Drinks

Mistletoe Margaritas Recipe

ByRafael Mansero December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

Introduction

Mistletoe Margaritas offer a festive twist on the classic cocktail with bright cranberry flavors and a refreshing hint of mint. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this vibrant drink combines tart cranberry juice with smooth tequila for a delightful celebration sipper.

A close-up view of a pink frozen margarita served in a clear glass with a salted rim, filled with a smooth icy texture. Floating on top are five small red cranberries, some with a light frost, adding a pop of deep red color. A fresh green mint sprig stands upright on one side of the glass, providing a bright contrast. The drink sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp salt (optional)
1 lime (wedge for rim of glass)
2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
12 oz silver tequila
8 oz triple sec
3/4 cup lime juice
6 cups ice
6 sprigs fresh mint

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the fresh cranberries with 1/4 cup of the lime juice in a small bowl.
Step 2: Remove the cranberries from the lime juice and place them in a zip-lock bag with 1/4 cup sugar. Shake or massage the bag gently until the cranberries are fully coated with sugar.
Step 3: Spread the sugar-coated cranberries on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and let them dry.
Step 4: In a large blender, combine the cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec, the remaining lime juice, and ice. Blend until smooth.
Step 5: (Optional) Mix the remaining sugar and salt together on a shallow plate. Use the lime wedge to moisten the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the sugar-salt mixture to coat.
Step 6: Pour the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a sprig of mint and 4–5 sugar-coated cranberries.

Tips & Variations

For extra zing, add a splash of sparkling water before serving to make a lighter version.
Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
Swap out triple sec for Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a richer orange flavor.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar for coating cranberries and rimming glasses.

Storage

Prepare the margarita mix in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving. The sugar-coated cranberries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two to maintain their texture. It’s best to add ice and mint garnish just before serving to keep the drink fresh.

How to Serve

A close-up of a clear square glass filled with a pink margarita layered with varying shades of light to medium pink, with frosty condensation on the outside and a sugar-rimmed edge around the top. The drink is decorated on top with three bright red cranberries and a small green mint leaf standing upright in the middle. In the background, another similar glass is faintly visible, also with a sugar rim and pink liquid. Around the glass on a white marbled surface are several loose cranberries and small scattered green mint leaves, creating a fresh and festive look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Mistletoe Margaritas without a blender?

Yes, you can stir the ingredients together thoroughly in a large pitcher and add crushed ice, though the texture will be different without blending smooth.

What can I use instead of fresh cranberries for garnish?

If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can work as well. You might also try using pomegranate seeds or red currants for a similar festive look.