This cocktail is just as sweet on your lips as an unexpected under-the-mistletoe kiss. The mistletoe margarita is a special holiday drink that takes everything you love from the classic and adds a few festive flavors. Dial up the cozy and warm vibes at your next holiday party with a cocktail that absolutely sleighs.
How to Make a Mistletoe Margarita
The mistletoe margarita gives the traditional 'rita a holiday twist. Rosemary simple syrup and cranberry juice bring out the festive flavors we all look forward to indulging in when the winter weather starts to roll in.
Ingredients
- 1¾ ounces tequila
- 1½ ounces tart cranberry juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Rosemary sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, tart cranberry juice, orange liqueur, rosemary simple syrup, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lime wheel.
Even if you're feeling the festive spirit, make sure you don't pop some mistletoe in your margarita. It may look pretty, but it's poisonous.
5 Variations and Substitutions to Try
Mistletoe margaritas don't have a set-in-stone recipe. So, there's a ton of room to experiment and see which combinations best fit your unique tastes.
- Use mezcal instead of tequila, and you'll get a smokier margarita.
- If mezcal isn't for you, consider using smoked bitters instead.
- Likewise, cinnamon, cherry, and rhubarb cocktail bitters are all complementary ingredients you can throw into the mix.
- Instead of rosemary simple syrup, consider adding cinnamon, vanilla, cherry, or regular.
- Swap the lime juice for lemon to get a sweeter punch.
Party-Ready Garnishes
No cocktail is complete without a striking garnish. Whether you want to dress your margarita up or down, we've got some great ideas for you.
- Use an orange wedge or wheel to up the citrus flavors.
- Toast your rosemary sprig for a smokier, more savory garnish.
- Add a new look with a dehydrated citrus wheel, such as lemon, lime, or orange.
- Pierce several whole fresh cranberries on a cocktail skewer, or elevate it further by weaving in a citrus peel ribbon.
It's the Kind of Kiss We Look Forward To
Don't spend another holiday season wistfully longing for margaritas and sunshine. Instead, whip up a mistletoe margarita to help soothe away those winter blues. It's the kind of cocktail that your lips will chase after to get just one more taste.
