Frosted Mistletoe Margarita (Print Version)
A festive frozen cocktail with tequila, cranberry, lime, and orange liqueur, perfect for holiday entertaining.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Salty-Sugar Rim
01 -
3 tbsp granulated sugar
02 -
2 tbsp kosher salt
→ For the Margarita Punch (8 servings)
03 -
1 1/2 cups silver tequila blanco
04 -
2 cups 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
05 -
3/4 cup Cointreau or other orange liqueur
06 -
1 cup fresh lime juice
07 -
3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
08 -
1/4 cup honey or agave nectar, to taste
09 -
Zest from 1 orange
10 -
4 cups ice
→ For the Festive Garnish
11 -
Fresh rosemary sprigs
12 -
Sugared cranberries (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
On a small, shallow plate, combine the granulated sugar and kosher salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass, then dip the rim into the salty-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Set the glasses aside.
02 -
In a high-powered blender, combine the silver tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh/frozen cranberries, and honey. Add 4 cups of ice to the blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and has a slushy consistency. Add the orange zest and pulse once or twice just to combine.
03 -
Pour the frosted margarita mixture into your prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For maple sugared cranberries: In a bowl, stir 2 cups of fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Strain the cranberries and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until coated. Let the cranberries dry for at least one hour.
02 -
For a single serving: Combine 2 oz silver tequila, 4 oz (1/2 cup) cranberry juice, 3/4 oz Cointreau, juice from 1/2 a lime, 1-2 tbsp cranberries, 2-3 tsp honey, and 1 cup of ice in a blender. Blend until slushy.
03 -
On the rocks variation (no blender): If you prefer your margarita on the rocks, simply combine all liquid ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. Serve over ice in your rimmed glasses and garnish as desired. You can muddle the fresh cranberries in the bottom of the pitcher first to release their juice.
04 -
Using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice and fresh lime juice will give you the best, most vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice and sweetened cranberry cocktail.
05 -
Make-ahead tip: You can mix all the liquid ingredients (tequila, juices, liqueur, honey) in a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pour the mixture into a blender with ice and proceed with the recipe.