Spiced Christmas Margarita - A spiced cocktail for the holiday season

Name: Spiced Christmas Margarita - A spiced cocktail for the holiday season
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 oz tequila; 1 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau); 1 oz fresh lime juice; 1 oz cranberry juice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; Salt and cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses; Ice cubes

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:14:26.059Z

Celebrate the festive season with this delightful Spiced Christmas Margarita. Combining traditional margarita flavors with warm spices, this cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Warm spices that evoke holiday cheer
A refreshing twist on a classic margarita
Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings

      

The Essence of a Spiced Margarita

The Spiced Christmas Margarita is a delightful twist on the traditional margarita, infusing holiday flavors that warm the soul. This cocktail combines the zesty brightness of lime and the sweetness of cranberry with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Each sip transports you to a cozy holiday gathering, making it an ideal beverage to celebrate the season.

Tequila, the star ingredient, brings a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices. When combined with orange liqueur and fresh juices, it creates a balanced cocktail that is both refreshing and festive. The addition of cranberry juice not only adds a pop of color but also a tartness that complements the sweetness, making this margarita a well-rounded choice for any holiday party.

Perfect for Holiday Celebrations

The Spiced Christmas Margarita is not just a drink; it's an experience that enhances your holiday gatherings. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, this cocktail sets the perfect festive mood. Its vibrant color and aromatic spices will impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Another great aspect of this cocktail is its versatility. It can be served as a signature drink for holiday events or enjoyed casually while decorating the tree. The refreshing yet cozy flavors make it suitable for various occasions, from celebratory to intimate, ensuring that it will be a hit with everyone.

Tips for the Perfect Margarita

To elevate your Spiced Christmas Margarita, consider using high-quality tequila and fresh-squeezed lime juice. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste of your cocktail. For an extra festive touch, experiment with different types of salt or flavored sugars for rimming your glasses, such as a rosemary-infused salt or a cranberry-flavored sugar.

When it comes to garnishing, creativity can go a long way. Along with lime wedges, consider adding a cinnamon stick or even a sprig of rosemary for a holiday flair. These small additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also infuse additional aromas, making each sip even more delightful.

Ingredients

For the Margarita

2 oz tequila
1 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz cranberry juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses
Ice cubes

Mix these ingredients well to create a deliciously spiced drink!

Instructions

Prepare the Glass

Begin by rimming your glasses with a mixture of salt and cinnamon sugar. To do this, run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the mixture to coat.

Mix the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.

Serve the Margarita

Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Enjoy your Spiced Christmas Margarita responsibly!

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Christmas Margarita pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday treats. Consider serving it alongside traditional appetizers such as cheese platters, shrimp cocktails, or spiced nuts. The cocktail's refreshing notes balance the richness of these snacks, creating a harmonious dining experience.

For a complete festive meal, serve your margaritas with dishes like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even spicy tamales. The spiced flavors of the cocktail complement savory dishes beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your holiday feast.

Storage and Preparation Tips

If you find yourself with leftover margarita mix, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When ready to serve, give it a good shake with ice to reinvigorate the flavors before pouring into your glasses.

For larger gatherings, you can batch prepare the margarita mix ahead of time. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, mix them in a pitcher, and chill until ready to serve. This allows you to enjoy the party without being tied to the cocktail shaker all night.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute tequila with vodka or mezcal for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make this a non-alcoholic drink?

Simply replace the tequila and orange liqueur with a mix of orange juice and soda water.

→ What can I use instead of cranberry juice?

You can use pomegranate juice or a mix of apple juice and a splash of lime.

→ Is it possible to pre-make this cocktail?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator; just add ice before serving.