White Christmas Margarita

This White Christmas Margarita is the ultimate holiday cocktail! This frosty, festive cocktail combines white cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice for a winter wonderland in every sip. Topped with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, it’s the perfect mix of merry and bright. A delicious and elegant drink for celebrating the season!

Looking for more holiday drinks to enjoy this season? Here are some of our favorites: Snowflake Martini, Mulled Wine, and this refreshing Christmas Punch!

Christmas Margarita

Looking for the perfect cocktail to wow your guests this holiday season? This White Christmas Margarita is as festive as it gets and you’re just going to love how delicious and smooth it is! This simple Christmas margarita recipe combines crisp white cranberry juice, smooth silver tequila, vibrant orange liqueur and a splash of fresh lime for a wintery twist on a classic favorite. Simple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness to this wintry cocktail.

This cocktail is easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and absolutely gorgeous. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, celebrating Christmas Eve, or just treating yourself to a little seasonal cheer, this recipe will quickly become your go-to holiday drink!

We love serving these Christmas Margaritas topped with fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig, and a sugared (or salted) rim for a drink that is as stunning as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Margarita Recipe

I love a good themed cocktail and we especially love holiday drinks like this one. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or relaxing by the tree, this drink will add a little extra sparkle to your holiday season. So much to love but here a few reasons why this margarita is a holiday favorite:

• Visually Stunning: The sugared rim, fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs make this cocktail look like it came straight from a winter wonderland.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep mean you can shake this up in minutes which makes it perfect for a party of two or a crowd.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family night or a big holiday gathering, this drink is always a hit.

Ingredients Needed

Like most cocktails, there’s only a handful of ingredients needed to create something extra special. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for this Christmas margarita recipe. As always, you can find the full, printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• White Cranberry Juice: The star of this drink! It adds a light, fruity flavor and gives the margarita its beautiful snowy-white hue.
• Silver Tequila: The smooth, clean flavor of silver tequila pairs perfectly with the cranberry juice and lime.
• Orange Liqueur: Adds a subtle citrus sweetness that balances the tang from the lime juice.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens up the drink and provides that classic margarita zing.
• Simple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
• Sugar for Rimming: Gives the glass a festive, frosty look that enhances the presentation with cocktail sugar.
• Fresh Cranberries & Rosemary: These garnishes make the drink pop and add an elegant, seasonal touch.

How to Make White Christmas Margaritas

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this stunning White Christmas Margarita! Crisp white cranberry juice and smooth tequila create the perfect base, while the sugared rim and festive garnishes make it a showstopper. It’s holiday cheer in a glass!

As always, you can find the complete, printable recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Follow these easy steps to whip up this beautiful holiday cocktail:

1. Rim the Glass: Start by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim of your glasses.
2. Salt or Sugar Rim: Dip the rim into sugar (or salt if you prefer) for that frosty, festive look.
3. Shake It Up: In a cocktail shaker, combine white cranberry juice, silver tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Add a generous amount of ice.
4. Shake Vigorously: Shake the cocktail shaker for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
5. Pour: Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses filled with fresh ice.
6. Garnish and Serve: Top with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a picture-perfect finish.

How To Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is easily made and is great to have on hand for cocktails such as this Christmas Margarita.

1. Combine equal amounts of water and granulated sugar in saucepan and stir to combine. I frequently do 1 cup of each or 2 cups of each if I want to have some on hand for future drinks.
2. Let come to a simmer and stir just a few minutes or until sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove pan from heat and let cool.
4. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Storage Information

• Make Ahead: You can mix the margarita ingredients (minus the ice) a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before serving.
• Freezing: While this drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container and use them as a margarita slush for later!

Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Replace the tequila with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda, and skip the orange liqueur. It’ll still be refreshing and festive.

What type of tequila should I use?

Stick with silver (blanco) tequila for its smooth, clean flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.

Can I use red cranberry juice instead of white?

You can, but it will change the color and flavor. The drink will still taste great – you’ll lose that signature white look but red is just as cheery. Call it a Merry and Bright Margarita instead!

I can’t find pure white cranberry juice. Can I use a blend?

Sure! White Cranberry Peach and Strawberry are great options!

Variations to Try

This festive twist on the classic margarita is perfect for your holiday celebrations. The sweet and tart flavor of white cranberries pairs beautifully with the tequila and the freshness of lime juice. Here are some more variations to consider:

• Coconut White Christmas Margarita: Add a splash of coconut milk or cream of coconut for a creamy, tropical twist.
• Sparkling Margarita: Top with a splash of sparkling water or champagne for a bubbly version.
• Spiced Margarita: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give this drink a warm, festive kick.

Trish’s Tips

• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled. It makes a big difference in flavor, adding brightness and a natural tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberry juice. 
• Chill Your Glasses: For an extra touch of elegance, chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps keep your cocktail cold longer without diluting it with extra ice. 
• Make Your Own Simple Syrup: It’s easy to make your own simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water. You can also infuse it with flavors like cinnamon or rosemary for extra flavor. 
• Balance Sweetness and Tartness: White cranberry juice can vary in sweetness. Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the simple syrup accordingly. If it’s too tart, add more syrup; if it’s too sweet, add a little extra lime juice. 
• Garnish Creatively: Elevate the drink with creative garnishes like a rosemary sprig (which also adds a nice aroma) and fresh cranberries. For an extra festive touch, you can freeze the cranberries and use them as “ice cubes” to keep your drink cold without watering it down.
• Sugared Cranberries: If you want to go the extra mile, coat fresh cranberries in simple syrup, roll them in sugar, and let them dry for a sparkling garnish.

More Festive Holiday Drinks

1. Snowflake Martini
2. Eggnog
3. Christmas Cocktail
4. Crockpot Hot Chocolate
5. Christmas Punch