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Spiced Christmas Margarita

A festive twist on the classic margarita featuring tart cranberry juice, tequila, and a homemade cinnamon-anise simple syrup.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spiced Syrup (Makes extra)
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup sugar
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods
Cocktail
  • 2 oz tequila blanco or reposado
  • 2 oz cranberry juice unsweetened preferred
  • 1 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 oz orange liqueur Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • 0.5-1 oz spiced syrup to taste
Rim & Garnish
  • 1 tbsp sugar coarse
  • 1 tbsp sea salt coarse
  • 1 tsp cinnamon ground
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Saucepan (for syrup)
  • Small Plate
  • Rocks Glass

Method
 

  1. Make the syrup: Combine water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise in a saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Steep for 30 mins, then strain.
  2. Prepare the rim: Mix sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the glass rim and dip into the mixture.
  3. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice.
  4. In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and spiced syrup.
  5. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frosty.
  6. Strain into the serving glass.
  7. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the amount of syrup based on how sweet your cranberry juice is. If using cranberry cocktail, use less syrup.