Spiced Christmas Margarita

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Spiced Christmas Margarita blends tequila, cranberry juice, and holiday spices for a festive cocktail with warm cinnamon and citrus notes. Perfect for Christmas parties.

Spiced Christmas Margarita is the perfect holiday cocktail that brings together the warmth of winter spices and the zesty brightness of a classic margarita. This festive drink blends tequila with cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and a homemade spiced simple syrup infused with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves , creating a cozy, aromatic cocktail that tastes like Christmas in a glass.

Served with a cinnamon-sugar rim and garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary, this margarita adds a touch of elegance and holiday magic to any Christmas party, dinner celebration, or winter gathering. It’s refreshing, slightly tart, beautifully spiced, and guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Ingredients

For the Spiced Simple Syrup:

  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1 strip orange peel

For One Margarita:

  • 2 oz silver tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
  • 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz spiced simple syrup (or to taste)
  • Ice cubes

For the Rim & Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Lime wedge (for rimming)
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick

Preparation

Step 1: Make the Spiced Simple Syrup

  • In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, remove from heat, and let steep for 15 minutes.
  • Strain and cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Rim

  • Mix sugar and cinnamon on a small plate.
  • Rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Add ice to the glass and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Margarita

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and spiced syrup.
  • Add ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until chilled.

Step 4: Serve

  • Strain into your rimmed glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick.

Variations

  • Spiced Orange Margarita: Replace cranberry juice with orange juice and add extra orange zest to the syrup.
  • Frozen Spiced Margarita: Blend ingredients with 1 cup crushed ice for a frosty version.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Rim with Chili: Add a pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick.
  • Mocktail Version: Replace tequila and triple sec with sparkling water or ginger beer.

Mixing Notes

  • Use silver tequila to balance the tart fruit and warm spices.
  • Let the spiced syrup steep longer for a deeper winter spice flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup to taste.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve in festive glasses with holiday garnishes for a stunning presentation.
  • Pair with Christmas appetizers like cranberry brie bites, spiced nuts, or charcuterie.
  • Add edible glitter or gold sugar for a luxurious touch.

Tips

  • Make the spiced syrup in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • Chill all ingredients before making the cocktail for the best flavor.
  • For punch-style serving, multiply the recipe and serve in a large pitcher with floating cranberries and citrus slices.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Syrup Infusion Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per cocktail)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 5mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use gold tequila instead of silver?

  • Yes, but it will add a deeper, oaky flavor that may overpower the spices. Silver tequila is recommended.

Q2: Can I use store-bought cranberry cocktail juice?

  • Yes, but reduce the spiced syrup if your cranberry juice is sweetened.

Q3: Can I serve this in a pitcher?

  • Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher without ice. Add ice right before serving.

Q4: What makes this margarita “Christmas spiced”?

  • The spiced simple syrup with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise creates festive warmth and aromatic depth.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?

  • Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Spiced Christmas Margarita is a cocktail that combines festive warmth with refreshing citrus and berry notes , the perfect balance of cozy and bright. With its aromatic spiced syrup and stunning presentation, it’s guaranteed to become your go-to holiday cocktail. Serve it at your next Christmas party, toast with friends, and bring a touch of seasonal magic to every sip.

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