Frosted Mistletoe Margarita (Pitcher & Single Serving) Recipe
Introduction
The Frosted Mistletoe Margarita is a festive and refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, perfect for holiday gatherings. With tart cranberry, zesty lime, and a hint of orange, this slushy margarita is both flavorful and visually stunning.
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: 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: 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 and blend on high until smooth with a slushy consistency. Add the orange zest and pulse once or twice just to combine.
- Step 3: 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.
Tips & Variations
- For a less sweet margarita, reduce the honey or agave nectar to taste.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice can alter the taste.
- To make sugared cranberries, toss fresh cranberries with a little simple syrup, then coat with sugar and let dry—adds a festive garnish.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the tequila and orange liqueur, adding extra cranberry juice and a splash of orange extract.
Storage
This margarita is best enjoyed immediately for the freshest slushy texture. If needed, store the blended mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but note the texture may become less icy. Stir gently before serving and add fresh ice to restore the frosted consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this margarita in a large batch for a party?
Yes, multiply the ingredients as needed and blend in batches if your blender is small. Keep the mixture chilled and icy by adding ice just before serving.
What can I substitute for Cointreau if I don’t have any?
You can use any orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, or even a splash of fresh orange juice with a little extra honey for sweetness.
PrintFrosted Mistletoe Margarita (Pitcher & Single Serving) Recipe
This Frosted Mistletoe Margarita is a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail perfect for parties or cozy gatherings. Combining silver tequila, tart cranberry juice, zesty orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and a touch of honey, it’s blended with ice to create a smooth, slushy margarita. The salt and sugar rim along with garnishes of rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries evoke a wintery, celebratory vibe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Rim Coating
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
Margarita Mixture
- 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 to let the coating set.
- 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 or agave nectar. Add 4 cups of ice to the blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and achieves a slushy consistency. Add the orange zest and pulse once or twice just to combine without over-blending the zest.
- Serve: Pour the frosted margarita mixture into your prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately to enjoy at optimal texture and temperature.
Notes
- Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest, most even texture.
- The sugared cranberries can be prepared by tossing fresh cranberries in sugar and letting them dry until the coating hardens; this adds a sweet, crunchy garnish.
- Adjust the honey or agave nectar to taste depending on desired sweetness.
- If frozen cranberries are used, there is no need to add extra ice unless thicker consistency is preferred.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute tequila and orange liqueur with sparkling water and orange juice respectively.
Keywords: frosted mistletoe margarita, holiday margarita, cranberry margarita, tequila cocktail, festive drinks, Christmas cocktail, blended margarita
