It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we dive into the holiday season, many of us are looking for ways to make our gatherings merry and bright. And what better way to do that than with a festive cocktail? This year, why not shake things up (pun intended) by trying out some delicious Christmas margaritas?
From classic flavors like cranberry and peppermint to more unique twists like spiced apple cider and hot cocoa, we’ve got 20 mouthwatering recipes to help you ring in the holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something special to sip on while you decorate your tree, these Christmas margaritas are sure to be a hit. So grab your favorite tequila (or substitute if you prefer), some festive glasses and let’s get started!
Cranberry Orange Christmas Margarita
Ring in the holiday season with this festive twist on a classic margarita. The sweet and tangy combination of cranberries and orange will have you sipping like Santa’s little helper.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce cranberry syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt for rimming glass
– Lime wheel and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry syrup, and orange juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a few fresh cranberries.
Cooking Time: None! This margarita is ready in just a few minutes.
Peppermint White Chocolate Margarita
Combine the refreshing flavors of peppermint and white chocolate with this unique margarita recipe. Perfect for a holiday party or special occasion, this sweet treat is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
As the weather cools down, warm up with a twist on the classic margarita – Spiced Apple Cider Margarita! This autumnal take combines the flavors of apple cider and spices with the boldness of tequila, perfect for crisp fall evenings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce apple cider-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave nectar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Apple slice or wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, apple cider-infused simple syrup, lime juice, agave nectar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with an apple slice or wedge.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Margarita
Get ready to spice up your cocktail game with this unique and delicious twist on the classic margarita. The warm spices of gingerbread cookie mix perfectly with tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup for a refreshing winter treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/2 ounce gingerbread cookie-infused simple syrup (see below)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Gingerbread Cookie-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons ground gingerbread cookie crumbs (such as Biscoff or Speculoos)
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add crystallized ginger and ground gingerbread cookie crumbs. Let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and using.
Instructions:
1. Rim a glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and gingerbread cookie-infused simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for simple syrup)
Eggnog Margarita with Cinnamon Rim
Warm up with this unique twist on the classic margarita, featuring eggnog and a sweet cinnamon rim.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce eggnog
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt for rimming glass
– Cinnamon sticks for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, eggnog, lime juice, and triple sec.
3. Fill shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain into prepared glass.
5. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and serve with lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Candy Cane Margarita with Crushed Peppermint
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive twist on a classic margarita. The crushed peppermint adds a refreshing and invigorating flavor to the sweet and tangy candy cane-infused cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (such as Andes Mints)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Add crushed peppermint candies to the shaker and muddle gently.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pomegranate Rosemary Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist, combining the tartness of pomegranate juice and the earthy flavor of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce pomegranate juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/4 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, pomegranate juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Drizzle rosemary-infused simple syrup over the surface of the margarita.
6. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Hot Cocoa Margarita with Marshmallow Topping
Combine the warmth of hot cocoa with the richness of tequila in this unique and delicious cocktail. Perfect for cold winter nights or special occasions, this Hot Cocoa Margarita is topped with a fluffy marshmallow treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Marshmallow topping (recipe below)
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the tequila over low heat.
2. Add the white chocolate liqueur, Baileys, heavy cream, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and hot.
3. Pour into glasses and top with marshmallow topping (recipe below).
4. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Marshmallow Topping:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon gelatin
Combine the powdered sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add the gelatin. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Spiced Pear Margarita with Thyme
Elevate your margarita game with this unique and flavorful drink that combines the sweetness of pears with the warmth of spices. This Spiced Pear Margarita with Thyme is perfect for a fall or winter gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce pear liqueur
– 1 ounce lime juice
– Salt for rimming glass
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pears, sugar, cinnamon stick, ginger, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is syrupy (about 10 minutes).
2. Strain the pear mixture into a large bowl to remove spices.
3. Rim a rocks glass with salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, pear liqueur, lime juice, and pear syrup. Shake until chilled (about 15 seconds).
4. Pour into the prepared glass and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Cooking Time: None. This recipe is ready to serve in just a few minutes!
Chocolate Cherry Christmas Margarita
Ring in the holiday season with this decadent twist on a classic margarita. Rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors combine to create a festive cocktail perfect for your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce cherry syrup (or maraschino liqueur)
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, white chocolate liqueur, cherry syrup (or maraschino liqueur), and lime juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.
Cooking Time: None
Caramel Apple Margarita with Cinnamon Sugar Rim
Experience the perfect blend of autumn flavors in this unique margarita recipe. The sweetness of caramel and apple combines with the warmth of cinnamon to create a truly special drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce apple cider-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce caramel syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Cinnamon sugar, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, apple cider-infused simple syrup, lime juice, and caramel syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon sugar rim (see note).
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make apple cider-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup apple cider and 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly. Strain and let cool.
Cranberry Lime Margarita with Sugared Rosemary
Elevate your cocktail game with this festive and flavorful Cranberry Lime Margarita, garnished with sugared rosemary. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce cranberry syrup (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish
– Granulated sugar, for sugaring rosemary
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and cranberry syrup. Fill shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into prepared glass.
5. Sprinkle granulated sugar on a cutting board. Place a few rosemary leaves on the sugar. Gently press rosemary onto sugar, creating a sweet and fragrant crust.
6. Garnish cocktail with sugared rosemary.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make cranberry syrup, combine 1 cup cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain mixture and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Pumpkin Spice Margarita with Whipped Cream
Warm up your fall gatherings with this unique twist on the classic margarita. The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg adds a deliciously autumnal flavor to this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce pumpkin puree
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, each
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, pumpkin puree, triple sec, lime juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Winter Citrus Margarita with Star Anise
Winter Citrus Margarita with Star Anise Recipe
As the winter weather sets in, warm up with this unique twist on a classic margarita. The combination of citrus, star anise, and tequila will transport you to a cozy winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add the ground star anise to the shaker and fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Toasted Coconut Snowball Margarita
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this creamy, sweet, and tangy margarita. The toasted coconut flakes add a delightful textural element to this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce coconut cream
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, coconut cream, and lime juice. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the margarita.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Serve Immediately
Enjoy your Toasted Coconut Snowball Margarita!
Maple Bourbon Margarita with Candied Bacon
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and savory twist on the classic margarita, featuring rich maple syrup, bourbon, and crispy candied bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce maple syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Candied bacon strips (see below for recipe)
– Ice
Candied Bacon Recipe:
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, bourbon, lime juice, and maple syrup. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with candied bacon strips.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required (just shake and serve!)
Chai Spiced Margarita with Vanilla Foam
Warm up your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic margarita, infused with the comforting spices of chai and topped with a fluffy vanilla foam.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly brewed chai tea-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave nectar
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Vanilla extract, for foam
– Heavy cream, for foam
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, chai simple syrup, lime juice, and agave nectar.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. To make the vanilla foam, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add a few drops of vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
6. Top the margarita with the vanilla foam.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Blackberry Sage Margarita
This refreshing twist on the classic margarita combines the sweet-tart flavors of blackberries and sage, perfect for a warm evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave nectar
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– 1/4 cup simple syrup infused with 2 sage leaves (see note)
– Salt for rimming glass
– Lime wheel and fresh sage sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, blackberry puree, and sage-infused simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh sage sprig.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Frozen Peppermint Mocha Margarita
Combine the festive flavors of peppermint and mocha with a refreshing twist on the classic margarita. This frozen treat is perfect for hot summer days or cozy winter nights.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce coffee liqueur
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 cup ice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– Powdered sugar, for rimming glass (optional)
– Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a margarita glass with powdered sugar, if desired.
2. In a blender, combine tequila, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and ice. Blend until smooth.
3. Add heavy cream and blend until well combined.
4. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top of the mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This frozen treat is ready to serve immediately.
Spiced Cranberry Margarita with Orange Zest
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic margarita, featuring the flavors of cranberries and orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce cranberry juice
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Orange zest, for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, agave syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with orange zest and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 20 festive Christmas margaritas recipes! From classic flavors like cranberry and eggnog to creative twists like peppermint white chocolate and gingerbread cookie, there’s something for everyone. Impress your guests with unique combinations like spiced pear and thyme or toasted coconut snowball. And don’t forget the rimmed glasses – add a touch of cinnamon sugar or crushed peppermint for an extra-special touch. Whatever your taste, these recipes will make your holiday party a hit!
