Mistletoe Margarita Recipe (Festive Christmas Cocktail)

This Mistletoe Margarita is the ultimate festive cocktail for the holiday season! Combining tart cranberry juice, sweet orange juice, tequila, and sparkling 7UP, this Christmas margarita delivers a refreshing blend of flavors in every sip. Garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for holiday parties, Christmas dinners, or festive gatherings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 cocktails

Why This Christmas Margarita Recipe Works

This cranberry margarita combines the best of holiday flavors with the classic margarita format. The cranberry juice provides a gorgeous deep red color and tart flavor, while orange juice adds sweetness and citrus brightness. The 7UP creates a light, fizzy texture that makes this cocktail incredibly refreshing rather than heavy.

Best of all? This recipe scales easily for crowds and can be made in a pitcher or punch bowl, making it the ideal holiday cocktail recipe for entertaining without stress.

Ingredients

For the Mistletoe Margarita:

• 2½ cups orange juice, chilled
• 2½ cups cranberry juice, chilled
• 2 cups tequila (silver or blanco recommended), chilled
• 2 cups 7UP or Sprite, chilled
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice, chilled
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

For Garnish:

• Fresh cranberries
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Lime wheels (optional)
• Coarse sugar or salt for rimming glasses (optional)

How to Make a Mistletoe Margarita

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the orange juice, cranberry juice, tequila, maraschino cherry juice, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2: Add the 7UP

Just before serving, add the chilled 7UP to the mixture. Stir gently to combine while preserving the fizz.

Step 3: Prepare Glasses (Optional)

If rimming glasses, run a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into coarse sugar or salt spread on a shallow plate.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice, then pour the Mistletoe Margarita mixture over the ice.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig, and a lime wheel if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Festive Margarita

Chill All Ingredients: Use chilled ingredients to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly with ice.

Add 7UP Last: Wait until just before serving to add the 7UP to maintain maximum carbonation and fizz.

Shake Individual Drinks: For single servings, shake all ingredients except 7UP in a cocktail shaker with ice, strain into a glass, then top with 7UP.

Balance Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cherry juice to suit your taste preferences.

Use Quality Tequila: A good silver or blanco tequila makes a noticeable difference in flavor without breaking the bank.

Prep Garnishes Ahead: Thread cranberries on cocktail picks or prepare rosemary sprigs in advance for easy serving.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Mistletoe Margarita: Add sliced jalapeños to the pitcher for a spicy kick. Remove seeds for less heat.

Smoky Version: Replace tequila with mezcal for a smoky, sophisticated twist. Consider using smoked salt for the rim.

Pomegranate Cranberry: Use half cranberry juice and half pomegranate juice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

White Cranberry Margarita: Substitute white cranberry juice for a lighter color and slightly different flavor profile.

Ginger Twist: Replace 7UP with ginger ale and add fresh grated ginger for extra zing.

Frozen Mistletoe Margarita: Blend all ingredients with 3-4 cups of ice in a high-speed blender for a frozen version.

Non-Alcoholic Mocktail: Replace tequila with additional 7UP or sparkling water for a family-friendly festive drink.

Triple Sec Addition: Add ½ cup triple sec or Cointreau for extra orange flavor and traditional margarita taste.

Basil Garnish: Use fresh basil instead of rosemary for a different herbal note.

With Grenadine: Substitute grenadine for the maraschino cherry juice for a sweeter, more vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Party Punch: Scale up the recipe and serve in a large punch bowl with an ice ring made from cranberries and water.

Individual Cocktails: Mix one serving at a time by dividing ingredient amounts by 8.

Pitcher Service: Make the full recipe in a pitcher and keep refrigerated until serving time. Add 7UP just before pouring.

Rimming Options: Use coarse sugar for a sweet rim or sea salt for a traditional margarita experience.

Presentation: Serve in margarita glasses, rocks glasses, or festive holiday glassware.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead Base: Mix all ingredients except the 7UP up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator and add 7UP just before serving.

Refrigeration: Store leftover margaritas (without ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Strain out any ice before storing to prevent dilution.

Before Serving Leftovers: Add fresh 7UP and shake or stir well before serving to refresh the carbonation.

Batch Preparation: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large gatherings. Mix in a punch bowl for crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Replace the tequila with additional 7UP, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda for a delicious non-alcoholic mocktail version.

What type of tequila should I use?
Silver (blanco) tequila works best as it has a clean, crisp flavor that doesn’t overpower the cranberry and orange. Reposado also works if you prefer a slightly aged flavor.

Can I use vodka instead of tequila?
Absolutely! Vodka makes an excellent substitute if you prefer it over tequila or want a more neutral spirit flavor.

How do I get the salt or sugar to stick to the rim?
Wet the rim of each glass with lemon juice, orange juice, or water, then dip into a shallow dish of coarse salt or sugar. The moisture helps it adhere.

Can I make this in a blender for a frozen version?
Yes! Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender with 3-4 cups of ice and blend until smooth for a frozen margarita.

How far in advance can I make this?
You can mix everything except the 7UP up to 24 hours ahead. Add the 7UP just before serving to maintain carbonation.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?
Substitute with grenadine, which provides similar sweetness and color, or simply omit it and adjust sweetness with a touch more cranberry juice.

Is this recipe easy to scale?
Yes! The recipe serves 8 but can easily be halved for 4 servings or doubled for larger parties. Just maintain the ingredient ratios.

Why is my drink too tart or too sweet?
Adjust the balance by adding more orange juice for sweetness or more cranberry juice for tartness. The cherry juice also adds sweetness, so adjust that as needed.

This Mistletoe Margarita recipe is guaranteed to be the star of your holiday celebrations! With its festive colors, refreshing taste, and stunning presentation, it’s the perfect Christmas cocktail for spreading holiday cheer!