Ingredients
Ingredients:
To make a single serving of Mistletoe Margarita, you will need the following ingredients:
- Tequila: 2 oz (Silver or Blanco tequila is preferred for a cleaner taste, but Reposado works well if you enjoy a richer flavor profile)
- Cranberry juice: 1.5 oz (Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart flavor or sweetened for a softer taste)
- Triple sec or Cointreau: 1 oz (This orange liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of citrus to complement the cranberry and lime)
- Fresh lime juice: 1 oz (Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential to achieving the bright, fresh flavor)
- Simple syrup or agave nectar: 0.5 oz (optional, for those who prefer a sweeter drink)
- Ice: Cubes, for shaking and serving
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs: For garnish (the cranberries add a beautiful red color, and the rosemary gives the look of a sprig of mistletoe)
- Salt or sugar: For rimming the glass (depending on your preference for a salted or sweet rim)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
Start by preparing your glass. Run a lime wedge along the rim of a margarita glass or a festive cocktail glass, then dip the rim into salt or sugar for added flavor and visual appeal. Set the prepared glass aside.
Step 2: Measure and Add Ingredients
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the tequila, cranberry juice, triple sec or Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup or agave nectar, depending on your preference for sweetness. The ice will chill the ingredients as they mix.
Step 3: Shake Vigorously
Secure the lid on your shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. Shaking is crucial to properly chill and combine the ingredients, creating a smooth, flavorful cocktail.
Step 4: Strain and Pour
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice. The cranberry juice gives the drink a beautiful red color that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to the glass as a garnish. The cranberries enhance the festive appearance, while the rosemary sprig resembles a sprig of mistletoe, fitting perfectly with the holiday theme. To make the rosemary look like it’s lightly dusted with snow, you can dip it in a bit of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Fresh Lime Juice: Using fresh lime juice rather than bottled is key to achieving a bright, authentic margarita taste. Fresh juice brings out the best in this cocktail and balances the sweetness of the cranberry.
- Choosing Tequila: Silver or Blanco tequila is often preferred for margaritas due to its clean, unaged flavor. However, if you enjoy a richer, deeper taste, try using a Reposado tequila, which has been aged slightly and adds subtle caramel and oak notes.
- Balancing Sweetness: The cranberry juice can be tart, especially if using unsweetened. Adjust the simple syrup or agave nectar to suit your sweetness preference. You can also add a dash of orange juice for a sweeter twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 5mg
- Protein: 0g