If you're looking to bring a festive sparkle to your holiday gatherings, the Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe is just the ticket. This bright, bubbly cocktail combines tart cranberry and orange juices with the smooth kick of tequila, making it perfect for celebrating under twinkling lights or cozying up with friends on cold winter nights. I love how easy it is to whisk together in a big batch, so you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time behind the bar.

Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe - Recipe Image — Christmas Mistletoe Margarita, festive holiday cocktails, cranberry orange margarita, easy Christmas drinks, holiday tequila cocktails

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe is a festive twist on a classic cocktail, blending sweet and tart flavors that dance together with a fizzy finish. It's one of those recipes that instantly lifts the mood and makes any holiday gathering feel extra special.

Bright, Seasonal Flavors: The blend of cranberry and orange juice gives the drink a vibrant, holiday-inspired taste that'll have you smiling.
Effortless Batch Prep: Made in a pitcher or punch bowl, it's perfect when you want guests to help themselves without fuss.
Playful Garnishes: Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs add charm and a festive aroma that makes the presentation pop.
Chilled to Perfection: Serving it ice-cold with chilled ingredients ensures that refreshing bite every time.

Ingredients at a Glance

Fresh, high-quality juices make a world of difference in this Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe. Choosing good tequila and proper garnishes will take your cocktail from simple to stunning without any extra effort.

Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed if possible for that bright, natural sweetness; store-bought works too, just pick the unsweetened kind.
Cranberry Juice: Choose 100% cranberry juice for authentic tartness without excessive sugar.
7UP: The fizzy element brings a fun sparkle — keep it chilled!
Tequila: A good quality blanco tequila is key for smooth flavor.
Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds a subtle cherry sweetness and that beautiful rosy color.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright acidity that balances the sweetness.
Garnishes — Cranberries & Rosemary Sprigs: Fresh cranberries and fragrant rosemary add festive flair and aroma.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe

Step 1 — Chill All Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, be sure all your ingredients are well chilled—orange juice, cranberry juice, 7UP, tequila, and cherry juice. This keeps the margarita crisp and refreshing without needing too much ice, which can dilute flavors. I find that chilling also helps the flavors meld beautifully when stirred together.

Step 2 — Combine Everything in a Large Pitcher or Punch Bowl

Grab your largest pitcher or a festive punch bowl—this recipe makes a crowd-pleasing amount! Pour in the chilled orange juice, cranberry juice, 7UP, tequila, maraschino cherry juice, and lemon juice. Stir gently but thoroughly so all flavors mingle without flattening that bubbly 7UP. You’ll notice the drink gleaming with lovely rosy hues and inviting aromas as you stir.

Step 3 — Add Ice and Garnishes Just Before Serving

To avoid watering down your beautiful cocktail, add plenty of ice only right before serving. Gently float fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs on top for that unmistakable mistletoe-inspired look. The rosemary’s piney scent adds a wonderful, subtle festive note that guests will admire.

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Things to Remember

Having made this Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe for parties several seasons running, here’s what I’ve learned to keep it tasting fresh and fabulous every time.

Doneness Cue: The drink isn’t “done” but perfectly mixed when all liquids are blended and the 7UP still sparkles.
Temperature Trick: Keep your garnishes chilled too; rosemary warms quickly and loses its crisp aroma.
Make-Ahead Move: You can mix all liquids (except 7UP and garnishes) up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated, adding bubbles and ice just before serving.
Common Pitfall: Avoid stirring too vigorously after adding 7UP to retain fizz; gentle folding is best.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love rimming glasses with a little sugar for this Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe — it adds sparkle and a balanced sweetness that complements the tart juices. Twisting a thin orange peel around the glass rim or dropping in a cocktail pick with a maraschino cherry and a rosemary sprig really ups the festive vibe. You’ll find these details turn a simple drink into a party showstopper.

Plays Well With

This cocktail is bright and fizzy, so pairing it with salty snacks like spiced nuts, smoky cheeses, or tortilla chips with guacamole balances its flavor beautifully. I often set out a bowl of mixed olives and some crunchy crackers—anywhere there’s texture and a hint of salt, you’re golden.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For weeknight guests, clear glass tumblers with a rosemary sprig and cranberries are perfect. For holiday gatherings, try elegant martini or coupe glasses with sugared rims and a single floating cranberry for that Instagram-worthy look. Adding edible glitter to the rim sugar is another festive touch I sometimes use to dazzle friends.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe in an airtight pitcher or sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors stay fresh, but you’ll notice the carbonation from the 7UP fades quickly. For best taste, add fresh 7UP just before serving again.

Freezing Tips

This margarita isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh juices and carbonation, which lose their texture after thawing. If you want a frozen treat version, consider blending fresh ingredients with ice and serving immediately instead.

Reheating Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe Without Drying Out

This cocktail is best served cold and not reheated. If you want to warm up a holiday beverage, consider mulled wine or cider instead. The Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe shines brightest chilled and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the tequila and you'll have a delicious, festive cranberry-orange mocktail that everyone can enjoy.

Can I substitute vodka for tequila in this recipe?

Yes, vodka works well as a substitute if you prefer a smoother, less earthy flavor. The rest of the ingredients stay the same.

How can I make this cocktail less sweet?

Use unsweetened cranberry juice and reduce the maraschino cherry juice slightly. You can also opt for club soda instead of 7UP for a less sweet fizzy touch.

What's the best way to garnish the Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe?

Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries are classic and festive, but you can also rim glasses with sugar and add a twist of orange peel for an extra pop of color and aroma.

Final Thoughts

Serving up this Christmas Mistletoe Margarita Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite holiday rituals. Its vibrant color and refreshing flavor always spark conversation, and I love how easy it is to make ahead for stress-free entertaining. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family night or a festive party, this drink adds a merry glow that’s just as cheerful as a blink of mistletoe. Give it a whirl—you’ll thank yourself when the clinking glasses and laughter start flowing!

Full Printable Recipe