Frosted Mistletoe Margarita (Pitcher & Single Serving) Recipe

Introduction

The Frosted Mistletoe Margarita is a festive twist on a classic favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings. With cranberry and citrus flavors balanced by a hint of sweetness, this slushy cocktail refreshes and delights in every sip.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups silver tequila (blanco tequila)
• 2 cups 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
• 3/4 cup Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
• Zest from 1 orange
• 4 cups ice
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Sugared cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the glasses by combining granulated sugar and kosher salt on a small, shallow plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass, then dip the rims into the salty-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Set the glasses aside.
2. Step 2: In a high-powered blender, combine the silver tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh or frozen cranberries, and honey.
3. Step 3: Add 4 cups of ice to the blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and has a slushy consistency.
4. Step 4: Add the orange zest and pulse once or twice just to combine.
5. Step 5: Pour the frosted margarita mixture into your prepared glasses.
6. Step 6: Garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or agave nectar to taste.
• For a spicier version, add a small splash of jalapeño-infused tequila.
• Sugared cranberries can be made by tossing fresh cranberries in sugar and letting them dry for a festive garnish.
• Use frozen cranberries instead of fresh for an extra icy texture.

Storage

This margarita is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its frosty, slushy texture. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer and stir gently before serving to redistribute the ice crystals. Avoid storing for more than 24 hours as texture and flavor may degrade.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this margarita without a blender?

While a blender is ideal for the frosty texture, you can shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and serve over crushed ice for a similar effect.

What can I use instead of Cointreau?

You can substitute Cointreau with any other orange liqueur such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier for a slightly different flavor profile.

Frosted Mistletoe Margarita (Pitcher & Single Serving) Recipe

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4.6 from 104 reviews

The Frosted Mistletoe Margarita is a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail featuring a perfect balance of silver tequila, tart cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and fresh lime. Blended with ice to create a slushy consistency and garnished with sugared cranberries and rosemary, it’s a delightful drink to serve at holiday gatherings.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Cocktail
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rim and Garnishes

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• fresh rosemary sprigs
• sugared cranberries (see notes)

Margarita Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups silver tequila (blanco tequila)
• 2 cups 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
• 3/4 cup Cointreau or other orange liqueur
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
• Zest from 1 orange
• 4 cups ice

Instructions

1. Prepare the glasses: On a small, shallow plate, combine granulated sugar and kosher salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass, then dip each rim into the sugar-salt mixture to coat evenly. Set the glasses aside to dry slightly.
2. Blend the margarita: In a high-powered blender, add the silver tequila, unsweetened cranberry juice, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh or frozen cranberries, and honey or agave nectar. Add 4 cups of ice and blend on high until the mixture becomes smooth and has a slushy consistency. Add the orange zest and pulse once or twice to combine without over-blending.
3. Serve: Pour the frosted margarita mixture into the prepared glasses. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing, icy cocktail at its best.

Notes

• Sugared cranberries can be made by tossing fresh cranberries in a simple syrup and then coating them with sugar before drying.
• Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or agave nectar to taste.
• The salted-sugar rim adds a flavorful contrast to the tartness of the margarita.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
• This recipe makes both a pitcher and single servings depending on glass size.

Keywords: frosted mistletoe margarita, holiday cocktail, cranberry margarita, blended margarita, festive drinks, tequila cocktail