can’t go wrong with either of these citrus liqueurs. Triple Sec is a budget friendly option, but if you feel like splurging, go with Cointreau. I used Triple Sec to rave reviews.
Be sure to give the limes a good roll on the counter before slicing to release the most juice from them. Firmly press the limes onto the counter with the palm of your hand (before slicing!) rolling back and forth several times.
What’s in a christmas margarita?
- silver tequila
- cranberry juice (100% juice recommended) – or to taste
- triple sec
- whole limes
Optional/extras:
- ice
- coarse salt for rimming the glass
- fresh cranberries
- rosemary sprigs
- mint leaves
how to make (2) christmas margaritas:
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 (use a citrus press if you have one – otherwise squeeze baby squeeze!). Stir or shake to blend.
To rim the glass, pour the salt onto a small shallow dish. Run a wedge of 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!
Garnishing the Christmas Margaritas:
The garnish you choose can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Have fun with it –
- a few fresh cranberries
- skewered fresh cranberries
- a sprig of rosemary
- mint leaves
- sliced lime
what to serve with christmas margaritas:
Here are a few of my favorites with this cocktail:
Restaurant Style Salsa: easy, 5 minute restaurant style salsa made in the blender from canned tomatoes + a few spices. Delicious, loaded with bold flavor!
Cheesy Sausage Wontons: Bite size wonton cups filled with ground sausage and spicy cheese, baked until crisp. Watch the VIDEO and see how easy they are to make!
Cowboy Queso Dip: warm spicy 2- cheese dip loaded with chorizo, black beans, corn, tomatoes, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips.
Easy Homemade Guacamole: fresh avocado, lime juice, cilantro, red onion and jalapeno = authentic Mexican flavor.
Charcuterie Board: quick and easy meat and cheese board + tips for stress-free entertaining.
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket: Mini smoked sausages wrapped in warm, golden crescent dough filled with 2 kinds of cheese, spicy jalapenos and crispy bacon bits. Includes how to VIDEO.
Cheers!
If you tried this Christmas Margaritas recipe or any other on the blog then I hope you’ll leave a comment and some stars!
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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 (don't use all!):
- ice cubes
- 1/4 cup coarse salt for rimming glasses
- fresh cranberries
- rosemary sprigs
- mint leaves
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!
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