Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe

Introduction

The Spiced Christmas Margarita is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, blending warming spices with bright citrus and pomegranate flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this drink offers a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and refreshing notes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Tequila (I recommend Patron silver)
• 2.5 oz Pomegranate juice
• 2 oz Orange juice
• 0.5 oz Orange liqueur (e.g. Cointreau)
• 1 tbsp Honey
• ¼ tsp Vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp Ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp Ground ginger
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper
• 1 sprig Rosemary
• Ginger beer (optional)
• Cinnamon sugar mixture (for rimming the glass)
• Tangerine or orange slice (for rimming the glass)
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Run a slice of tangerine or orange around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Fill the glass with ice.
2. Step 2: Add pomegranate juice, orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to a cocktail shaker.
3. Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake for 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Step 4: Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Step 5: Add a splash of ginger beer for a bubbly, festive touch, if desired.
6. Step 6: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary for a seasonal finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh-squeezed orange and pomegranate juices for the brightest flavors.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level—start with a small pinch and add more if you like extra heat.
• Swap honey for agave syrup to keep the margarita vegan-friendly.
• Replace the ginger beer with sparkling water for a lighter option.
• For a non-alcoholic version, omit the tequila and orange liqueur, and increase the juices with a splash of ginger beer.

Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the juice and spice mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before serving. Do not store mixed with ice or alcohol, as the texture and flavor will change over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tequila for this margarita?

Yes, you can use any quality blanco or silver tequila for a clean taste. Reposado tequilas will add a richer, oaky flavor if you prefer.

Is the ginger beer necessary?

No, ginger beer is optional. It adds a pleasant fizzy sweetness that complements the spices, but the margarita is delicious on its own without it.

Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This Spiced Christmas Margarita is a festive twist on the classic margarita, blending tequila with tart pomegranate juice, sweet orange juice, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Finished with a cinnamon-sugar rim and a splash of ginger beer, it’s the perfect holiday cocktail to warm up your celebrations.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
• Category: Cocktail
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cocktail

• 2 oz Tequila (Patron silver recommended)
• 2.5 oz Pomegranate juice
• 2 oz Orange juice
• 0.5 oz Orange liqueur (e.g. Cointreau)
• 1 tbsp Honey
• ¼ tsp Vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp Ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp Ground ginger
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper

For Garnish and Rim

• 1 slice Tangerine or orange (for rim)
• Cinnamon sugar mixture (for rim)
• 1 sprig Rosemary (for garnish)
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Ginger beer (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass Rim: Run a slice of tangerine or orange around the rim of a rocks glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into a cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Fill the glass with ice to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Combine Ingredients in Shaker: Add pomegranate juice, orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake the Cocktail: Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and combined.
4. Strain into Glass: Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture over the ice in the prepared rocks glass with the cinnamon sugar rim.
5. Add Festive Bubbles: Optionally, top the margarita with a splash of ginger beer to add a lively, effervescent finish.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic, festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

• If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of honey or omit it completely.
• Use fresh pomegranate juice for the best flavor; bottled juice may alter the taste slightly.
• Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• The ginger beer topping is optional but adds a delightful fizz and depth of flavor.
• For a salt rim instead of cinnamon sugar, swap the sugar mixture with coarse salt and run lime around the rim instead of tangerine or orange.
• To make it non-alcoholic, omit the tequila and orange liqueur and increase the ginger beer and fruit juices.

Keywords: Christmas margarita, holiday cocktail, spiced margarita, tequila cocktail, festive drink, pomegranate margarita