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This festive White Christmas Margarita is my favorite way to kick off the holidays Each sip offers a creamy coconut base a pop of refreshing cranberry and just enough zing from lime to make it worthy of celebration on any chilly December night I love serving this drink for friends after dinner with the fireplace going Everyone always asks for the recipe and the colorful garnishes just make the room feel that much merrier
I first made this for my family at our snowy cabin and it has been a tradition ever since Everyone leaves feeling just a little more festive and warmed up
Ingredients
- Tequila: Use a quality blanco tequila for a clean smooth base I like to shop local or choose a bottle with agave as the first ingredient
- Triple sec: Adds that hint of bright orange and rounds out any bitterness Cointreau is my trusted pick for consistency
- Lime juice: Fresh squeezed only — it brightens and elevates every flavor in the glass
- Coconut cream: Makes the drink luxuriously creamy Go for a thick unsweetened version rather than coconut milk for the best texture
- Cranberry juice: Adds tart holiday flavor and beautiful color Opt for pure unsweetened cranberry juice to avoid added sugars
- Ice: Chills and dilutes for a perfectly cold margarita Use large cubes if possible so the drink does not get too watery
- Cranberries and lime wedges: Complete the look and infuse a touch of aroma Pick glossy fresh cranberries without blemishes and use juicy green limes for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the cocktail:
- Combine your tequila triple sec lime juice coconut cream and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker The mixture should look creamy pink Add large ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway
- Shake until chilled:
- Seal the shaker tightly Using both hands shake vigorously for a full twenty seconds This will fully chill the mixture while adding tiny air bubbles for a silky mouthfeel
- Prepare your glass:
- Fill your serving glass with fresh ice If you want extra frostiness stash the glass in the freezer for five to ten minutes beforehand
- Strain and pour:
- Set a small mesh strainer over your glass Slowly pour the shaken margarita mixture through to catch any pulp or ice shards Allow the creamy liquid to cascade over the ice
- Garnish and serve:
- Thread a few cranberries onto a cocktail pick and rest it across the top of the glass Add a lime wedge for aroma and color Serve right away for the freshest flavor and texture
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I always look forward to adding extra cranberries for garnish because my kids love snacking on them between sips Our family photos are filled with giggles and frosty glasses of this margarita lighting up the table during holiday dinners
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers store the margarita mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day Give it a vigorous shake before pouring as the coconut cream sometimes separates Do not freeze as the coconut cream will not thaw smoothly
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have triple sec try swapping with another orange liqueur like Grand Marnier For a lighter drink you can use coconut milk instead of coconut cream though it will be less rich If you want to make it a mocktail skip the alcohol and add extra coconut cream cranberry juice and a splash of sparkling water
Serving Suggestions
Pair your margarita with snack boards filled with guacamole shrimp tacos or coconutbased appetizers The creamy and tart flavors make it a wonderful match for spicy or salty finger foods For a sweet pairing serve with coconut macaroons or gingerbread cookies for cozy dessert vibes
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Festive Margarita Fun
The White Christmas Margarita is a playful spin on the classic margarita that embraces holiday flavors and colors Coconut and cranberry are traditional winter favorites in many cultures making this cocktail a cheerful nod to the season’s best The drink is a showstopper for friendsgiving work parties or family movie nights by the tree
Commonly Asked Questions
- → How can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Replace tequila and triple sec with coconut cream, lime juice, and cranberry juice for a festive mocktail.
- → Can this margarita be made in advance?
Mix ingredients without ice ahead of time, then shake and serve over fresh ice when ready.
- → What type of tequila works best?
Blanco tequila provides a smooth base, but feel free to use your favorite brand or style for different flavor notes.
- → Are frozen cranberries suitable for garnish?
Yes, frozen cranberries keep your drink cold and look festive without diluting the flavor.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness or tartness?
Add more coconut cream or a splash of simple syrup for a sweeter taste, or extra lime for more tang.