Mistletoe Margaritas

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Mistletoe Margaritas combine silver tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. These delicious margaritas make the most amazing party cocktails, and add the perfect sparkle to your holiday spread!

Cranberry Margaritas

‘Tis the season for holiday parties! Bring on the food and drinks, and let’s make some memories.

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE hosting parties, especially when the house is decked out in red and green and sparkling lights. It really is the most wonderful time of the year to spend time with friends and family.

Why This Recipe Works:

JUST A FEW INGREDIENTS – You’ll need just five simple ingredients for this margarita recipe. If you want to add garnishes, you’ll need kosher salt for the rim and sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary.
FLAVORFUL – We are huge margarita fans and this one is a favorite of ours.
EASY TO MAKE IN LARGE BATCH FORM – Double or triple the recipe for a large batch recipe for parties. Perfect for the holidays!
FESTIVE – Oh the color of these festive margaritas! We love everything cranberry and these do not disappoint. Plus they make a great party drink!

Other Favorite Cocktails:

My hubby and I love a good happy hour. When we’re not sipping on red wine, we’re enjoying a variety of cocktails, including the following. Try one and let me know what you think! Cheers!

Side shot of two glasses of margaritas garnished with cranberries.

Ingredients Used:

Tequila – Use a good quality silver tequila. I normally buy the Altos brand.
Cointreau – I normally use Cointreau in my margarita recipes, but you could also use Triple Sec instead.
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice – Make sure you use fresh limes for this recipe instead of the bottled stuff! It’s KEY to good flavor.
Cranberry Juice – Use the bottled cranberry juice and keep it chilled in your refrigerator.
Simple Syrup – Make a simple syrup using equal parts sugar and water.
Sugared Cranberries – It’s nice to keep these on hand during the holiday season!

Using good quality alcohol is key to flavor and avoiding a headache. Drink responsibly!

Overhead view of a bowl of sugared cranberries with a green napkin.

How to make Mistletoe Margaritas:

Step 1
Make sugared cranberries (optional). Follow my recipe instructions to make some sugared cranberries and simple syrup (included in this recipe).

Or to make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small pan. Cook over medium heat just until the sugar is dissolved. Then chill well in advance of using. You want it to be COLD.

Step 2
Mix up the margaritas. In a pitcher, combine the tequila, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3
Prep glasses. Run a lime wedge around the rim of some glasses. Then dip the glasses in a plate of kosher salt. Add ice and sugared cranberries to the glasses.

The four prepared glasses on a dark background with snowflakes.

Step 4
Serve cocktails. Pour the margaritas into prepared glasses. Enjoy!

I love shopping at World Market, Crate and Barrel, and William Sonoma for glassware. Buying in groups of two adds a good mix and match of glasses at parties too!

A pitcher of margaritas being poured into a glass.

Margaritas are normally my cocktail of choice. So these Swirl Margaritas and Apple Cider Margaritas are also a sure win!

Expert Tips:

Prep in advance. You’ll need to make the sugared cranberries and simple syrup in advance.
Chill ingredients. I recommend making these margaritas and chill for at least two hours before party time.
Use nice glassware. The glasses don’t have to be expensive. But using clear glasses instead of solo cups will make for a PRETTY cocktail. They are pretty, aren’t they?! 😀
Make multiple batches for large parties. This recipe makes about eight cocktails. So if you are having a really large group, you’ll need to double or triple this!
Eat some good food. I always recommend eating while drinking alcohol. I’ve got lots of good appetizers and snacks on the blog, so choose your favorites!

Overhead shot of four glasses of salt rimmed margaritas.

Recipe FAQs:

What garnishes could be added to mistletoe margaritas?

In addition to sugared cranberries, we like adding a salty rim. You could also add a sprig of rosemary to the glass.

Can I make mistletoe margaritas ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the tequila, cranberry juice, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate for a few hours. Add ice and garnish right before serving.

Can I add different juices or flavors?

Pomegranate juice, a dash of orange juice, or a few muddled cranberries can add a unique twist while keeping the holiday theme.

Delicious Appetizers to pair:

Holiday parties are all about the spread of appetizers. Here are a few that I come back to again and again.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

xoxo ~Sue