The holidays are here, and it’s time to raise a glass to good cheer! This Spiced Christmas Margarita is the perfect cocktail for your festive gatherings. It’s a delicious twist on the classic margarita, blending the zesty flavors of lime and orange with warm holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this cocktail will add a little sparkle to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This margarita is everything you want in a holiday drink—zesty, warming, and just sweet enough. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for pairing with your favorite holiday snacks. The spices add a cozy twist that makes this cocktail stand out from the crowd.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Tequila
- Fresh lime juice
- Orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- Warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise
- Cranberry juice or simple syrup for sweetness
Find the full list of ingredients and quantities in the recipe card below!
Directions
- Prepare the Spiced Rim: Mix sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into the spiced sugar mixture.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, cranberry juice (or simple syrup), and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Add ice and shake well until chilled.
- Serve: Fill your prepared glass with ice and strain the margarita mixture over it. Garnish with a slice of lime, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch.
- Sip and enjoy the holiday vibes!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
- To make it extra festive, use cranberry-flavored ice cubes or garnish with sugared cranberries.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less cranberry juice or simple syrup.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap tequila for mezcal if you want a smoky twist.
- Add a splash of sparkling water or Prosecco for a bubbly version.
- Use pomegranate juice instead of cranberry juice for a slightly tart and vibrant alternative.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this spiced margarita alongside savory appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or a charcuterie board. It also pairs beautifully with holiday sweets like gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts. For a cozy evening, enjoy it with a warm bowl of chili or your favorite holiday movie snacks.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This margarita is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cocktail mix (without ice) a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake before serving. If you’re making a large batch for a party, keep it chilled in a pitcher and let guests add their own ice.
FAQs
1. Can I make this a mocktail?
Yes! Replace the tequila and orange liqueur with sparkling water or ginger ale, and add a bit of orange extract for flavor.
2. What’s the best tequila to use?
A good-quality blanco or reposado tequila works beautifully in this recipe. Blanco is lighter and more citrusy, while reposado adds a smooth, aged depth.
3. Can I use store-bought margarita mix?
While fresh ingredients taste best, you can use a margarita mix in a pinch. Just adjust the spices and sweetness to balance the flavors.
4. How can I make this drink look more festive?
Garnish with sugared cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, or even edible gold stars for a holiday sparkle.
Conclusion
This Spiced Christmas Margarita is the cocktail your holiday season has been waiting for. It’s a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and cozy spiced warmth, making it ideal for toasting with loved ones. Mix up a batch, gather your favorite people, and let the festive cheer flow. Here’s to a merry and flavorful holiday season—cheers!
Print
Spiced Christmas Margarita
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spiced Christmas Margarita combines the classic margarita with warm holiday spices, perfect for sipping by the fire. With flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange, this festive cocktail is a twist on the traditional margarita that will make your holiday season extra special
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) tequila (preferably reposado)
- 1 oz (30ml) orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 1 oz (30ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 oz (30ml) cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz (15ml) agave syrup or simple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Orange or lime wedge, for garnish
- Cranberries and cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass:
Start by rimming your glass with cinnamon-sugar. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip it into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. - Mix the Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice, agave syrup, and spices. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. - Serve:
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with ice. - Garnish:
Garnish with an orange or lime wedge, and optionally add cranberries and a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch. - Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy your festive, spiced margarita!
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less agave syrup, depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a frozen margarita, blend the ingredients with ice instead of shaking them.
- To make a batch for a party, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and combine in a pitcher.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g