Name: Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ounces tequila blanco or reposado; 1 ounce triple sec; 1 ounce fresh lime juice; 1 ounce cranberry juice; 1/2 ounce simple syrup; Ice cubes; Fresh cranberries; Lime wedge; Fresh mint leaves; Coarse salt or sugar for rimming

If you’re on the hunt for a festive cocktail that truly captures the holiday spirit, then you’re in for a treat. I’m excited to share my Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe — it’s a fan-freaking-tastic blend of tart cranberries, fresh lime, and that classic margarita kick. Trust me, when holiday guests come over, this is the cocktail that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavor Combo: The tartness of cranberry perfectly balances the tangy lime and smooth tequila.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick steps make this cocktail a holiday breeze.
Beautiful Presentation: Garnishes like fresh cranberries and mint add that wow factor for entertaining.
Versatile Twist: I’ll share a mocktail version too, so everyone can join in the fun.

A clear glass coupe filled with a pale lime-yellow drink with small green herb leaves throughout and topped with ice. Around the rim, bright red cranberries are lined up inside a ring of coarse salt and chopped green herbs. On top, more cranberries rest beside a slice of lime and fresh sage leaves, giving a festive look. The background shows soft golden bokeh lights and blurred green holiday decorations on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime, festive margarita drink, holiday cocktail recipe, Christmas margarita, cranberry lime cocktail

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe is how straightforward and fresh the ingredients are. Each element brings something special, and if you keep a few shopping tips in mind, your cocktail will taste like magic.

Flat lay of fresh green lime wedges, whole bright red cranberries, a few sprigs of vibrant fresh mint leaves, coarse crystals of salt in a small white ceramic bowl, clear ice cubes arranged neatly, and small white ceramic bowls each filled with pale golden tequila blanco, clear triple sec, fresh pale green lime juice, deep red cranberry juice, and light amber simple syrup, all ingredients naturally fresh and arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime, festive margarita drink, holiday cocktail recipe, Christmas margarita, cranberry lime cocktail

Tequila blanco or reposado: I prefer reposado for a subtle oakiness, but blanco works beautifully for a cleaner taste.
Triple sec: This adds the perfect orange citrus sweetness — don’t skip it!
Fresh lime juice: Always freshly squeezed; bottled just won’t give you that zesty punch.
Cranberry juice: Opt for 100% juice with no added sugars to keep flavors vibrant.
Simple syrup: You can make this at home in minutes with equal parts sugar and water.
Fresh cranberries: These add a festive look and a slight tart bite as garnish.
Lime wedge: For rimming the glass and garnishing — fresh is best.
Fresh mint leaves: They really bring in that holiday aroma and color.
Coarse salt or sugar: Use coarse salt for traditional margarita vibes or sugar for a sweeter rim.
Ice cubes: Big ice cubes melt slower, keeping your drink chill without watering it down fast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe is a canvas for your holiday creativity. I love swapping out a few things to suit the occasion or my mood — and you should totally make it your own, too.

Mocktail Version: When I have non-drinkers over, I ditch the tequila and triple sec, and up the cranberry and orange juice — still festive and flavorful without the booze.
Spiced Twist: Adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick as garnish brings cozy warmth that’s perfect for winter evenings.
Frozen Margarita: Blend everything with ice for a slushy version — great for warmer holiday climates or a party twist.
Rim Sugar Colors: Try using colored sanding sugar instead of plain for a more festive presentation that the kids will love.

How to Make Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Glass for the Best First Impression

Begin by running a fresh lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Then dip the rim into coarse salt or sugar — whatever you prefer. This little ritual sets the tone for your drink and adds flavor with every sip. I used to skip this step, but now I never do; it’s those small details that turn good into unforgettable.

Step 2: Shake It Up to Chill and Mix Flavors

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice — plenty to chill but not so much that your liquid barely moves around. Then add 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce triple sec, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce cranberry juice, and ½ ounce simple syrup. Seal it tight and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. You’ll notice the outside of the shaker gets frosty — that’s when you know it’s perfectly chilled. Over shaking can dilute the drink, so timing counts here.

Step 3: Serve with Style and Freshness

Fill your rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes, then strain the chilled cocktail into it. Now comes the fun part — garnish your masterpiece with a few fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of mint. I love that mint sprig; it adds a fresh aroma and festive pop of green. Serve immediately so it’s as refreshing as possible.

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Pro Tips for Making Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always fresh lime juice and real cranberry juice make a world of difference—bottled lime juice tends to be too bitter or artificial.
Proper Shaking Technique: Shake firmly but don’t overdo it to avoid diluting the margarita with melted ice.
Rim It Right: For a balanced flavor, wet the rim with lime juice, not water—it helps the salt or sugar stick better.
Chill Your Glass: Pop your glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before prepping to keep your drink colder longer.

How to Serve Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe

Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh cranberries for garnish because they add a burst of color and a festive vibe that’s hard to beat. The lime wedge is a classic, not just for looks but also so guests can squeeze in extra tang if they want. Fresh mint sprigs finish it all off with a refreshing scent that instantly says holiday party.

Side Dishes

Since this margarita has bright, tart flavors, I like pairing it with rich, savory snacks. Think spiced nuts, a charcuterie board with sharp cheeses, or even fresh guacamole and tortilla chips. It’s like the perfect holiday snack spread where the drinks and the nibbles play off each other beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra festive fun, I’ve served this drink in clear mason jars tied with little red and green ribbons—instant holiday charm. Another idea is to freeze cranberries inside ice cubes, which keeps the drink cold without watering it down and looks stunning in the glass. You can also rim glasses with crushed candy canes for a sweet and minty touch that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover cocktail mix (pre-ice), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I usually make a batch ahead for parties, but always keep ice and garnishes separate until serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the mix in ice cube trays for frozen margarita versions, and it works great! Just blend the frozen cubes with a splash of extra lime juice when you’re ready to serve for a slushy twist. Avoid freezing the garnishes though—they don’t fare well.

Reheating

This is a cold cocktail, so reheating isn’t really applicable here. If refrigerated, just give the mix a good stir and add fresh ice before serving again to refresh the flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make the Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan. Just double-check that your triple sec and simple syrup don’t have any animal-derived additives, which is rare but possible.
What’s the best tequila to use for this margarita?

I like using a good quality reposado tequila because it adds subtle complexity, but blanco tequila works perfectly well if you want a cleaner, more classic margarita flavor.
Can I substitute cranberry juice with something else?

You can sometimes use pomegranate juice as a substitute, but keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile. For the authentic festive tang, cranberry juice is your best bet.
How do I make simple syrup at home?

Just combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, then cool. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a month and beats store-bought for freshness every time.
What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

No worries! You can use a jar with a tight-fitting lid to shake your cocktail ingredients just as effectively. Just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid spills.

Final Thoughts

This Mistletoe Margarita with Cranberry and Lime Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings and cozy winter nights. It’s easy enough to whip up in a flash but fancy enough to impress. I absolutely love how the tart cranberry and zesty lime dance with the smooth tequila, creating a festive sip that makes spirits bright. Give it a try at your next holiday party — I promise you’ll be the star bartender in your circle!