Spiced Christmas Margarita

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Margarita

When you think of a margarita, you probably imagine a sunny beach and a lime wedge. But this Spiced Christmas Margarita transforms the classic into a warm, cozy, holiday-ready cocktail that’s perfect for winter gatherings.
Infused with seasonal spices like cinnamon and clove, balanced with the tang of fresh lime, and sweetened with a touch of cranberry or orange liqueur, this drink is equal parts merry and bright.

Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas party, a cozy holiday dinner, or just want something festive to sip by the fire, this cocktail will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

🍹 Ingredients for Spiced Christmas Margarita

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Blanco tequila	2 oz	Use good quality for best flavor
Orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)	1 oz	Adds citrus sweetness
Fresh lime juice	1 oz	Always freshly squeezed
Cranberry juice	1.5 oz	For color & tartness
Honey or agave syrup	0.5 oz	Adjust to taste
Ground cinnamon	1/8 tsp	Warm spice
Ground clove	A pinch	Powerful, so use sparingly
Cinnamon stick	1	For garnish
Orange slice	1	For garnish
Coarse sugar & cinnamon mix	As needed	For rim

🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass Rim

Mix coarse sugar and a pinch of cinnamon on a plate.
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into the sugar mix.

2. Mix the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice, honey/agave, cinnamon, and clove.
Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until well chilled.

3. Serve

Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Spiced Margarita

Balance the Sweetness – Cranberry juice can vary in tartness, so adjust the honey/agave as needed.
Use Fresh Spices – Pre-ground cinnamon and cloves lose potency over time. For maximum flavor, replace them every few months.
Make it a Batch Cocktail – Multiply the recipe by 6–8 and serve in a pitcher for parties.
Add a Sparkle – Top with a splash of sparkling water or prosecco for a bubbly twist.

❄️ Variations to Try

Pomegranate Margarita – Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate for a deeper, richer flavor.
Smoky Winter Margarita – Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky holiday vibe.
Apple Spice Margarita – Replace cranberry juice with spiced apple cider for a cozy fall-to-winter drink.

📌 Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead – Mix all ingredients except ice and garnish up to 24 hours in advance. Keep in the fridge.
Storage – Store leftovers (without ice) in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Shake before serving.