Christmas Cocktails Get a Refresh with the Mistletoe Margarita Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive twist on a classic margarita. The Mistletoe Margarita combines tart cranberry juice with bright lime and smooth tequila for a refreshing Christmas cocktail that’s perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Coarse salt or sugar for rimming
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your glass by running a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the rim into coarse salt or sugar to coat it evenly.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the drink properly.
- Step 3: Add the tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Step 5: Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 6: Strain the shaken mixture into the glass over the ice.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of mint.
- Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Use reposado tequila for a slightly richer, oakier flavor, or blanco for a brighter, cleaner taste.
- For a sweeter cocktail, increase the simple syrup by 1/4 ounce.
- Try rimming the glass with sugar for a sweeter touch instead of salt.
- Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy variation.
- Frozen cranberries can double as ice cubes to keep drinks cold without dilution.
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh and chilled. If you have leftovers, store the mixed ingredients (without ice and garnish) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving again and add fresh ice and garnish.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of juice instead of cranberry?
Yes, pomegranate juice or tart cherry juice make excellent substitutes and will maintain the festive red color and tart flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have simple syrup?
You can make simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat until clear, or substitute with honey or agave nectar, though sweetness levels may vary.
PrintChristmas Cocktails Get a Refresh with the Mistletoe Margarita Recipe
Celebrate the festive season with this refreshing Mistletoe Margarita, a vibrant cocktail blending tequila, cranberry, and lime flavors, beautifully garnished for a holiday twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Ice cubes
For Garnish
- Fresh cranberries
- Lime wedge
- Fresh mint leaves
For Glass Rim
- Coarse salt or sugar
- Lime wedge (for rimming)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into coarse salt or sugar to create a festive and flavorful edge.
- Fill Shaker with Ice: Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker to chill your cocktail properly as you mix.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup into the shaker over the ice.
- Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the cocktail is well-chilled and blended.
- Prepare Serving Glass: Fill the rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes, ready to hold your cocktail.
- Strain Cocktail: Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass over the fresh ice.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of mint for a festive and aromatic finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mistletoe Margarita.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- You can substitute simple syrup with agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- For a saltier rim, use coarse salt; for sweeter, use sugar depending on preference.
- Ensure to shake vigorously for proper chilling and dilution.
- This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and festive gatherings.
Keywords: Mistletoe Margarita, Christmas cocktail, holiday drinks, tequila cocktail, festive cocktail, cranberry margarita

