Christmas Margarita with Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Highlighted under: Holiday & Seasonal

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive twist on the classic margarita, featuring a delightful cinnamon sugar rim.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-11T18:49:06.129Z

This Christmas Margarita combines the zing of lime with the warm spice of cinnamon, making it a perfect drink for holiday gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Christmas Margarita

  • Festive flavor that captures the essence of the holiday season
  • Refreshing twist on a traditional cocktail
  • Easy to make and perfect for parties

A Festive Twist on a Classic

The Christmas Margarita is a delightful reimagining of the traditional margarita, infused with seasonal flavors that evoke the warmth and joy of the holidays. By adding cranberry juice, this cocktail not only gains a beautiful ruby hue but also a tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar rim. It's a drink that can easily become the star of your holiday gatherings, impressing guests with its unique taste and festive presentation.

What makes this cocktail particularly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it during a cozy Christmas dinner or as a refreshing drink at a lively holiday party. Whether you're celebrating with friends or family, this margarita brings a cheerful spirit to any occasion, inviting laughter and joy with every sip.

Perfect for Holiday Celebrations

One of the greatest advantages of the Christmas Margarita is its ease of preparation. With only a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these festive drinks in no time. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to spend more time enjoying the holidays rather than laboring in the kitchen. Just mix, shake, and serve—it's that simple!

Additionally, this cocktail is easily scalable. Whether you're hosting a small family gathering or a large holiday bash, you can adjust the quantities accordingly to ensure that everyone gets to indulge in this tasty treat. Prepare a pitcher ahead of time and keep it chilled for your guests to serve themselves, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Enhancing Your Holiday Experience

Serving your Christmas Margarita with a cinnamon sugar rim not only elevates the drink's appearance but also enhances the overall flavor profile. The sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon complement the tartness of the cranberry juice and the bright citrus from the lime, creating a harmonious blend that dances on your palate. It's a small detail that makes a big difference in the enjoyment of the cocktail.

Consider pairing these margaritas with festive appetizers for an unforgettable holiday experience. From spicy shrimp cocktails to creamy cheese boards, the Christmas Margarita can beautifully complement a wide range of flavors, making your holiday spread both exciting and delicious. The combination of flavors will leave your guests raving about your holiday gathering long after the last sip.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Margarita

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • Ice cubes

For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Mix the cinnamon sugar ingredients together for a festive rim!

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rims into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Mix the Margarita

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.

Serve

Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.

Enjoy your festive Christmas Margarita!

Tips for the Perfect Margarita

To achieve the best flavor, always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled. Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a vibrant acidity that enhances the overall taste of your margarita. Additionally, consider using high-quality tequila and triple sec to ensure a smooth and delicious cocktail. The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final result, so choose wisely.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe! If you prefer a sweeter margarita, you can adjust the amount of cranberry juice or even add a splash of simple syrup. Similarly, feel free to try out different types of tequila—blanco, reposado, or añejo—to find the flavor that you enjoy the most. The possibilities are endless!

Creative Garnish Ideas

While a lime wedge is a classic garnish, you can get creative with your Christmas Margarita presentation. Consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch that also provides an aromatic element. Alternatively, you could use a few cranberries skewered on a toothpick as a colorful and cheerful garnish that ties in beautifully with the cocktail's flavors.

Another fun idea is to rim your glasses with crushed candy canes instead of cinnamon sugar for a playful, sweet twist that adds a holiday flair. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a stunning visual presentation that will wow your guests. Don't hesitate to let your creativity shine!

Storing Leftover Ingredients

If you're making a batch of Christmas Margaritas and have leftover ingredients, it's essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Tequila and triple sec can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place, while fresh lime juice and cranberry juice should be refrigerated and used within a few days for the best flavor.

For any leftover cinnamon sugar mixture, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in a dry place. It can be used for rimming future cocktails or even sprinkled on desserts for a festive touch. By storing your ingredients wisely, you can always be prepared to whip up another round of these delightful margaritas whenever the holiday spirit strikes.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this margarita non-alcoholic?

Yes! Substitute the tequila and triple sec with non-alcoholic alternatives or use a sparkling soda.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

You can add more cranberry juice or simple syrup to taste.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can mix the margarita ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to rim the glasses just before serving.

→ What kind of tequila should I use?

A good quality blanco or silver tequila works best for margaritas.

Christmas Margarita with Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive twist on the classic margarita, featuring a delightful cinnamon sugar rim.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Holiday & Seasonal

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Margarita

  1. 2 oz tequila
  2. 1 oz triple sec
  3. 1 oz fresh lime juice
  4. 1 oz cranberry juice
  5. Ice cubes

For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim

  1. 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  2. 1 tsp ground cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rims into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Step 02

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.

Step 03

Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 0g