frosted mistletoe margarita (pitcher & single serving)
the ultimate christmas margarita! this frosted mistletoe margarita is a festive frozen cocktail blending silver tequila, cranberry, fresh lime, and orange liqueur. with a sparkling salty-sweet rim and sugared cranberry garnish, it's the perfect easy-to-make holiday party punch.
Ingredients
for the salty-sugar rim:
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
for the margarita punch (8 servings):
- 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
for the festive garnish (optional):
- fresh rosemary sprigs
- sugared cranberries see notes
Instructions
step 1: 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.
step 2: blend the margarita
- in a high-powered blender, combine the silver tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh/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.
step 3: 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
- how to make maple sugared cranberries: in a bowl, stir 2 cups of fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. let them sit for 10-15 minutes. strain the cranberries and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. toss with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until coated. let the cranberries dry for at least one hour.
- for a single serving: combine the following in a blender: 2 oz silver tequila, 4 oz (1/2 cup) cranberry juice, 3/4 oz cointreau, juice from 1/2 a lime, 1-2 tbsp cranberries, 2-3 tsp honey, and 1 cup of ice. blend until slushy.
- on the rocks variation (no blender): if you prefer your margarita on the rocks, simply combine all liquid ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. serve over ice in your rimmed glasses and garnish as desired. you can muddle the fresh cranberries in the bottom of the pitcher first to release their juice.
- ingredient tips: using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice and fresh lime juice will give you the best, most vibrant flavor. avoid bottled lime juice and sweetened cranberry cocktail.
- make-ahead tip: you can mix all the liquid ingredients (tequila, juices, liqueur, honey) in a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. when ready to serve, pour the mixture into a blender with ice and proceed with the recipe.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!