Mistletoe Margarita

There's something magical about the warmth of the holiday season—the twinkling lights, the crisp winter air, and, oh, the festive gatherings! One of my all-time favorite traditions is mixing up a batch of Mistletoe Margarita. It’s the perfect drink to bring people together, served ice cold and brimming with cheerful flavors. The first time I made it was for a holiday party, and let me tell you, it became an instant hit! It’s not just a drink; it's a celebration in a glass, with each sip wrapping you in the cozy spirit of the season.

Why you'll love this recipe

So why should you put this Mistletoe Margarita on your to-make list? Well, besides being an eye-catching addition to your holiday table, the balance of tangy orange and sweet cranberry juice, together with a splash of bubbly 7UP, creates a refreshingly delightful flavor. It's the kind of drink that evokes nostalgia, bringing back memories of holiday festivities shared with family and friends.

And let's not forget the tequila—it adds a smooth kick that dances with the sweetness. Picture yourself clinking glasses filled with red and green, garnished with bright, glistening cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, while the laughter and celebrations continue around you. Plus, it's super simple to whip up! Just mix, stir, and serve; no fancy bartending skills required.

Gather these ingredients

• Orange Juice (2 ½ cups, chilled): Fresh-squeezed if you can, but honestly, the shelf variety works just fine. The vibrant color and citrusy sweetness are what you're after!
• Cranberry Juice (2 ½ cups, chilled): Look for the pure stuff without too much sugar. It'll deepen that holiday hue and add a tart thrill to balance the sweetness.
• 7UP (2 cups, chilled): This adds a lovely fizz! If you're looking for a soda swap, ginger ale or sparkling water can give you that bubbly edge too.
• Tequila (2 cups, chilled): Choose a good quality, silver tequila for a smoother sip. It’ll infuse the cocktail with depth, enhancing all those festive flavors.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice (½ cup, chilled): This sweet potion makes the mix sing! If you’re not so keen on cherries, you can leave it out—though who wouldn't want that rich color and flavor?
• Lemon Juice (¼ cup): Fresh-squeezed is key! It'll cut through the sweetness and give that bright citrus zing that makes this drink sing.
• Cranberries and Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish): These are optional, but believe me—they’re the finishing touch that elevates the entire cocktail! Picture that gorgeous feast for the eyes.

Preparing Mistletoe Margarita

1. Get your pitcher: Grab a large pitcher or a punch bowl—it’ll need to hold all the good stuff.
2. Chill things down: If you haven't already, ensure all your juices and tequila are chilled. Trust me; this makes a world of difference.
3. Combine the liquids: Into your pitcher, pour the orange juice, cranberry juice, 7UP, tequila, maraschino cherry juice, and fresh lemon juice.
4. Ice it up: Add plenty of ice—this will keep your drink cold and refreshing!
5. Stir it well: Using a long spoon, give it a good stir to combine all those delightful ingredients fully.
6. Garnish and serve: Pour into glasses, and don’t forget to finish with a few cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Best way to enjoy it

To truly enjoy your Mistletoe Margarita, serve it chilled to keep that refreshing taste intact. I love to set out a festive drink station with fun garnishes—think sugared rims or maybe even a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of holiday warmth. Serve alongside savory bites like spicy shrimp tacos or light antipasti platters for a spectacular pairing. It’s a great way to complement the tequila’s flavor and make for a well-rounded evening.

How to store

If by chance you have leftovers (which I seriously doubt), you can store your Margarita in the fridge. Just transfer it into an airtight container. However, keep in mind that carbonation from the 7UP will fizz away, especially if it sits too long. So try to consume it within a day or two for the best taste. If you want to pre-make it, I suggest mixing all the ingredients except for the soda until you’re ready to serve. Then add the bubbly just before pouring!

Extra tips and advice

Here's a little insider advice: if you enjoy a more herbal note in your drinks, you can muddle a few rosemary sprigs at the bottom of your pitcher before adding the liquids. This adds a nuanced flavor and an aromatic touch that’s simply delightful. Also, if you're looking to reduce sugar, try using unsweetened juices or a flavored sparkling water instead of 7UP.

Creative Twists

Experimentation is the name of the game! How about adding some blood orange juice for a more unique flavor? Or swap tequila for mezcal for a smoky edge? If you want a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the tequila and up the juice quantities for a festive mocktail that everyone can enjoy. Are we not all about inclusivity in sipping?

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups orange juice (chilled)
• 2 ½ cups cranberry juice (chilled)
• 2 cups 7UP (chilled)
• 2 cups tequila (chilled)
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice (chilled)
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• Cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Directions to follow

1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine all wet ingredients over ice.
2. Stir well.
3. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Your questions answered

1. What’s the prep time? Just about 10 minutes, especially if you have your ingredients pre-chilled!
2. Can I make it ahead of time? You can prep most of the ingredients in advance—just add the 7UP right before serving.
3. Is it easy to double? Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and you’ll be set for a bigger crowd.
4. Can I use a different alcohol? Sure, vodka could work, or even rum for a tropical twist!
5. What about variations? Try swapping some juices for a unique flavor, like pomegranate or lime juice!

This Mistletoe Margarita might just be what kicks your holiday parties up a notch! It's all about enjoying the moment, creating those delicious memories, and maybe even a little experimenting to find your perfect mix. So gather your friends, get that pitcher ready, and embark on a flavor journey you'll want to toast to year after year! Don’t forget to come back and share your experiences or personal twists; I’d love to hear how you rocked your version!