Description

Mistletoe Margaritas are a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail featuring a blend of cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice, garnished with sugar-coated cranberries and fresh mint for a colorful and flavorful seasonal treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sugar-Coated Cranberries

1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup sugar
3 tbsp salt (optional)
1/4 cup sugar (for salt/sugar rim)

For the Margarita Mix

2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
12 oz silver tequila
8 oz triple sec
3/4 cup lime juice (divided use: 1/4 cup for cranberries, remaining for drink)
6 cups ice

For Garnish

6 sprigs fresh mint
4–5 sugar-coated cranberries per glass
1 lime wedge (for rimming glasses)

Instructions

Coat Cranberries with Lime Juice: Mix 1/2 cup fresh cranberries with 1/4 cup of the lime juice in a small bowl to infuse tartness.
Sugar-Coat the Cranberries: Remove the cranberries from the lime juice and place them in a zip lock bag with 1/4 cup sugar. Shake or mix thoroughly to coat the cranberries evenly with sugar.
Dry the Cranberries: Spread the sugar-coated cranberries on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to dry so the coating sets, enhancing texture and sweetness.
Blend Margarita Mix: In a large blender, combine 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice, 12 oz silver tequila, 8 oz triple sec, the remaining lime juice (approximately 1/2 cup), and 6 cups ice. Blend until smooth and frosty.
Prepare Glass Rims (Optional): Mix remaining sugar with 3 tablespoons salt on a shallow plate or bowl. Rub a lime wedge around the rims of the glasses and dip each glass into the salt and sugar mixture to coat the rims with a festive flavor.
Serve and Garnish: Pour the blended margarita mixture into the prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh mint and 4-5 sugar-coated cranberries for an elegant holiday presentation.

Notes

Optional salt in the sugar rim adds a classic margarita saltiness balanced with sweetness.
Sugar-coated cranberries add both flavor and a decorative touch; allow them to dry completely for best results.
Adjust alcohol amounts to suit taste preferences or for a lighter cocktail variation.
For a frozen version, blend the mixture with crushed ice instead of ice cubes.
Using silver tequila ensures a smooth, clean taste that complements the cranberry and lime flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Mistletoe Margaritas, holiday cocktail, cranberry margarita, festive drinks, tequila cocktail, blended margarita, Christmas cocktails