this Christmas Margarita Each bite contains a unique blend of pomegranate, cinnamon, and maple syrup that will bring a festive atmosphere to any party! Served with a cinnamon sugar rim, this will be your favorite 5-minute cocktail!
Cocktails are an important part of the holiday season. Whether it's this pomegranate version, mine Mistletoe Margarita, White Christmas Margaritaor Christmas holiday sangriayou definitely want them to be quick and easy. Maybe even suitable for preparation. Luckily, this smooth Christmas Margarita has all three. Plus, the flavors of smoky maple syrup and earthy cinnamon won't disappoint you or your guests.
Why you'll love this Christmas cocktail
If you like simple holiday cocktails that can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings, this festive Christmas cocktail is right up your alley.
- Very suitable for a gathering of one person. This is perfect if you just want to have a few sips of your Christmas cocktail.
- Versatile. Add spicy jalapenos, use Cointreau, or turn this sweet recipe into a mocktail if you prefer.
- Suitable for parties. Stir everything together in a pitcher a day ahead and let everyone pour in their own margarita.
- Rich and fruity aroma. There's tart pomegranate juice, tangy orange juice and orange juice in every sip.
what do you need
The maple syrup adds a natural smoky flavor, while the cinnamon sugar rim ties everything together with its lovely warm spice. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient quantities.
for cocktails
- Pomegranate juice– I prefer 100% pomegranate juice to apple pomegranate juice or cranberry pomegranate blend.
- Orange juice – Freshly squeezed is best.
- Maple Syrup – Raw honey and agave nectar also work.
- Agave – I used “reposado” but added your favorite.
- Grand Marnier – Add your favorite orange wine brand.
- Cinnamon – Feel free to use nutmeg powder.
Make the cinnamon sugar rim
- White sugar—— Choose light or dark brown sugar if you have that on hand.
- Cinnamon – Don't skip it. You can also go with cinnamon and nutmeg in a 50/50 ratio.
Optional decoration
- Rosemary sprig – You can use fresh or dried rosemary.
- orange slice—— 1/4-inch thick slices are best.
- Pomegranate arils – Fresh raspberries or maraschino cherries are great substitutes.
What is the best tequila?
The best tequila for this Christmas margarita recipe is aged or “reposado” because it's sweeter and smokier. It tends to have notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, adding a cozy, festive feel to this cocktail.
How to Make a Christmas Margarita
You don’t need to be a bartender to make this icy Christmas margarita with orange wine! Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card.
- Prepare rims. Stir cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Rub lime wedges along the rim of a cocktail glass. Press edges into cinnamon sugar. Repeat with all glasses and set aside.
- Fill the shaker. Add ice, grenadine, orange juice, maple syrup, tequila, Grand Marnier and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker.
- Make margaritas. Turn off the shaker and shake vigorously until chilled. Add ice cubes to prepared cocktail glass. Pour in margarita mixture.
- Serve. Garnish with rosemary, orange slices and pomegranate arils. enjoy!
Tips and variations
Candied lemon slices, crunchy coconut rings and fresh juice can make one's party more fun and festive.
- Make it spicy. Add a slice of fresh jalapeño to each glass and let the cocktail sit for a minute before drinking. It releases mild heat.
- Change wine. If you don't like Grand Marnier, you can use Cointreau or Triple Sec for a similar flavor.
- More decorations. Cinnamon sticks, candied lemon slices and fresh cranberries add an extra festive touch to every bite.
- Use fresh juice. Mix the arils of the whole pomegranate with 1/2 cup water. Strain the mixture to remove the seeds and use the juice in the recipe.
- Quit drinking. Turn it into a mocktail by swapping out the tequila for more pomegranate juice and the Grand Marnier for more orange juice.
- Replace rims. Skip the cinnamon-sugar edge and swap in shredded coconut. Dip the edges into sweetened condensed milk and then into shredded coconut for a fruity edge that looks like winter snow.
Can I do this for a crowd?
Absolutely! You will need to make multiple batches of this cocktail. Stir together all margarita ingredients (except ice) in a large pitcher. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cinnamon sugar rim to the glass as usual. Pour into pitchers and let everyone pour their own cocktails.
More holiday cocktails to try
describe
This 5-minute Christmas margarita recipe pairs juice, tequila, and Grand Marnier for a sweet holiday cocktail.
Christmas Margaret:
Cinnamon sugar rim:
decorate:
Cinnamon sugar rim:
- In a small bowl wide enough to fit into a cocktail glass, add the sugar and cinnamon. Mix to combine well.
- Take a lime wedge and smear lime juice along the rim of a cocktail glass. Then lightly dip the lemon frame glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with some ginger beer to create some bubbles.
Christmas Margaret:
- Add ice cubes, pomegranate juice, orange juice, maple, agave, tangerine and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously to combine and pour over crushed ice. Top with rosemary sprigs, orange slices or pomegranate arils.