Snowflake Margarita

A Snowflake Margarita adds a cool, bright twist to winter celebrations. It is a holiday cocktail with a pale, frosty look that fits any December table. I first made it during a small winter get-together when I wanted something seasonal that was still simple to shake. As soon as the sugar rim caught the light, people were already asking for the recipe.

This winter margarita mixes blanco tequila, white cranberry juice, lime, and agave into a drink that tastes clean and refreshing. The rosemary garnish adds a scent that feels like winter without overwhelming the glass. It looks polished but mixes quickly, which helps when you have guests waiting.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Snowflake Margarita offers a clean mix of tartness, gentle sweetness, and a soft fruit note from the white cranberry juice. It feels special yet familiar to anyone who already enjoys classic margaritas.

Here are a few reasons it works

• Quick to shake with simple ingredients
• Light and refreshing, great for holiday meals
• Sugar rim adds a soft frosted look
• White cranberry juice brings a unique taste
• Rosemary gives the drink a light aroma
• Works over fresh ice or straight up

Whether you are mixing for two or hosting a group, this holiday cocktail adds a bright moment to the night.

Ingredients

This Snowflake Margarita brings together tequila, citrus, and pale fruit juice in a way that feels festive without being heavy. Each part adds something clear to the final flavor.

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz white cranberry juice
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz agave syrup
• rosemary sprig for garnish
• sugar for rimming
• lime wheel, optional, for garnish

The blanco tequila forms the base. White cranberry juice adds gentle tartness and gives the drink its pale color. Lime juice lifts the whole drink. Agave syrup softens the edge. The rosemary sprig adds a light winter aroma, and the sugar rim gives the glass a frosted finish.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

A Snowflake Margarita tastes best with a clean blanco tequila. These options mix well and keep the drink crisp.

• Espolòn Blanco, smooth with steady flavor
• Milagro Silver, bright and clear for citrus drinks
• Teremana Blanco, slightly earthy with a clean finish
• Casamigos Blanco, mild and soft
• Use simple syrup if you do not have agave
• Replace white cranberry juice with white grape juice if needed

For a sharper flavor, lower the agave. For a sweeter sip, add a little more white cranberry juice.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail uses basic tools you likely already have. A shaker, a strainer, and the right glass help the drink look polished.

Helpful items

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Small plate for rimming sugar
• Rocks Glass or
• Coupe Glass

A coupe glass works well for serving the drink straight up. A rocks glass fits if you prefer it over ice.

How to Make It

Mixing the Snowflake Margarita is simple. You prepare the sugar rim, shake the ingredients, strain, and garnish. These steps keep the drink clean and chilled.

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.
2. Dip the rim into sugar on a small plate.
3. Fill your shaker with ice.
4. Add blanco tequila, white cranberry juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
5. Shake for fifteen to twenty seconds until cold.
6. Strain into your sugar-rimmed glass over fresh ice or pour into a chilled coupe.
7. Add a rosemary sprig and a lime wheel for extra color.

Taste and adjust as needed. More lime sharpens the drink, while more agave brings sweetness.

Pro Tips

A few small choices can make your Snowflake Margarita taste even smoother and look cleaner in the glass.

• Chill your glass before pouring
• Use clear ice for a pale, neat look
• Shake long enough for a cold blend
• Taste before serving and adjust the lime or agave
• Use fresh lime juice for better flavor
• Pick a soft rosemary sprig for aroma
• Try superfine sugar for a more delicate rim

Once you find the right balance, you can shape the flavor to fit different gatherings.

Variations

The Snowflake Margarita adapts well to different tastes. These small changes keep the drink festive while creating new flavors.

• Sparkling version: add a splash of club soda
• Coconut Snowflake, mix in a little coconut cream
• Berry twist, use a white cranberry raspberry blend
• Extra citrus, add more lime for a sharper finish
• Zero proof version, switch tequila with non alcoholic agave spirit

These options keep the drink fun and easy to serve in different settings.

When to Serve and Pairings

This holiday cocktail is perfect for winter parties, Christmas dinners, New Year’s gatherings, or quiet evenings when you want something crisp. The rosemary adds a soft seasonal note that works well at the start of any meal.

Some pairing ideas

• Shrimp tacos
• Citrus salads
• Light appetizers like crostini
• Soft cheeses
• Holiday snack boards

If you enjoy refreshing holiday cocktails, you will find similar ideas on the site that match this recipe.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Snowflake Margarita tastes best when shaken fresh. You can prepare the sugar rim ahead of time, but mix the drink right before serving. If you plan to make several at once, keep the tequila and white cranberry juice cold so the drinks come out nicely chilled.

For larger gatherings, pre-measure the ingredients into a small pitcher and shake each serving as needed to achieve the desired texture.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions people ask when making this winter margarita.

Can I make this sweeter?
Yes. Add a little more agave syrup.

What can I use instead of white cranberry juice?
White grape juice or diluted cranberry cocktail works well.

Does this taste like a regular margarita?
It has the same citrus base but feels lighter because of the white cranberry juice.

Can I serve it frozen?
Yes. Blend the ingredients with ice until smooth.

Is rosemary required?
No, but it adds a nice aroma that fits winter flavors.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed the Snowflake Margarita, here are a few holiday cocktails you may like next.

• Sparkling Rosemary Lemonade, great for guests who want something non alcoholic
• White Christmas Sangria, crisp with fruit and citrus
• White Christmas Margarita, a brighter twist with cranberry
• Pomegranate Spritz, refreshing with a soft fizz
• Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz, light and flavorful for winter gatherings

Tasting Notes

The Snowflake Margarita is a crisp, well-balanced cocktail. The tequila’s earthy warmth pairs beautifully with the citrusy zing of lime and the delicate sweetness of white cranberry juice. The sugar rim and rosemary garnish elevate the presentation, making it a standout winter cocktail.