Margaritas are more than just a summertime drink – they're a versatile cocktail you can enjoy even on the snowiest days. While new to many, the Christmas margarita is a tasty drink packed with tart flavors that'll make even the dullest holiday gatherings a blast. This vibrant red 'rita is chock full of the punchiest berry flavors that anyone who wants to skip decadent holiday drinks and head straight to the vine instead will love.
How to Make a Christmas Margarita
Where the classic margarita combines tequila, orange liqueur, agave, and lime juice, this modern riff incorporates iconic festive flavors to bring a new twist on an old favorite. With the inclusion of allspice dram and cranberry, your guests won't see this Christmas margarita coming from a mile away.
Ingredients
- 1¾ ounces tequila
- 1½ ounces tart cranberry juice
- ¾ ounce allspice dram
- ½ ounce raspberry liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, tart cranberry juice, allspice dram, raspberry liqueur, agave, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
Wake up to a white Christmas delight by adding 1 ounce of coconut milk to the mix.
6 Variations and Substitutions to Try
Like the beloved classic, you can shuffle around the ingredients in this Christmas margarita and still end up with a delicious drink.
- Add a splash of regular club soda or flavored varieties like lime and orange for extra bubbles.
- Include a splash of orange liqueur to add some citrus notes.
- Use honey in place of agave.
- Swap out flavored simple syrup such as cinnamon or vanilla for agave.
- Try mezcal instead of tequila for a smokier flavor.
- Use aged tequila if you like oaky, spicy notes.
Simple Garnishes to Dress Things Up
While this margarita can speak for itself, adding a garnish or two doesn't hurt. Fall into the festive spirit with these fun garnish ideas.
- Add a lime wedge or wheel for a citrusy note.
- Gently char the rosemary sprig for a richer garnish.
- Top with some whole raspberries speared on a cocktail skewer.
- Using a lime wedge, make a sugar rim for a sugar plum princess effect.
Flip the Script on Christmas Cocktails
The fresh flavors in this Christmas margarita make it stand out from the usual holiday fare. With cranberry juice as a buffer to a usually boozy cocktail, it's an any-hour kind of drink perfect for those late Christmas Eve celebrations and early Christmas mornings.
