Make sure you give a kiss to whoever gives you the Mistletoe Margarita at the next Christmas party you attend.
It was a lonely and solitary Christmas. The rugged sailor had steered their vessel into the smelly and rat-infested port they called home, docking under the yellow glow of this shantytown’s gas lamps. The old salt hopped out over the side to disembark, hoisting his duffel onto his shoulder while he began to slowly hobble home.
And home was a simple and cramped room over the local saloon. As the sailor settled in, the silence in his room seemed to be accentuated by the holiday revelries in the tavern below. Laughter and jovial shouting vibrated through the wooden floors, all of which saddened him as it seemed to make his surroundings emptier. No tree, no presents under it, no dinner with a family that is now long gone…
But a festive drink, one that took him back to a youthful Yule romance, that was his tradition. A little tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice—the Mistletoe Margarita—put a smile on his lips as he sipped and reminisced about holidays past. Their eyes, radiance, and positivity always filled him with cheer, and memories of moments under the mistletoe, chasing a kiss.
But the years were swept away by the sea that replaced his love, a cruel and unforgiving mistress that provided the old salt with a meager and lonely existence. Perhaps there was still time. Perhaps he would finish this Mistletoe Margarita, then hoist anchor in search of the one that got away…
What is the best alcohol to use in a Mistletoe Margarita?
When crafting yourself and others a Mistletoe Margarita, the main spirits you’ll need are those you’d usually use to make a traditional version of the drink. An earthy, agave-forward silver tequila, along with an orange liqueur like Cointreau, will meld nicely with the Christmassy vibe that is present from the tart cranberry juice and the zesty qualities from the sweet, tangy lime juice.
Ingredients
- Salt or sugar and lime wedge for the rim
- 2 ounces tequila blanco
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- 2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Rosemary sprig to garnish
- Fresh cranberries to garnish
Instructions
- For your rim, pour salt or sugar onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a rocks or margarita glass and dip the moistened rim into the salt/sugar until it’s evenly coated.
- Add the tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and optional simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
- Strain the margarita into your prepared ice-filled glass. Add the sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh cranberries to the drink. You can also drop in the lime wedge you used to rim the glass.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Salt the rim of a rocks glass or margarita glass and fill it with ice. Once your drink is poured in, garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and some cranberries on top.
Is mistletoe poisonous?
The European variety of mistletoe is considered to be poisonous, but since the American version is what’s commonly used in holiday decorations, and nowhere near as dangerous, you needn’t worry, though it is still toxic if ingested.
Other margarita variations worth trying
The Margarita is a drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. And since this popular and reliable beverage has an incredible array of offshoots and different versions, you can sip on any number of them and get a completely different experience each time. Try some of these below to get a taste of how flexible the ‘rita can be.
- Espresso Margarita – This variation on the Margarita is both potent and peppy.
- Thanksgiving Margarita – Another seasonal take on the classic cocktail.
- Virgin Margarita – All the flavor and refreshment without the alcohol.
- Pickle Margarita – Add some brine and dill to your next ‘rita.
Leave a Comment