Description
This isn’t your average summer margarita. The Christmas Mistletoe Margarita is a winter-wonderland twist on the classic, combining the tartness of cranberry, the sweetness of maraschino cherries, and the festive fizz of lemon-lime soda. Vibrant, red, and incredibly photogenic, this batch cocktail balances the deep, warming notes of tequila with bright citrus flavors. It is the perfect low-stress crowd-pleaser for your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups Orange Juice, chilled (pulp-free recommended)
- 2 1/2 cups Cranberry Juice Cocktail, chilled
- 2 cups Tequila, chilled (Blanco/Silver recommended)
- 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherry Juice (from the jar)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 cups 7UP or Sprite, chilled
- As needed Ice (large cubes preferred)
- Garnish: Fresh Cranberries and Rosemary Sprigs
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pitcher: Select a large glass pitcher or punch bowl. Fill it about halfway with plenty of ice.
- Combine Juices and Spirits: Pour the orange juice, cranberry juice, and maraschino cherry juice over the ice. Add the tequila and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently with a long spoon to blend the heavy syrups and lighter juices.
- Add the Sparkle: Just before serving, pour in the chilled 7UP (or Sprite). Give it one final, gentle stir. Do not over-stir, or you will lose the fizz!
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pitcher or individual glasses with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs to mimic the look of mistletoe. Serve immediately in salt or sugar-rimmed glasses.
Notes
- Temperature is Key: Ensure all liquid ingredients are thoroughly chilled before mixing. This prevents the drink from getting watered down by the ice too quickly.
- Ice Size: Use the largest ice cubes possible. They melt slower than crushed ice, keeping the punch cold without diluting the flavor.
- The Fizz Factor: Wait until the very last second to add the soda. Adding it too early will result in a flat cocktail.
- Serving Size: This recipe creates a batch large enough for 8-10 servings, making it perfect for parties.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail, Punch, Drink
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American / Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
