Christmas Margarita with Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Highlighted under: Festive Season Recipes

Celebrate the festive season with a twist on the classic margarita! This Christmas Margarita is enhanced with a delightful cinnamon sugar rim, making it the perfect holiday cocktail.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-11T18:19:06.163Z

This Christmas Margarita is the perfect blend of festive flavors and refreshing taste. The addition of cinnamon sugar on the rim gives it a holiday twist that will impress your guests.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Festive flavors that embody the holiday spirit
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings
  • A unique twist on a classic cocktail

The Perfect Holiday Cocktail

The Christmas Margarita is a delightful twist on the traditional margarita, making it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations. The combination of tequila, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice creates a refreshing drink that is both tart and sweet. The addition of orange liqueur adds a sophisticated layer of flavor, while the cinnamon sugar rim enhances the festive spirit. This drink not only tastes amazing but looks stunning, making it a great centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.

Serving this margarita at your holiday parties will surely impress your guests. The vibrant red hue of the cranberry juice adds a splash of color to your table, evoking the warmth and joy of the season. Plus, the familiar tang of lime and the warmth of cinnamon will evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding everyone of cherished holiday moments. It's a cocktail that brings people together, making it a perfect fit for your festive celebrations.

Easy to Make and Customize

One of the best aspects of the Christmas Margarita is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cocktails in no time. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe is adaptable to your needs. You can easily scale up the ingredients to serve a crowd or make a single serving for yourself. The straightforward preparation makes it accessible for both novice and experienced mixologists.

Furthermore, feel free to customize this cocktail to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup or adjust the amount of cranberry juice. For a spicier kick, consider infusing your tequila with jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce. The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different flavors while still maintaining that festive holiday spirit.

Tips for the Best Christmas Margarita

To elevate your Christmas Margarita even further, consider using high-quality ingredients. Opt for a good brand of tequila—preferably 100% agave—for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lime juice is also a must; it significantly enhances the drink's taste compared to bottled alternatives. The fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant your cocktail will be, ensuring your guests enjoy every sip.

Don’t forget about the garnishing! A lime wedge not only adds a pop of color but also provides an additional citrus aroma that complements the drink. You can even add a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint for a festive touch. These small details can make a big difference in presentation, turning a simple cocktail into a holiday masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Margarita

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • Ice

For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim

  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Lime wedge (for rimming)

Mix the ingredients well for a refreshing holiday drink!

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of your glasses, then dip the rims into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Mix the Margarita

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice with ice. Shake well until chilled.

Serve

Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

Enjoy your festive Christmas Margarita!

Pairing Suggestions

The Christmas Margarita pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday dishes. Its refreshing and tangy profile complements rich foods like roasted turkey, glazed ham, and savory sides. You can also serve it alongside appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, cheese platters, and spicy nachos for a delightful contrast of flavors. This cocktail not only enhances the meal but also keeps the festive mood alive throughout your gathering.

For dessert, consider serving your Christmas Margarita with spiced cookies or chocolate treats. The cinnamon notes in the cocktail will harmonize beautifully with gingerbread or peppermint desserts, making it a versatile pairing option. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness of your drink selections, creating a memorable dining experience.

Storing and Serving

If you’re preparing for a larger gathering, you can make a pitcher of Christmas Margaritas ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients (except for the ice and cinnamon sugar rim) and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice and garnish. This way, you can enjoy the festivities without being stuck behind the bar all evening.

For those looking to serve this drink in a more festive way, consider using holiday-themed glasses or decorative drink stirrers. Adding a touch of holiday cheer to your serving presentation will enhance the overall experience for your guests. Remember, the joy of sharing a drink is amplified by the atmosphere you create around it.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this margarita non-alcoholic?

Yes! Replace the tequila and orange liqueur with sparkling water and extra lime and cranberry juice for a refreshing mocktail.

→ What type of tequila is best for margaritas?

A good quality blanco tequila works best for margaritas, as it has a clean taste that mixes well.

→ Can I prepare the cinnamon sugar rim in advance?

Yes! You can mix the cinnamon sugar ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.

→ How can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?

Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large pitcher!

Christmas Margarita with Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Celebrate the festive season with a twist on the classic margarita! This Christmas Margarita is enhanced with a delightful cinnamon sugar rim, making it the perfect holiday cocktail.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Festive Season Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Margarita

  1. 2 oz tequila
  2. 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  3. 1 oz fresh lime juice
  4. 1 oz cranberry juice
  5. Ice

For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim

  1. 2 tbsp sugar
  2. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  3. Lime wedge (for rimming)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of your glasses, then dip the rims into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Step 02

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice with ice. Shake well until chilled.

Step 03

Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 1mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 0g