Name: Festive and Refreshing Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice or cocktail-style); ½ cup fresh lime juice; ½ cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup; 1 cup lemon-lime soda or sparkling water; Ice cubes; Lime slices, for garnish; Fresh cranberries, for garnish; Coarse sugar or salt, for rimming the glass (optional)

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Introduction

This Festive and Refreshing Christmas Mistletoe Margarita is a vibrant, tangy cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings. Bursting with cranberry and citrus flavors, it’s both visually stunning and delightfully thirst-quenching.

A clear glass filled with a red drink topped with small ice cubes, layered with bright red cranberries floating on top, and a salted white rim around the glass. A slice of lime with a green peel and light green inside is placed on the right side of the glass, along with a small sprig of green herb. The glass sits on a white marbled surface scattered with whole lime halves and loose cranberries. In the blurred background, there is a second similar glass and brown pinecones with green pine leaves for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice or cocktail-style)
½ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
1 cup lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
Ice cubes
Lime slices, for garnish
Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Coarse sugar or salt, for rimming the glass (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Rim your glass (optional). Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into coarse sugar or salt to give your margarita a festive touch.
Step 2: Mix the juices. In a shaker or large jar, combine cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, orange juice, and honey or agave syrup if using. Shake or stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add ice and sparkle. Fill each glass with ice cubes and pour in the juice mixture about three-quarters full. Top off with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
Step 4: Garnish and serve. Add lime slices and fresh cranberries on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the best fizz and fresh flavors.

Tips & Variations

For an extra festive look, freeze fresh cranberries in ice cubes before adding to your margarita.
Swap lemon-lime soda with sparkling water for a less sweet drink.
Add a splash of tequila to transform this into a classic holiday margarita.
Use coarse sugar for a sweeter rim or salt if you prefer a traditional margarita flavor contrast.

Storage

Prepare the juice mixture ahead and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add ice, soda, and garnishes just before serving to keep the margarita fresh and fizzy. Leftover mixed drink without soda can be refrigerated for 1 day but avoid storing after adding soda to maintain the fizz.

How to Serve

A clear glass is filled with a bright red drink layered with ice cubes visible at the top. The rim of the glass is coated with white sugar mixed with small green herb bits, creating a textured edge. On top of the drink, there are glossy red cranberries and a sprig of green rosemary placed beside a fresh green lime wedge resting inside the glass. The glass sits on a white marbled surface with scattered lime halves, cranberries, and blurred greenery in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this margarita non-alcoholic?

Yes, this recipe is naturally non-alcoholic. Simply omit any added tequila or spirits to keep it a refreshing holiday mocktail.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh lime juice?

You can substitute fresh lime juice with bottled lime juice in a pinch, though fresh juice will provide the best flavor and brightness.