Do Share Recipe

Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe | Festive Holiday Cocktail

I recently made this festive drink and I just had to share how it turned out — it’s the perfect sipper for cozy winter evenings. I created what I’m calling my “Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe,” and it’s full of warming holiday flavors, a little bit of heat, and a gorgeous ruby-red hue that screams celebration. As I shook the concoction, I could practically hear jingle bells in the background.

And when I took that first sip… wow. Sweet pomegranate, bright citrus, subtle spice — everything came together. So if you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both cheerful and sophisticated, let me walk you through it — or you can also enjoy something savory like this Rotisserie Chicken Tacos Recipe for a perfect pairing.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need, along with what each one does and some pro tips.

Note: Serves 1

2 oz tequila — I recommend a silver or blanco variety to keep the base clean and let the seasonal flavors shine.
2.5 oz pomegranate juice — adds that festive red color and a sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with citrus and spice.
2 oz tangerine or orange juice — brings brightness and lifts the deeper flavors; fresh juice is best for a vibrant taste.
0.5 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec) — enhances the citrus notes and adds a smooth complexity.
1 tbsp honey — offers natural sweetness that blends with the warm spices instead of competing with them.
¼ tsp vanilla extract — gives a comforting undertone that softens the edges of the spices nicely.
⅛ tsp ground cinnamon — brings in the holiday warmth and cozy aroma without being overpowering.
⅛ tsp ground ginger — works alongside the cinnamon for a gentle kick of spice.
1 pinch cayenne pepper — optional, but adds a subtle layer of heat that balances the sweetness beautifully.
1 sprig fresh rosemary — used as a garnish that adds a fresh herbal aroma to the drink.
Ginger beer (optional) — if you like a little fizz, topping with ginger beer adds festive sparkle.

Cinnamon-Sugar Rim

1 tbsp coarse sugar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Mix these ingredients together for the rim to create a festive, spicy-sweet touch when serving the drink.

Variations

Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Use agave syrup instead of honey for a lighter sweetness and a smoother finish.
Swap the orange liqueur for a sugar-free triple sec if you’re cutting back on sugar.
Skip the tequila and orange liqueur for a festive mocktail version that’s just as flavorful.
Add more ginger beer for extra fizz and serve it in a highball glass instead of a rocks glass.
Use flavored tequila, like orange or cinnamon-infused, for added depth without changing the core recipe.

If you love cozy comfort food to go with your cocktail, you might also enjoy the Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe — it’s hearty, warming, and perfect for cold evenings.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

Cocktail shaker: for mixing and chilling the ingredients thoroughly.
Jigger: to measure each component precisely and keep the flavor balanced.
Hawthorne strainer: helps pour the drink smoothly without ice shards.
Small bowl or plate: for preparing the cinnamon-sugar rim.

How to Make Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe

Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Rim

Start by mixing the coarse sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne in a small bowl. Run a slice of tangerine or orange around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the sugar mixture. This step adds sparkle, flavor, and that beautiful festive look.

Combine the Cocktail Ingredients

Add pomegranate juice, tangerine or orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, seal it tightly, and get ready to shake.

Shake, Strain & Serve

Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice. If you like a fizzy kick, top it with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for that perfect Christmas look.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience making this drink a few times, here’s what I’ve learned:

Always use freshly squeezed citrus juice — the flavor difference is incredible.
Let the honey sit in the liquid for a few seconds before shaking so it dissolves evenly.
Chill your glass beforehand to keep the margarita icy-cold longer.
Shake longer than you think — the extra aeration makes the drink smoother.
Taste before serving; adjust sweetness or spice as needed. A little cayenne goes a long way!

How to Serve Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe

For a festive presentation, serve in a clear rocks glass over ice. The pomegranate and citrus create a stunning deep red color. Rim the glass with the cinnamon-sugar mix and garnish with a rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick.

You can even float a few pomegranate seeds or a thin orange slice on top for extra holiday flair. If serving for a party, line up the glasses on a tray with fairy lights for a sparkling display.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving:

Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: ~0.5 g
Carbohydrates: ~15 g
Fat: ~0.1 g

This drink is relatively light — making it a perfect festive indulgence without feeling heavy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

You can mix the pomegranate juice, citrus juice, honey, and spices ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just add tequila and orange liqueur, shake with ice, and enjoy.

Storage

Because this cocktail relies on fresh juice, it’s best enjoyed immediately. However, the pre-mixed juice and spice base can be kept in a sealed jar in the fridge for a day. Avoid storing the fully mixed drink, as the ice will water it down.

Re-Serving

If you’re making a big batch for a party, prepare the mix in advance and pour it over ice for each guest. Add a fresh rosemary sprig and a splash of ginger beer just before serving to keep it lively and aromatic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this drink quickly became a holiday favorite in my house:

Quick & Easy: Takes just five minutes to make, even for beginners.
Versatile: Can easily be made alcohol-free, sugar-free, or with your preferred spice level.
Flavorful & Balanced: Sweet, tart, and gently spicy — the ideal festive combo.
Visually Stunning: That deep red color and sugared rim make it picture-perfect for holiday gatherings.
Customizable: You can adjust every element — from sweetness to spice — to suit your taste.

This Spiced Christmas Margarita is pure holiday magic in a glass. It’s festive, refreshing, and full of flavor — the kind of drink that brings people together. Whether you’re toasting by the fire or celebrating with friends, this cocktail delivers cheer in every sip. So go ahead, shake up some Christmas spirit and enjoy every cozy, spiced, sparkling moment.

Ben Carraoli