Candy Cane Margarita

There is something so fun about serving a Candy Cane Margarita during the holidays. It blends the classic tequila kick with cranberry, peppermint, and a little sparkle from raspberry seltzer, creating a Christmas recipe that feels playful and refreshing at the same time.

I love making this holiday cocktail for friends because it always brings out smiles the moment they see the candy cane garnish hanging on the rim.

This drink also fits perfectly into winter gatherings where you want something colorful and cheerful without spending a lot of time prepping. The peppermint adds a cool twist that reminds me of the candy canes I used to sneak off the tree as a kid, which makes the whole drink feel nostalgic. It is a simple way to add a little magic to the night, even if you are just mixing one for yourself after a long day.

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Why You’ll Love This

This Candy Cane Margarita brings together bright cranberry flavor, cool peppermint, and a classic margarita base, making it a holiday cocktail worth keeping on your seasonal menu.

The taste is balanced and refreshing, and the garnishes make it look like something from a holiday drink menu without much extra work. I enjoy it because it feels playful without being overly sweet, and it is a great conversation starter when guests spot it on the table.

Here is what makes it such a great pick:

• Easy to shake together with simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Festive color and garnish that make it perfect for Christmas gatherings.
• Light peppermint accent that adds a winter touch without overpowering the drink.
• Great balance of tart cranberry and smooth tequila.
• Can be topped with more or less seltzer depending on how light you want it.
• Works well for a single cocktail or a full holiday drink lineup.

All of these perks make it a drink you can rely on throughout the season. It is simple enough for beginners but still interesting enough for seasoned margarita lovers.

Ingredients

This drink uses a mix of classic margarita ingredients and festive winter flavors that come together in a way that feels fun and seasonal.

The cranberry gives it that deep red holiday color, and the peppermint makes the drink instantly feel Christmas-ready. The tequila and orange liqueur offer the structure of a traditional margarita, keeping the drink balanced and refreshing.

• 2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur
• 2 drops peppermint extract
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• raspberry seltzer water to top
• lime wedge, for rimming
• sugar for rimming
• crushed candy cane for garnish
• whole candy cane for garnish

Each ingredient plays a role in building both flavor and presentation. When choosing peppermint extract, go slow, because a little goes a long way.

For the cranberry juice, a pure juice blend works best if you want tartness, while cranberry cocktail creates a sweeter drink. The raspberry seltzer keeps everything light, and the candy cane garnish adds a fun holiday touch you will want to show off.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right tequila and orange liqueur helps the Candy Cane Margarita taste smooth and balanced. You do not need premium bottles to make this holiday cocktail shine, but using dependable brands gives you a clean flavor that mixes well with cranberry and peppermint. This section focuses only on the liquors so you can build the best base for your drink.

Here are some good options to consider:

• Espolon Blanco Tequila is smooth, affordable, and works well in mixed drinks.
• Olmeca Altos Blanco Tequila blends easily with fruit flavors and has a clean finish.
• Milagro Silver Tequila offers a bright profile that gives the margarita a crisp taste.
• Cointreau Orange Liqueur provides a rich citrus note that pairs nicely with cranberry.
• Triple Sec Orange Liqueur is a budget friendly option with a lighter citrus flavor.
• Grand Marnier can be used as a substitute when you want a warmer, deeper orange flavor.

These liquors create a strong foundation that supports the festive ingredients without overpowering them. Once you pick the tequila and orange liqueur you like, the rest of the drink falls into place easily.

Equipment and Glassware

This recipe does not require any complicated bar tools, which makes it great for casual entertaining at home. A simple cocktail shaker, a glass for serving, and a plate for the sugar rim are all you really need. Most people prefer serving margaritas in a classic margarita glass, but a rocks glass or stemless wine glass works too.

You will need:

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Small plate
• Rocks Glass

Using a wide-rimmed glass helps the sugar and crushed candy cane stick better, making the drink look more festive.

How to Make It

Mixing a Candy Cane Margarita is quick, fun, and perfect for holiday nights when you want something special without spending time on complicated steps.

You will shake the base ingredients together, then top the drink with seltzer to give it that sparkling touch. The sugared rim and candy cane garnish finish it off with a winter look.

1. Rub a lime wedge along the rim of a cocktail glass and dip the rim into sugar on a plate to coat.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. In a shaker, combine cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and peppermint extract. Shake for 15 seconds.
4. Pour the mixture into the glass and top with raspberry seltzer water.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top and hang a candy cane on the rim for garnish.

This recipe is easy to adjust. If you want a lighter drink, just add extra seltzer. For more tartness, increase the cranberry juice.

Pro Tips

Small touches can make this holiday cocktail even better, especially when you want it to look festive for guests. Paying attention to temperature, garnishes, and your ratios ensures the drink always turns out clean and refreshing.

• Taste your mix before adding seltzer to adjust peppermint or cranberry to your liking.
• Chill the serving glass so the ice lasts longer without melting too quickly.
• Use clear ice for a cleaner look that highlights the red color.
• Add peppermint slowly since extract can overpower the drink fast.
• Use fine sugar for the rim so it adheres nicely.
• Crush candy canes right before serving for stronger aroma.
• Add a splash of lime juice if you want more brightness.
• Shake with plenty of ice to keep everything crisp and smooth.

Do not hesitate to adjust the amount of seltzer or peppermint to match your taste. This drink is flexible and easy to personalize.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to change up this Candy Cane Margarita depending on what flavors you enjoy most. You can make it sweeter, lighter, boozier, or even completely alcohol free. This keeps the recipe fresh throughout the holiday season.

• Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream for a soft peppermint flavor.
• Fruity version: Swap raspberry seltzer for strawberry or cranberry seltzer.
• Frozen version: Blend all ingredients with a cup of ice.
• Non-alcoholic version: Skip tequila and orange liqueur and use sparkling cranberry water instead.
• Stronger version: Add an extra half ounce of tequila.

These variations help make this drink work for any crowd or occasion.

When to Serve and Pairings

This holiday cocktail is perfect for Christmas Eve gatherings, cookie decorating nights, or festive parties where you want something bright and refreshing. Its playful color and cool peppermint flavor help it stand out on any drink table. I also enjoy making it after dinner when I want something fun without feeling too heavy.

Try pairing it with:

• Sugar cookies or peppermint bark
• Soft cheeses with fruit spreads
• Light appetizers like shrimp cocktail
• Holiday snack boards
• Other Christmas margaritas or tequila cocktails

The peppermint and cranberry combination pairs nicely with sweet treats and lighter appetizers, making it easy to work into almost any winter menu.

Storage and Serving Notes

This margarita is best enjoyed right after it is made because the seltzer provides most of the freshness. If you want to batch the drink for a party, you can mix everything except the seltzer ahead of time and keep it chilled. Add seltzer and garnishes right before you serve to keep things bubbly and colorful.

If making a large batch, keep your sugar and crushed candy canes ready in small bowls so guests can rim their own glasses. It makes the setup interactive and fun.

FAQs

Before you get started, here are some common questions that come up when making this holiday cocktail. These quick answers will help you get the best results each time.

Can I make this less sweet?
Yes, use pure cranberry juice instead of cranberry cocktail and reduce the sugar on the rim.

Is peppermint extract strong in the drink?
Peppermint extract is powerful, so two drops are usually enough for a balanced flavor.

Can I use crushed peppermint candies instead of extract?
Yes, they add a light peppermint aroma that works nicely with cranberry.

What kind of tequila is best?
A smooth blanco tequila gives you the cleanest flavor for this recipe.

Can I use club soda instead of raspberry seltzer?
Yes, but the raspberry seltzer adds extra fruit flavor that helps balance the drink.

More Cocktails to Try

If you love this Candy Cane Margarita, you might enjoy exploring more tequila drinks and holiday cocktails that offer bright colors and festive flavor. These options make great additions to any winter celebration.

• Cranberry Margarita: A tart and refreshing twist perfect for the season.
• Peppermint White Russian: A creamy holiday treat with cool flavors.
• Sparkling Pomegranate Paloma: A citrusy drink with a winter twist.
• Bacan Winter Spritz: Light, bubbly, and great for gatherings.
• Classic Margarita: A year-round favorite if you want something more traditional.