Spiced Up Christmas Margarita

Spiced Up Christmas Margarita

Ingredients (1 drink)

  • 1/3 cup pomegranate juice 
  • 1/4 cup tangerine or orange juice
  • 2 oz tequila 
  • 1/2 oz orange liqueur (e.g. triple sec / Cointreau) 
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey (optional — to sweeten)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon 
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger 
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (to taste) 
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary 
  • Ginger beer (for topping; optional but recommended) 

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Rim (“Cinni Sugar Rim”)

  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar 
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper 

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rim: On a small shallow plate, mix the coarse sugar, granulated sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne.
    • Use a slice of orange or tangerine to wet the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the sugar-cinnamon-cayenne mixture to coat it.
  2. Mix the drink: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine pomegranate juice, orange (or tangerine) juice, tequila, orange liqueur, honey (if using), vanilla, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, a pinch of cayenne, and the rosemary sprig. Shake well to combine. 
  3. Add ice & shake again: Add ice to the shaker and shake again about 1 minute, until the mixture is well chilled and the flavors meld.
  4. Serve: Fill the prepared glass (with rim) with ice and strain the cocktail into it. Top with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, and — optionally — some pomegranate seeds or a cinnamon stick for color and holiday flair. 

Batch / Punch Version (Serves ~8)

If you want to make this as a punch to serve guests at a gathering: 

Ingredients (Punch)

  • 2 1/4 cups pomegranate juice 
  • 2 cups tangerine or orange juice 
  • 2 cups tequila
  • 1 cup orange liqueur
  • 1/2–1 cup honey (adjust to taste / sweetness) 
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger 
  • Cayenne pepper to taste 
  • 6–8 sprigs fresh rosemary 
  • Ginger beers (for topping) — 4 bottles/cans (optional) 

Rim / Garnish (optional for punch servings)

  • 1/4 cup coarse sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar 
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon 
  • Cayenne to taste 

Instructions (Punch)

  1. In a large punch bowl, combine the pomegranate juice, orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, honey (if using), vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne. Whisk to incorporate. Add rosemary sprigs. Chill until ready to serve. 
  2. Prepare rims: mix the sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne on a shallow plate. Run an orange/tangerine slice around each glass’s rim and dip into the sugar mixture. 
  3. Just before serving: stir the punch well, add ice to the punch bowl, then pour into the prepared glasses. Top each glass with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and/or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. 

Mocktail Version

You can make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the tequila and orange liqueur. Instead, use extra pomegranate juice and extra orange (or tangerine) juice to keep the flavor rich and festive.

 Source: Half Baked Harvest