The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a deliciously festive cocktail?
Enter the White Christmas Cranberry Margarita – a wintry twist on the classic margarita that’s sure to impress your guests and spread some serious holiday cheer. This cocktail combo of tart cranberry, zesty lime, smooth tequila, and a sparkling sugared rim is a real crowd-pleaser.
What Makes This Margarita Special
While a classic margarita is always a hit, this White Christmas version takes things up a notch with the addition of white cranberry juice.
White cranberry has a slightly milder, less tart flavor than regular cranberry, which pairs perfectly with the citrus and tequila. The sugared cranberry garnish and rosemary sprig add an extra festive touch that make this drink as pretty as it is tasty.
Variations & Tips
- Make it skinny: To cut calories and sugar, use fresh-squeezed lime juice, unsweetened cranberry, and skip the simple syrup. A splash of sparkling water can add effervescence without extra cals.
- Make it keto-friendly: Use a keto-approved sweetener like stevia or erythritol instead of simple syrup, and make sure your cranberry juice has no added sugar.
- Make it a mocktail: This drink can easily be made non-alcoholic by omitting the tequila and triple sec. Add a splash of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for some bubbly fizz.
- Prep ahead: The margarita mix (minus ice) can be made ahead and chilled until ready to serve. You can even pre-rim the glasses and garnish for easy assembly at party time.
- Serving a crowd? Make a big pitcher (minus ice) and let guests serve themselves over ice. Easy!
When to Serve
This margarita is perfect for any wintertime gathering – a Friendsgiving, a holiday happy hour, a New Year’s bash, or just a cozy night in by the fire. It’s a fun, unexpected twist on a margarita that still feels familiar enough to please any crowd.
Why You’ll Love It
Not only is this White Christmas Cranberry Margarita a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also a visual delight. The vibrant red of the cranberries, the snowy-white sugared rim, and the touch of green from the rosemary sprig make it the ultimate holiday centerpiece. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences, so no one feels left out during your festive celebrations.
Pairing Ideas
To elevate your holiday party, consider pairing this margarita with complementary dishes. Think savory appetizers like baked brie with cranberry compote, rosemary roasted nuts, or a festive charcuterie board. These flavors play beautifully with the tangy, sweet notes of the cocktail, creating a cohesive and memorable holiday spread.
A Quick Pro Tip
If you’re using fresh cranberries for garnishing, consider freezing them ahead of time. Not only do they keep the margarita cold without watering it down, but they also add an icy sparkle that looks stunning in photos – perfect for sharing your festive creation on social media.
With this cocktail in hand, your holiday festivities are guaranteed to sparkle just a little brighter. Cheers to making spirits merry and bright!
White Christmas Cranberry Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz white cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup optional, to taste
- Garnish: sugared cranberries rosemary sprig, lime wheel
Instructions
- Rim a margarita glass with sugar or salt as desired. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip in sugar or salt. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, cranberry juice, white cranberry juice, triple sec, and simple syrup (sugar and water), if using.
- Shake well until chilled and combined, about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared margarita glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries on a cocktail pick, a small rosemary sprig, and a lime wheel on the rim.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your festive White Christmas Cranberry Margarita!
Notes
- White cranberry juice has a slightly milder, less tart flavor than regular cranberry. You can substitute regular if needed.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to taste. The cranberry provides some natural sweetness.
- To make sugared cranberries, roll damp fresh cranberries in granulated sugar and let dry.
- For a virgin mocktail version, omit the tequila and triple sec, and add a splash of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Some images in this content were created/edited with the help of AI.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.