Mistletoe Margaritas Recipe

Introduction

Mistletoe Margaritas are a festive twist on the classic cocktail, blending tart cranberries and zesty lime with smooth tequila. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this vibrant drink offers a refreshing and colorful celebration in every glass.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp salt (optional)
• 1 lime (single wedge for rim of glass)
• 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
• 12 oz silver tequila
• 8 oz triple sec
• 3/4 cup lime juice
• 6 cups ice
• 6 sprigs mint (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix fresh cranberries with 1/4 cup of the lime juice in a small bowl.
2. Step 2: Remove the cranberries from the lime juice, then place them in a zip-lock bag with 1/4 cup sugar. Thoroughly shake to coat the cranberries evenly with sugar.
3. Step 3: Spread the sugar-coated cranberries on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to dry.
4. Step 4: In a large blender, combine cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec, the remaining lime juice, and ice. Blend until smooth.
5. Step 5 (Optional): Mix the remaining sugar with salt on a shallow plate. Rim each glass with the lime wedge, then dip the rim into the sugar and salt mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour the blended margarita mixture into the prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a sprig of mint and 4-5 sugar-coated cranberries.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice to the blend to enhance the citrus notes.
• Substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones if fresh are unavailable; just thaw them slightly before use.
• Skip the salt in the rim mixture for a sweeter finish, especially if you prefer your drinks less salty.

Storage

Store any leftover blended margarita mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir or shake well before serving again. It’s best to prepare garnishes fresh to keep them crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Mistletoe Margaritas without a blender?

Yes, you can stir the ingredients together with ice in a shaker and strain into glasses, though the texture will be less smooth without blending.

What type of tequila is best for this recipe?

Silver tequila is recommended for its clean, bright flavor that complements the tartness of cranberries and lime without overpowering the drink.

Mistletoe Margaritas Recipe

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Mistletoe Margaritas are festive, refreshing holiday cocktails featuring the tartness of fresh cranberries and cranberry juice blended with silver tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Garnished with sugar-coated cranberries and a sprig of mint, these drinks offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and citrus flavors ideal for any seasonal celebration.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 3 tbsp salt, optional
• 1 lime, single wedge for rim of glass
• 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
• 12 oz silver tequila
• 8 oz triple sec
• 3/4 cup lime juice, divided
• 6 cups ice
• 6 sprigs fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Cranberries: In a small bowl, mix the fresh cranberries with 1/4 cup of the lime juice to macerate them slightly and infuse citrus flavor.
2. Sugar Coat Cranberries: Remove the cranberries from the lime juice and transfer them to a zip lock bag. Add 1/4 cup sugar and thoroughly shake the bag until cranberries are evenly coated with sugar.
3. Dry Cranberries: Spread the sugar-coated cranberries on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to dry for garnish use.
4. Blend Margarita Mix: In a large blender, combine cranberry juice, silver tequila, triple sec, remaining lime juice, and ice. Blend the mixture until smooth and well mixed.
5. Prepare Glass Rims (Optional): On a shallow plate or bowl, mix the remaining sugar with salt. Rub the lime wedge around the rims of each glass and dip them into the sugar-salt mixture to coat.
6. Serve: Pour the blended margarita evenly into the prepared glasses. Garnish each with a sprig of mint and 4-5 sugar-coated cranberries to complete the festive look and flavor.

Notes

• For extra tartness, increase the lime juice slightly to taste.
• The salt for rimming the glass is optional – omit for a sweeter rim.
• You can prepare the sugar-coated cranberries ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
• This recipe makes about 6 servings.
• Use a good quality silver tequila for the best flavor.

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