There’s something magical about a cocktail that captures the warmth and sparkle of the holidays — and this Spiced Christmas Margarita does exactly that!
Imagine the bright tang of lime and orange mingling with cozy holiday spices like cinnamon and clove, all wrapped around the smoothness of tequila. It’s festive, aromatic, and a little bit cheeky — the kind of drink that instantly makes any holiday gathering feel merry and bright.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or simply want to unwind by the tree with twinkling lights around you, this spiced twist on a classic margarita is guaranteed to bring the holiday spirit in every sip.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Cocktail / Holiday Drink |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes (to make syrup) |
| Servings | 2 servings |
| Calories | ~220 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Spiced Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 small star anise (optional)
- 1 strip of orange peel
For the Margarita:
- 3 oz tequila (silver or reposado)
- 1½ oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1½ oz spiced simple syrup (from above)
- Ice cubes
- Cinnamon sugar or salt (for the rim)
- Orange slices, cranberries, or rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Make the Spiced Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange peel. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes, then strain and cool. - Prep the Glasses:
Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into cinnamon sugar (or salt, if you prefer that traditional margarita edge). - Mix the Margarita:
In a shaker filled with ice, add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and your spiced syrup. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels frosty — about 20 seconds. - Serve & Garnish:
Strain into prepared glasses over ice. Garnish with a slice of orange, a few cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary for that extra Christmas sparkle!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Make Ahead Magic: The spiced syrup can be made up to a week in advance — just store it in the fridge in a sealed jar.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Prefer a tarter margarita? Use less syrup. Like it cozier and sweeter? Add a bit more.
- Serving a Crowd: Easily multiply the recipe for a pitcher! Just mix all the liquids in advance and chill until guests arrive.
Recipe Variations
- Cranberry Margarita: Replace half the lime juice with cranberry juice for a tart, ruby-red twist.
- Apple Cinnamon Margarita: Use apple cider instead of lime juice for a fall-to-winter transition flavor.
- Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila and triple sec — add a splash of sparkling water and extra syrup for a festive, family-friendly drink.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Spiced Christmas Margarita with:
- Savory holiday appetizers like baked brie or stuffed mushrooms
- Sweet treats such as gingerbread cookies or cinnamon sugar pecans
- A cozy cheese board with sharp cheddar, spiced nuts, and cranberry jam
Conclusion
This Spiced Christmas Margarita is everything the holidays should be — cozy, a little sparkly, and bursting with joy. It’s simple to make, gorgeous to serve, and sure to make your celebrations shine. So raise a glass, toast to love and laughter, and sip your way into the season’s magic!