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Tequila….. The New Unexpected Star of Your Festive Cocktails This Year
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22nd November 2024

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Jump to the Tequila Cranberry Cocktail recipe

Who says tequila is just for summer?

Not us! While tequila often takes centre stage during poolside parties and beach vacations (hello fellow Margarita!), it's time to rethink its seasonal limitations. This versatile spirit can add a festive flair to your Christmas cocktails, surprising your guests with its warmth and complexity.

Why Tequila Belongs In Your Christmas Repertoire

•⁠ ⁠Warmth and Spice - Tequila, especially aged varieties like añejo and reposado, offer notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak that complement the cozy vibes of the holiday season.

•⁠ ⁠Versatility - Tequila pairs well with a wide range of festive flavours, from citrus and spice to chocolate and coffee, making it a perfect canvas for creative holiday concoctions.

•⁠ ⁠Festive Spirit - Tequila cocktails can be as elegant or playful as you desire, after all, tequila makes us happy, what more could we want at Christmas.

Why don’t elves drink tequila?
Because one shot, and they’d be on the shelf all year! 🧝🍹

Tequila-Infused Christmas Cocktails to Try

1.⁠ ⁠Mistletoe Margarita - A classic margarita with a festive twist, combining tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary for a touch of holiday cheer.

Shrink Expand recipe card

Mistletoe Margarita

Recipe card
4.8 / 5

Lowball / rocks glass

Base ingredient
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Tequila Blanco
Calories
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455 calories
Garnish
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Cranberries and rosemary sprig
Alcohol content
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14.5% | 5.66 units *

A festive twist on the classic margarita, combining tequila, orange liqueur, Grand Marnier, and white cranberry juice for a bright and flavorful holiday cocktail.

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Mistletoe Margarita

Serves 1 · Takes 5 minutes
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice
Add tequila, orange liqueur, Grand Marnier, white cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup
Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds
Strain the liquid into a glass with fresh ice
Garnish the glass with 4 cranberries and a sprig of rosemary
Serve and enjoy!
View the full recipe

2.⁠ ⁠Tequila Snowfall Sunrise – Cranberry and pomegranate add a festive twist to this tequila classic, bringing winter sun and fun to your cocktail festivities.

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Tequila Snowfall Sunrise

Recipe card
4.55 / 5

Lowball / rocks glass

Base ingredient
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Tequila Blanco
Calories
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220 calories
Garnish
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Orange, umbrella
Alcohol content
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7.86% | 1.65 units *

A few tweaks on the classic Tequila Sunrise makes this delicious alternative.

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Tequila Snowfall Sunrise

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour the tequila, then the orange liqueur, orange juice and cranberry juice into a hurricane glass with ice (in that order)
Gently pour the pomegranate syrup into the glass, before adding a squeeze of lime
Serve with a biodegradable straw and wedge of orange or slightly tacky umbrella
View the full recipe

3.⁠ ⁠Spicy Christmas Paloma - Warm up with this spicy and refreshing cocktail. Combine tequila, grapefruit, some tonic lime juice, and a dash of chilli salt. Garnish with a fresh grapefruit slice, or go outside the box and garnish with a chilli pepper!

Pardon the interruption

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Shrink Expand recipe card

Spicy Christmas Paloma

Recipe card
4.7 / 5

Lowball / rocks glass

Base ingredient
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Tequila Blanco
Calories
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180 calories
Garnish
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Fresh grapefruit slice
Alcohol content
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9% | 0.99 units *

A zesty and refreshing cocktail with a festive twist, featuring tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and a spicy chili-salt rim for a bold holiday flavor.

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Spicy Christmas Paloma

Serves 1 · Takes 5 minutes
Place the chili salt on a saucer
Rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into the chili salt until evenly coated (optional to coat only part of the rim)
Fill the glass with ice, then add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup
Top with tonic water, stir gently, and garnish with a fresh grapefruit or lime slice
Serve and enjoy!
View the full recipe

4.⁠ ⁠Tequila Hot Chocolate – Tequila? In a hot chocolate? Just wait until you try it! Cozy up with this decadent winter warmer. A well balanced hot chocolate cocktail but with the added heat from some Cayenne Pepper, with some tequila to boot. Dont forget the whipped cream and cinnamon garnish for that Christmas decadence.

Shrink Expand recipe card

Mexican Hot Chocolate with Tequila

Recipe card
4.3 / 5

Lowball / rocks glass

Base ingredient
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Tequila Blanco
Calories
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1850 calories
Garnish
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Whipped cream and ground cinnamon
Alcohol content
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7.5% | 7.2 units *

A warming and indulgent cocktail combining rich hot chocolate, tequila, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Perfect for cozy fall and winter evenings.

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Mexican Hot Chocolate with Tequila

Serves 1 · Takes 5 minutes
Warm the milk in a medium-sized heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally
Add the Ibarra chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar, whisking until the chocolate is fully dissolved
Season with cayenne pepper, starting with 1/8 teaspoon and adjusting to taste
Pour the warm milk into two large mugs, adding 60 ml (2 oz) of tequila to each
Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon
Serve warm and enjoy!
View the full recipe

5.⁠ ⁠Tequila Cranberry - A light and refreshing cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings. Combine tequila and cranberry juice with a splash of lime juice. Garnish with some cranberries and a lime wedge.

Shrink Expand recipe card

Tequila Cranberry Cocktail

Recipe card
4.6 / 5

Lowball / rocks glass

Base ingredient
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Tequila Blanco
Calories
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195 calories
Garnish
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lime wedge and fresh cranberries
Alcohol content
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10% | 1.65 units *

A smooth and refreshing cocktail combining blanco tequila and cranberry juice, with a festive garnish of fresh cranberries and lime. Perfect for holiday parties or year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Tequila Cranberry Cocktail

Serves 1 · Takes 5 minutes
Wet the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip it into margarita salt (or sugar if preferred)
Fill the glass with ice
Pour in the tequila and top off with sweetened cranberry juice
Add a squeeze of lime juice and stir well
Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cranberries
View the full recipe

Break free from tradition

Break free from the traditional holiday cocktails and create your new tradition. Tequila offers a world of possibilities Santa would be intrigued by, adding a unique and festive twist to your holiday celebrations. Make sure you stay nice and naughty! Cheers to a tequila-filled Christmas!

Christmas Cocktail Recipe Hub

This post is part of our amazing, Christmas-tastic Christmas Cocktail Hub. Play by play for cocktails on the big day, recipes for all your festivities and more, all in one jubbly Christmas Cocktail Recipe Hub.

Christmas Cocktail Hub

Filed with tags

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Tequila
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Margarita
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Christmas
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Holiday Cocktails
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Festive Drinks
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Seasonal Cocktails

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