Drinks

Spiced Christmas Margarita Recipe

Bynova cole January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

Introduction

The Spiced Christmas Margarita is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, combining warm spices with bright citrus and pomegranate flavors. This delicious drink is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a cozy yet refreshing experience.

A short clear glass filled with deep red liquid and ice cubes is shown, with a layer of coarse salt and brown spice around the rim, and two cinnamon sticks placed inside the drink standing upright. The glass is on a white marbled surface scattered with coarse salt and star anise pieces. In the background, blurred details include soft yellow lights, green pine branches dusted with white, and red Christmas ornaments adding holiday charm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 oz Tequila (I recommend Patron silver)
2.5 oz Pomegranate juice
2 oz Orange juice
0.5 oz Orange liqueur (e.g. Cointreau)
1 tbsp Honey
¼ tsp Vanilla extract
⅛ tsp Ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp Ground ginger
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
1 sprig Rosemary
Ginger beer (optional)
Cinnamon sugar mixture (for rimming the glass)
Slice of tangerine or orange (for rimming the glass)
Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Run a slice of tangerine or orange around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Fill the glass with ice.
Step 2: Add pomegranate juice, orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to a cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake for 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Step 4: Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice.
Step 5: Add a splash of ginger beer for a bubbly, festive touch (optional).
Step 6: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh-squeezed juices for the best flavor and brightness.
For a sweeter rim, mix equal parts cinnamon and sugar to coat the glass.
Try substituting honey with agave syrup for a different sweetener.
Adjust the pinch of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
Garnish with a slice of orange or pomegranate seeds for extra color.

Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the mixed cocktail (before adding ginger beer and ice) refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving and add fresh ice and garnishes. Avoid storing after adding carbonation to keep the bubbles fresh.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a festive drink in a clear glass filled with deep red liquid and ice cubes, with a sugar-coated rim giving a light sandy texture around the top edge. Inside the drink near the rim, bright red pomegranate seeds and a dark brown cinnamon stick stand upright, along with a sprig of frosted green herb leaves adding a fresh look. The glass sits on a dark metal tray scattered with white powdered sugar, loose pomegranate seeds, and dark brown star anise pods. In the blurred background, another similar drink glass can be seen, along with decorative, frosted white pine cones and warm yellow fairy lights creating a soft glowing effect. The surface is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this margarita without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the tequila and orange liqueur and increase the orange and pomegranate juices. Add a splash of ginger beer and spices to keep the festive flavors intact.

What can I use instead of ginger beer?

If you don’t have ginger beer, sparkling water or club soda with a bit of fresh ginger juice or ginger syrup can provide a similar bubbly, spicy touch.

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