Mistletoe Margaritas: 12 Festive Mistletoe Margaritas
Mistletoe Margaritas: Your Festive Sip for the Season!
Step into a world of holiday cheer with a drink that embodies the magic of winter celebrations! Our Mistletoe Margaritas are more than just a cocktail; they’re a sparkling testament to festive joy, a vibrant crimson splash that promises to light up your gatherings. Forget the mundane; this is the season for dazzling, delightful, and utterly delicious concoctions, and this Margarita delivers on all fronts. With its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and a hint of something special, it’s destined to become your go-to holiday cocktail, bringing a touch of mistletoe magic to every sip!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love These Mistletoe Margaritas!
These aren’t just any margaritas; they’re a celebration in a glass! The gorgeous deep red hue, courtesy of cranberry, instantly evokes the holiday spirit. Each sip is a harmonious blend of zesty lime, crisp tequila, and a whisper of festive sweetness, perfectly balanced to refresh and delight. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining or a cozy evening by the fire. Plus, who can resist a drink named after mistletoe? It’s the perfect excuse for a little extra merriment!
What You’ll Need for Mistletoe Margaritas
Ingredients List
- 2 oz (60ml) Silver Tequila
- 1 oz (30ml) Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 oz (30ml) Cranberry Juice (100% juice, unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 0.75 oz (22ml) Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Simple Syrup (adjust to taste, or use maple syrup for a festive twist)
- Ice
- For Garnish: Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, lime wedges, sugar/salt for rim (optional)
How to Make Mistletoe Margaritas

Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Glass: If desired, moisten the rim of your margarita or coupe glass with a lime wedge. Dip the rim into a shallow plate of sugar, salt, or a festive mix of both (like red sanding sugar for extra sparkle).
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the silver tequila, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and simple syrup.
- Add Ice and Shake: Fill the shaker generously with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled. This also slightly dilutes the drink, balancing the flavors.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the Mistletoe Margaritas into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for that perfect festive touch. A lime wedge on the rim is always a classic. Sip and let the holiday spirit take over!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

- Sparkling Mistletoe: Top your finished margarita with a splash of sparkling wine or prosecco for an extra celebratory fizz.
- Spicy Kiss: Infuse your tequila with a few slices of jalapeño for an hour or two before mixing for a subtle, warming kick.
- Cranberry-Ginger Rim: Mix a little ground ginger with your sugar for the rim for an aromatic, spicy-sweet edge.
- Batch It Up: For a party, multiply the recipe and combine all liquid ingredients (except ice) in a pitcher. Chill thoroughly, then pour over ice and garnish when serving.
- Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila and Cointreau, and replace with extra cranberry juice, a splash of orange juice, and sparkling water for a delightful non-alcoholic treat.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mistletoe Margarita
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled juice just won’t cut it for a premium cocktail.
- Quality Tequila: A good quality silver (blanco) tequila will make all the difference. You don’t need top-shelf, but avoid the cheapest options.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste your mix before straining and adjust the simple syrup to your preferred sweetness.
- Chilled Glasses: For an extra frosty experience, chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Reader Reviews
Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“These Mistletoe Margaritas were an absolute hit at my holiday party! The color is stunning, and the taste is perfectly balanced. Easy to make in batches too, which is a lifesaver. Will definitely be making these every Christmas!”
Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m usually a traditional margarita guy, but these really surprised me. The cranberry adds such a nice festive twist without being overly sweet. My wife loved the rosemary garnish – very elegant! A new favorite for sure.”
Sarah K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“So pretty and delicious! I ended up using a little less simple syrup as my cranberry juice was already slightly sweetened, and it was perfect. The instructions were clear and simple. Only knocked off a star because I prefer a slightly stronger lime flavor, which I’ll adjust next time.”
Mistletoe Margaritas FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can mix the liquid ingredients (tequila, lime, cranberry, Cointreau, simple syrup) in a pitcher and chill for up to 24 hours. Add ice and garnishes just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have Cointreau?
A: Triple Sec is a great substitute. Grand Marnier or any other orange liqueur will also work, though they might slightly alter the flavor profile.
Q: What kind of cranberry juice should I use?
A: Opt for 100% cranberry juice or a cranberry juice cocktail that isn’t overly sweet. Unsweetened allows for better control of the final sweetness with simple syrup.
Q: How can I make these Mistletoe Margaritas less strong?
A: Reduce the tequila to 1.5 oz and top up with a splash of soda water or more cranberry juice, or simply shake for longer to increase dilution from the ice.
There you have it, folks! Your go-to recipe for the most enchanting Mistletoe Margaritas. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday bash or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these will infuse every moment with warmth, sparkle, and that undeniable festive spirit. They’re a vibrant nod to the classic Margarita’s rich history, dressed up for the most wonderful time of the year. Cheers to making beautiful, delicious memories!
Recipe Note: Please drink responsibly.
Mistletoe Margaritas
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Beverage
Servings: 1
Calories: 280 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) Silver Tequila
- 1 oz (30ml) Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.75 oz (22ml) Cranberry Juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Triple Sec or Cointreau
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Simple Syrup (or to taste)
- Ice
- Lime wedge, for rimming
- Sugar or salt, for rimming (optional)
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glasses
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Run a lime wedge around the rims of your glasses.
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Dip in sugar or salt for a festive touch.
2. Mix the Margaritas
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
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Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup if using.
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Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
3. Serve
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Fill glasses with fresh ice.
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Strain margarita mixture into the glasses.
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Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
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Add a lime wedge if desired.
Chef’s Notes: A festive and refreshing margarita with a holiday twist, perfect for winter gatherings. Adjust sweetness to your preference and use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
