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–+ servings

Christmas Margaritas for a Crowd

Bright, boozy, and unapologetically festive — this big-batch cranberry margarita is your secret weapon for surviving (and actually enjoying) holiday gatherings. With tangy cranberry juice, fresh citrus, smooth tequila, and a spiced salty-sugar rim, this cocktail is holiday cheer in a glass — no cocktail shaker required.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 8 Drinks

EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)

  • Pitcher
  • Measuring cups
  • Citrus juicer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing spoon
  • Small plate
  • Wire rack (optional, for sugared cranberries)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups gold tequila
  • ¾ cup Grand Marnier or Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 8–10 limes
  • 2 ½ cups cranberry juice not cranberry juice cocktail
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice about 2 oranges
  • ¾ cup simple syrup see below
  • Lime slices for garnish
  • Sugared cranberries for garnish (optional)

For the Simple Syrup:

  • ¾ cup water
  • ¾ cup sugar

For the Spiced Salty Sugar Rim:

  • 2 tablespoons coarse margarita salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground allspice
  • Pinch of ground cloves

Instructions

  • Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
    ¾ cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Mix the Margarita Base: In a large pitcher, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, and the cooled simple syrup. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
    1 ½ cups gold tequila, ¾ cup Grand Marnier, 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 ½ cups cranberry juice, ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice, ¾ cup simple syrup
  • Prepare the Spiced Salty Sugar Rim: On a small plate, mix the margarita salt, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves until well combined.
    ¾ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons coarse margarita salt, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, Pinch of ground allspice, Pinch of ground cloves
  • Rim the Glasses: Rub a lime wedge around the edge of each glass. Dip the rim into the spiced salty sugar mixture to coat evenly.
    Lime slices
  • Serve the Margaritas: Fill each glass with crushed ice or ice cubes. Pour the chilled margarita mixture into the glasses. Garnish with lime slices and, if desired, a few sugared cranberries for that extra holiday sparkle.
  • Make Sugared Cranberries (Optional): In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Add one 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries, stirring to coat. Transfer cranberries to a wire rack and let them dry for 20 minutes. Roll them in 1 cup sugar until coated, then return to the rack to dry for about 1 hour.
    Sugared cranberries