Christmas Margarita

from 1 votes

Capture holiday spirit in a glass with this festive Christmas Margarita recipe made simply with cranberry juice, tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. And don’t forget the sugared cranberries for an extra festive touch!

Three cocktail glasses containing ice, fresh cranberries and cranberry margarita mix.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread some cheer than with a Christmas margarita in hand? This festive twist on the classic margarita blends tequila, cranberry, and lime, with a hint of orange to create a perfectly balanced cocktail that’s both celebratory and cozy. It’s my favorite way to add a splash of holiday cheer to any holiday gathering!

Not only does it taste amazing, but it also makes for a stunning centerpiece on your table. For a fun twist, serve your margarita in plastic ornament drinking glasses—instant festive flair!

The best part? It’s quick and simple to prepare—just shake, pour and enjoy! You can even make a big batch ahead of time for effortless entertaining. So, whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a festive drink to enjoy at home, this Christmas margarita recipe will surely get you in the holiday spirit. Ready to impress your guests? Let’s get mixing!

Ingredients

A jug of cranberry juice next to two limes, a bottle of Triple Sec, a bottle of silver tequila and a small bowl filled with fresh cranberries.
  • Cranberry juice: Adds a sweet and tart flavor to the cocktail, providing a festive and fruity backdrop. I’ve also made this with white cranberry juice for a less tart cocktail.
  • Silver tequila: Silver tequila, also known as blanco or white tequila, is an unaged spirit with a crisp, clean taste featuring slightly peppery and citrusy notes
  • Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds citrusy sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail. Grand Marnier is a good substitute if you don’t have triple sec in your liquor cabinet. Made from bitter orange peels, spices and vanilla, it has a slightly different taste than triple sec. The result? A margarita with a hint of extra depth and a subtle orange kick that’s perfect for your Christmas party!
  • Lime juice: Squeezed just before mixing, fresh lime juice provides a burst of acidity that cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-balanced and refreshing cocktail.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

A halved lime on a cutting board with a sharp knife is next to a handheld juicer and a small bowl containing fresh cranberries.

How to Make a Christmas Margarita

  1. Gather your ingredients and juice the limes.
  2. Shake, shake, shake! Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add the cranberry juice, tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice. Cover and shake for 30 seconds.
  3. Strain the mixture into a glass and serve. 

Pro Tip: Add a fun touch to your holiday gathering by serving your cranberry margarita in clear plastic ornament drinking balls! Simply pour your drink into these transparent orbs and let the vibrant colors and garnishes do the rest. Sip in style and spread the holiday cheer with this Instagram-worthy idea!

A hand holds a clear plastic Christmas ornament ball.

Variations

  • White Christmas Margarita: Add a splash of canned coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist. Elevate the festive charm by giving your glass a “snowy” makeover, rimming it with shredded coconut.
  • Frozen: Toss all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth for a frosty and refreshing take on this festive favorite. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of edible snow—white sparkling sugar—for an extra touch of winter magic.
  • Sparkling: I love a bubbly holiday cocktail! Top off your margarita with a splash of sparkling water or champagne for effervescence.
  • Not a cranberry juice fan? Try pomegranate juice, raspberry juice or a blend of mixed berries for a different fruity twist.

Garnish Ideas

Garnishes not only add visual appeal to your Christmas cocktail but can also introduce additional flavors and aromas. Here are some festive garnish ideas to enhance your cocktail:

  • Fresh cranberries: Drop a handful of fresh cranberries into the glass. They not only look visually appealing but can also provide a burst of tartness as you sip.
  • Lime wedge: Place a lime wedge on the rim of the glass or float it in the cocktail. It’s a classic garnish that adds a touch of citrus and can be squeezed for an extra burst of freshness.
  • Candied cranberries: These sugared berries add a sweet and festive touch to the drink.
  • Rosemary sprig: A small sprig of fresh rosemary not only adds a pop of greenery but also brings a subtle herbal aroma to the cocktail.
  • Orange twist: Express the oils from an orange twist over the cocktail before dropping it in.
  • Cinnamon stick: It not only looks charming but also imparts a hint of holiday spice to the drink.
  • Sugared rim: Rim the glass with sugar or a sugar-and-spice mixture for a sweet and festive touch.
  • Pomegranate arils: Sprinkle a few pomegranate arils on top for a burst of color and a sweet-tart surprise with each sip.
A cocktail shaker pours margarita mix into a funnel that's set in a clear ornament drinking ball atop a cocktail glass.

How To Make Ahead

Batch-make the margaritas by combining all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl according to your desired batch size. Use a funnel to carefully fill the clear plastic ornament drinking balls with the pre-mixed cocktail. Top each ornament and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Before your party, fill an ice bucket with ice and gently nestle the sealed ornament balls among the ice in the bucket.

Clear ornament drinking balls filled with cranberry margaritas nestled in ice in a clear ice bucket.

Tips for Making the Perfect Holiday Cocktail

  • Quality Ingredients Matter: Start with high-quality ingredients to ensure a top-notch holiday cocktail. Freshly squeezed lime juice and a good silver tequila will make a noticeable difference.
  • Shake, Don’t Stir: Shake the ingredients with ice to achieve that perfect chill and melding of flavors. It’s the secret to a well-rounded margarita!
  • Chill Glassware: For an extra touch of elegance, chill the glassware in the freezer before serving. This ensures the cocktail stays cold longer and adds a frosty element to the presentation.
  • Personalize to Perfection: Feel free to tweak the ingredient ratios based on your taste preferences. Like it a bit stronger? Add a splash more tequila. Prefer it sweeter? Adjust the cranberry juice and Triple Sec accordingly.
  • Enjoy Responsibly: Remember to enjoy your holiday cocktail responsibly. Pace yourself and savor each sip. If you’re hosting, provide non-alcoholic options for guests who may not want an alcoholic beverage.
A hand holding a clear plastic ornament drinking ball pours Christmas margarita mix into a glass filled with ice and fresh cranberries.

Pairing Suggestions

Make it a holiday to remember with an assortment of appetizers that pair perfectly with this cocktail and for any size crowd.

Can I make a large batch of Christmas margaritas for a party?

Absolutely! Batch-making the cocktail and storing it in a pitcher or dispenser makes it easy to serve a crowd.

What tequila is best for this margarita?

When it comes to making the best Christmas margarita, you’ll want to use a good-quality silver tequila. Silver tequila, also known as blanco or white tequila, has a clean, crisp flavor that complements the cranberry and lime without overpowering them. It’s smooth, light, and perfect for cocktails that showcase fresh flavors.

My go-to for margaritas is always a reputable brand like Avión Silver, Don Julio Blanco or Casamigos Blanco. These tequilas are known for their smoothness and clean taste, making them perfect for mixing into your margarita.

If you’re in the mood for a slightly richer flavor, you could also try a reposado tequila, which has been aged for a few months and offers a deeper, more complex flavor. However, silver tequila will always give you that fresh, bright margarita taste you’re looking for in this holiday twist!

Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Christmas Margarita #holidayseason #holidaycocktails

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Watch Kelly shake up this easy Christmas margarita. It’s her favorite way to serve up any cocktail or mocktail during the holiday season!
Drinks

Christmas Margarita Recipe

Capture holiday spirit in a glass with this festive Christmas Margarita recipe made simply with cranberry juice, tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice.
Author: Kelly Senyei
5 from 1 vote
Three cocktail glasses containing ice, fresh cranberries and cranberry margarita mix.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients 

  • 2 oz. cranberry juice 
  • 1 ½ oz. silver tequila 
  • 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
  • 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice 
  • Fresh cranberries, for serving 
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions 

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add the cranberry juice, tequila, Triple sec and lime juice. Cover and shake for 30 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture into a glass and serve.

Kelly’s Notes

  • Start with high-quality ingredients to ensure a top-notch holiday cocktail. Freshly squeezed lime juice and a good silver tequila will make a noticeable difference.
  • Shake the ingredients with ice to achieve that perfect chill and melding of flavors. It’s the secret to a well-rounded margarita!
  • For an extra touch of elegance, chill the glassware in the freezer before serving. This ensures the cocktail stays cold longer and adds a frosty element to the presentation.
  • Feel free to tweak the ingredient ratios based on your taste preferences. Like it a bit stronger? Add a splash more tequila. Prefer it sweeter? Adjust the cranberry juice and Triple Sec accordingly.
  • Remember to enjoy your holiday cocktail responsibly. Pace yourself and savor each sip. If you’re hosting, provide non-alcoholic options for guests who may not want an alcoholic beverage.
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.03g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 65mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 33IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Shoutout

Did you try this recipe?

Share it with the world! Mention @justataste or tag #justatasterecipes!

This post may contain affiliate links.


Feeling social?

Share this recipe!

Categories

Related Recipes

Check out more crave-worthy favorites

Kelly Senyei holding a copy of The Secret Ingredient Cookbook

love the recipes on just a taste?

Check out my cookbook!

Order your copy of The Secret Ingredient Cookbook featuring 125 brand-new family-friendly recipes with surprisingly tasty twists!

5 from 1 vote

Join the Conversation

Rate and Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Connie says:

    Do you have ingredients breakdown for a pitcher to make ahead?

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Hi Connie! You can change the recipe yield to 3X in the recipe card and then multiple from there depending on how many servings you’d like to make for a pitcher!

  2. Cathy says:

    Where can I buy those cool 2 part glasses ? The drink was great but I want those glasses!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Hi Cathy! Those are just regular glasses that I set the clear ornaments atop!

  3. Jenna says:

    5 stars
    Just made a test batch of these for Thanksgiving and they were AWESOME!!!! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Jenna!