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Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe

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,” and it’s full of warming holiday flavors, a little bit of heat, and a gorgeous ruby-red hue that screams celebration.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Notes

  • 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!