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Festive Mistletoe Margarita (Holiday Cranberry Tequila Cocktail)

This Festive Mistletoe Margarita is a stunning holiday cocktail featuring tart cranberry, fresh lime, smooth tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur. Garnished with cranberries and rosemary for a festive 'mistletoe' touch, it’s crisp, elegant, and guaranteed to steal the show at your Christmas or New Year’s celebrations.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz Blanco tequila
  • 1 1/2 oz 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup or agave nectar, to taste
  • ice, for shaking
  • fresh cranberries, for garnish
  • small sprig of fresh rosemary, for garnish
  • coarse salt or sugar, for rim (optional)

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • strainer
  • Coupe or rocks glass
  • Bar spoon

Method
 

  1. If rimming the glass, run a lime wedge around the rim of a coupe or rocks glass and dip in coarse salt or sugar. Set aside.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
  3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
  4. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to resemble mistletoe.

Notes

Pro Tip: Use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice for the best color and tart flavor. Adjust sweetness with simple syrup to your liking.
Make a Pitcher: Combine 2 cups tequila, 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice, 3/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup simple syrup. Stir with ice and serve for a crowd (makes 8 servings).
Variation: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise to your simple syrup for a spiced version.
Mocktail Version: Omit tequila and orange liqueur; mix cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup, then top with sparkling water or ginger ale.

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