Introduction

The Frosted Mistletoe Margarita is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights. Its combination of tart cranberry, fresh citrus, and a touch of honey creates a refreshing and vibrant drink that’s sure to impress your guests.

A clear glass filled with bright red crushed ice and liquid, topped with three frosted cranberries on a small wooden skewer and a sprig of green rosemary, sits at the center of the image. The rim of the glass is coated with a layer of white sugar crystals. The glass is placed on a wooden surface dusted heavily with white powder, scattering three loose cranberries nearby. In the background, there are festive decorations including two nutcracker figures, small green Christmas tree, golden jingle bells, and a wrapped gift box with a red ribbon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cups silver tequila (blanco tequila)
2 cups 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
3/4 cup Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
1 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
Zest from 1 orange
4 cups ice
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Sugared cranberries (optional, see notes)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the glasses by combining the granulated sugar and kosher salt on a small, shallow plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass, then dip the rim into the salty-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Set the glasses aside.
Step 2: In a high-powered blender, combine the silver tequila, cranberry juice, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, fresh or frozen cranberries, and honey.
Step 3: Add 4 cups of ice to the blender and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and slushy.
Step 4: Add the orange zest and pulse once or twice to combine.
Step 5: Pour the frosted margarita mixture into your prepared glasses.
Step 6: Garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter margarita, adjust the honey or agave nectar to your taste.
Use fresh cranberries when in season for a brighter flavor, or frozen cranberries for convenience.
Try substituting Cointreau with triple sec or another orange liqueur based on your preference.
Sugared cranberries can be made by tossing fresh cranberries in sugar and letting them dry; they add a lovely festive touch.

Storage

This margarita is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the mixture without ice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well and add fresh ice before serving again.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with bright red crushed ice drink, showing many icy chunks inside, topped with a skewer holding three sugar-coated cranberries and a small green rosemary sprig. The rim of the glass is coated with coarse white sugar crystals. The glass sits on a wooden surface dusted with powdered sugar, with one sugar-coated cranberry resting near the base. In the blurred background, there are wrapped gifts with red ribbons, a Christmas tree with yellow lights, and a nutcracker decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this margarita ahead of time?

You can prepare the liquid mixture ahead and refrigerate it, but add ice and blend just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of rosemary for garnish?

If you’re not a fan of rosemary, try garnishing with lime slices, orange twists, or fresh cranberries for a festive look.

Frosted Mistletoe Margarita (Pitcher & Single Serving) Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 88 reviews

The Frosted Mistletoe Margarita is a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail that combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the smoothness of silver tequila and a hint of orange liqueur. Blended with ice for a slushy consistency, this drink is garnished with rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries, making it perfect for winter celebrations and gatherings.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (pitcher quantity) 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Rim Coating

3 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp kosher salt

Margarita Mix

1 1/2 cups silver tequila (blanco tequila)
2 cups 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
3/4 cup Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
1 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
Zest from 1 orange
4 cups ice

Garnish

Fresh rosemary sprigs
Sugared cranberries (see notes)

Instructions

Prepare the glasses: On a small, shallow plate, combine the granulated sugar and kosher salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass, then dip the rim into the salty-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Set the glasses aside.
Blend the margarita: In a high-powered blender, combine the silver tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh or frozen cranberries, and honey. Add 4 cups of ice to the blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and has a slushy consistency. Add the orange zest and pulse once or twice just to combine.
Serve: Pour the frosted margarita mixture into your prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For sugared cranberries: Toss fresh cranberries in egg white and then coat with superfine sugar. Let them dry until hardened for a festive garnish.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or agave nectar to suit your taste preference.
Use unsweetened cranberry juice to control sugar levels in the cocktail.

Keywords: Frosted Mistletoe Margarita, cranberry margarita, holiday cocktail, tequila cocktail, blended margarita, festive drinks