The Magic Behind the Margarita: What You’ll Need
Tequila Time!
- Tequila: 2 ounces of blanco or silver tequila. Don’t skimp! A good quality tequila makes all the difference.
Spice It Up!
- Cinnamon Syrup: 1 ounce. You can buy this or make your own (recipe below!).
- Allspice Dram: ½ ounce. This adds a warm, complex spice that’s perfect for the holidays. If you can’t find it, a dash of ground allspice will do in a pinch.
Citrus Symphony
- Lime Juice: 1 ounce, freshly squeezed. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare!
- Orange Liqueur: ½ ounce. Cointreau or Triple Sec work great.
Garnish Glam
- Cinnamon Stick: For stirring and garnish.
- Orange Slice: For garnish.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional).
- Salt or Sugar for Rim: Optional, for a festive touch.
Let’s Make Some Cinnamon Syrup! (Because You’re Worth It)
Cinnamon Syrup Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon Syrup Instructions
- Combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the cinnamon to infuse.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cinnamon sticks.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step-by-Step: From Ingredients to Incredible
Getting Ready
- Chill your glass: Place your margarita glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to get it nice and frosty.
- Prepare your rim (optional): If you want a salted or sugared rim, pour some salt or sugar onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and gently rotate the rim on the plate to coat it evenly.
Mixing the Magic
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, cinnamon syrup, allspice dram, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
- Shake it Up: Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients. Don’t be shy – give it some energy!
- Strain and Serve: Strain the margarita into your chilled, rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with Gusto
- Add Flair: Garnish with a cinnamon stick, an orange slice, and a few fresh cranberries (if using).
- Enjoy! Take a sip and savor the festive flavors!
Troubleshooting: Margarita Mayhem Averted
Too Sweet?
If your margarita is too sweet, add a splash more lime juice to balance it out. Remember, fresh lime juice is your friend!
Not Spicy Enough?
If you want a spicier kick, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the shaker or use a cinnamon syrup with a bit more cinnamon intensity. You could even muddle a sliver of fresh ginger with the other ingredients.
Too Strong?
Easy fix! Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to dilute it slightly. You can also add more ice to the shaker before shaking.
Level Up Your Christmas Margarita Game
Infused Tequila
For an extra layer of flavor, try infusing your tequila with cinnamon sticks or orange peels for a few days before making your margaritas. Just add a few cinnamon sticks or orange peels to a bottle of tequila and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 days. Remove the solids before using.
Sparkling Margarita
Top your margarita with a splash of sparkling wine or Prosecco for a bubbly and festive twist. This is a great way to add some extra sparkle to your holiday celebrations!
Make it a Mocktail
Want a non-alcoholic version? Simply replace the tequila with a non-alcoholic tequila alternative or sparkling apple cider. The cinnamon syrup and other spices will still provide plenty of festive flavor.
More Holiday Drinks to Delight
If you’re looking for other festive cocktails to serve at your holiday gatherings, be sure to check out my Pumpkin White Russian for a creamy and comforting treat. And for a delightful side, consider making Christmas Cranberry Jam or Cranberry Sauce to pair with your meal. Alternatively, Christmas Cranberry Sauce brings amazing flavours! For a sophisticated touch, the Baileys Irish Martini is always a hit. And if you’re craving something a bit more tart, the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is a fantastic choice.
The Spiced Christmas Margarita: Your New Holiday Tradition
This Spiced Christmas Margarita is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of festive cheer to your holiday gatherings and create lasting memories with your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to shake up some Christmas magic! Cheers to a happy and delicious holiday season!
What can I use if I can’t find Allspice Dram for the Spiced Christmas Margarita?
If you can’t find Allspice Dram, a dash of ground allspice can be used as a substitute.
How long does homemade cinnamon syrup last?
Homemade cinnamon syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What can I do if my Spiced Christmas Margarita is too sweet?
If your margarita is too sweet, add a splash more lime juice to balance it out.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Spiced Christmas Margarita?
Yes, you can make a mocktail version by replacing the tequila with a non-alcoholic tequila alternative or sparkling apple cider.
Spiced Christmas Margarita
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill your margarita glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
- If desired, prepare the rim of your glass by moistening it with a lime wedge and dipping it in salt or sugar.
- To make the cinnamon syrup, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the cinnamon to infuse.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, cinnamon syrup, allspice dram, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
- Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the margarita into your chilled, rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, an orange slice, and a few fresh cranberries (if using).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
