7 Winter Margarita Recipes (2024)

These seven winter margarita recipes prove this classic tequila co*cktail isn't reserved for summer! You'll love how these margaritas incorporate winter flavors, whether it's from fresh, in-season citrus or a medley of warm spices that keep you feeling cozy on a chilly night. We may be in the middle of winter, but bring on those seasonal margaritas.

7 Winter Margarita Recipes (1)
Jump to:
  • Winter Seasonal Fruit
  • Best Tequila for Margaritas
  • Winter Margarita Recipes
  • Perfect Pairings

Winter Seasonal Fruit

Ripe fruit in the winter? You bet! And that's exactly why we shouldn't just think of margaritas as the quintessential summer drink.

During the winter months, citrus is at its peak. Think blood oranges, grapefruit, Cara Cara oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes -- you name it. This is citrus fruits' time to shine.

Dare I say that the margarita is actually a winter co*cktail, considering that its base is fresh lime juice? I just might.

Here, you'll find some winter citrus margaritas, but I also included other flavors that go well during this time of year. And this list will continue to evolve over the years, so I recommend saving it to revisit every winter!

Bonus: For more refreshing drinks, check out these winter citrus co*cktails.

Best Tequila for Margaritas

Of course, to make a good margarita, you also need tequila, a Mexican-distilled liquor made from the blue agave plant. These are the three most popular types of tequila.

Blanco tequila: This tequila is not aged. After distilling, it typically goes straight into stainless steel barrels for fewer than 60 days, though it's sometimes bottled immediately. The agave flavor is more straightforward and unadulterated.

This is what you typically get at most restaurants, and it's often called silver tequila. If you order a house margarita, you can bet it's made with a blanco tequila, so people might be more familiar with this type.

Reposado tequila: Reposado, which translates to "rested," ages two months to a year in oak barrels. The oak imparts a more nuanced flavor profile with vanilla and caramel notes, and the aging makes for a smoother finish than blanco. If you've ever ordered a Cadillac margarita, this is the type of tequila you enjoyed.

Añejo tequila: This tequila ages even longer -- between one and three years. Because of this extended aging, I recommend reaching for this variety when you need a good sipping tequila.

Añejo is wonderful, but I don't usually use this type of tequila in margaritas as I prefer to reserve añejo for my triple citrus tequila smash and tequila sour where it can really stand out from the other flavors.

While it comes down to personal preference, I just love the smooth finish and rich, complex flavor of reposado in my margaritas, so that's generally what I recommend in these recipes.

That said, you're more than welcome to substitute another type if that's what you have on hand or that's what best serves your palate. Blanco is great if you prefer a cleaner-tasting liquor. We all have different tastes, so use what you like.

Winter Margarita Recipes

Now let's get to sipping some winter margaritas! You'll love every bright, citrusy sip.

1. Blood Orange Margarita

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Blood Orange Margarita

Celebrate winter citrus season with a stunning blood orange margarita! Made with freshly squeezed blood orange and lime juices and a healthy dose of your favorite tequila, this vibrant blood orange margarita is perfectly zesty with a touch of natural citrus sweetness. You can make this citrusy drink as single servings or in a pitcher for easy entertaining — everyone will love sipping on this delicious blood orange co*cktail.

Check out this recipe

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2. Cara Cara Margarita

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Cara Cara Margarita

Let's celebrate winter citrus season in the best way possible -- with this Cara Cara margarita! Made with freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice, this winter citrus margarita balances the perfect sweet and tart combination for one refreshing co*cktail. You'll want to sip on this tasty little number all season long.

Check out this recipe

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3. Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita

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Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita

Elevate your co*cktail game with a sparkling cranberry-ginger margarita this holiday season! Made with a fresh ginger simple syrup, tart cranberry juice and bubbly ginger ale, this holiday margarita is one jolly co*cktail that’s sure to put everyone in a festive mood. You won't find a more perfect cranberry co*cktail for your next holiday gathering.

Check out this recipe

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4. Winter Wonderland Margarita

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Winter Wonderland Margarita

When Old Man Winter strikes, nothing gets you through the cold night like a seasonal co*cktail by the fire. Made with sweet and savory rosemary simple syrup and bright white coconut milk, this Winter Wonderland Margarita is your perfect sipper for the occasion. Serve with a candied rosemary sprig for a sparkly, wintry touch.

Check out this recipe

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5. Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita

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Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita

Put a festive fall touch to everyone’s favorite classic co*cktail with this sparkling apple cider margarita! You'll love the way the warm apple cider spice pairs with the citrusy notes and rich, complex tequila to make one delicious fall co*cktail. This margarita uses only fresh ingredients, comes together in just minutes and can be prepared as a single drink or in a pitcher to serve a crowd.

Check out this recipe

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6. Gingerbread Margarita

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Gingerbread Margarita

Turn everyone’s favorite tequila co*cktail into the perfect holiday sipper with this gingerbread margarita! A homemade gingerbread simple syrup gives this Christmas margarita a burst of warm seasonal spices while the fresh lime juice and orange liqueur add just the right brightness. You’ll want to serve this signature Christmas co*cktail at every holiday party.

Check out this recipe

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7. Pumpkin Spice Margarita

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Pumpkin Spice Margarita

Put a fun, seasonal spin on tonight's happy hour with this festive pumpkin spice margarita recipe! Flavored with a homemade pumpkin simple syrup, this fall margarita features warming spices that pair beautifully with an aged tequila, and then the citrusy lime juice adds the perfect pop of brightness to make one well-balanced co*cktail. You'll want to sip on this pumpkin margarita at every fall gathering and holiday this season.

Check out this recipe

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Perfect Pairings

Of course, a night full of margaritas requires some delicious Tex-Mex and Mexican food recipes. Luckily for you, I have some wonderful options.

Appetizers:

  • Tomato-chipotle salsa
  • Jerk salsa
  • Mango-habanero salsa
  • Tropical pico de gallo
  • Cucumber pico de gallo
  • Mexican meatballs with avocado crema
  • Instant Pot chicken enchilada soup

Main dishes:

  • Lobster tacos
  • Beer-braised Mexican beef
  • Lamb tacos
  • Homemade tostadas
  • Jerk chicken enchiladas
  • Red enchilada sauce

Dessert:

  • Spiced-orange tres leches cake

I hope you enjoy every one of these winter margarita recipes as much as I do. They're sure to get you through these chilly months and make the most of winter citrus.

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

Cheers!

7 Winter Margarita Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to my margarita mix to make it better? ›

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

Is Reposado or silver better for margaritas? ›

Is Reposado Or Silver Tequila Better For Margaritas? Using silver tequila, also called blanco, will give your marg a very clean, agave-forward flavor. Reposado tequila, however, will yield a smoother drinking tequila. Either works; it just depends on what you're going for.

What tequila is best for margaritas? ›

Blanco is a little brighter and goes better with the fresh lime and everything else. It really is the best to use in a margarita. Reposado are better in paloma and more sophisticated co*cktails,” he says.

Why do you put triple sec in margaritas? ›

Why It Works. A good-quality tequila needs no sugar, beyond what's in the triple sec, to balance the acidity of lime juice. Cointreau makes for a balanced, smooth margarita without taking away from the tequila.

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

What makes restaurant margaritas so good? ›

Just as important as the style of tequila is the use of a high-quality orange liqueur. Part of the Daisy category of co*cktails, the Margarita calls for triple sec such as Cointreau for sweetness and balance. Though some may opt for agave nectar instead, the addition of the liqueur is what makes a true Margarita.

What is a good inexpensive tequila for margaritas? ›

6 Best Budget Tequilas to Use in Margaritas, Palomas, and More
  • Batanga Blanco. Food & Wine / Janet Maples. ...
  • Dulce Vida Blanco. Food & Wine / Janet Maples. ...
  • Espolon Blanco. Food & Wine / Janet Maples. ...
  • La Caza Blanco. Food & Wine / Janet Maples. ...
  • Pantalones Blanco Orgánico. Food & Wine / Janet Maples.
Apr 1, 2024

What is the best alcohol for margaritas? ›

Tequila: Silver or reposado is traditionally considered to be the best tequila for margaritas, but any type of tequila (or smoky mezcal or sotol) will work. Freshly-squeezed lime juice: For the best fresh flavor, I highly recommend juicing your own limes versus using store-bought lime juice.

Is Jose Cuervo gold or silver better for margaritas? ›

People usually opt for gold tequila when it comes to margaritas. The sweet, smooth notes of gold tequila can really come out in a frozen margarita. However, if you prefer the taste of a particular brand of silver tequila, feel free to use it. There's no wrong tequila to use in your frozen concoction maker.

What is the best tequila for no hangover? ›

To avoid a tequila hangover – stick to 100% Blue Agave tequila. Check bottle labels and check that it says it uses 'ONLY 100% Blue Agave'. If it doesn't have these words, then give it a miss.

Is Jose Cuervo Silver good for margaritas? ›

Smooth taste

We keep Joe Cuervo Especial Silver on hand because it is made with agave. It makes a good base for a margarita and allows me to partake in tasty treat from time to time.

Is Cointreau or Triple Sec better for margaritas? ›

The classic margarita calls for Cointreau (plus good silver tequila and fresh lime juice). Because its flavor is uncomplicated by spice notes, Cointreau is very adaptable in blending, and shakes up beautifully with clear spirits as well as with brandies, and darker, aged liquors.

Why are margaritas shaken and not stirred? ›

Shaking combines the different flavors of these ingredients efficiently, dilutes the alcohol, balances the flavors, and quickly chills the drink. Though different drinks sometimes require different lengths of time, a good rule of thumb is to shake your drink for around 10 seconds.

Do you lick the salt before or after margarita? ›

Take a lime wedge and stick it onto the rim of your glass on top of the salt. Tell your guests that they can squeeze the lime into the margarita or keep it as a garnish. Lick the salt off the rim as you drink your margarita.

What does extra dirty margarita mean? ›

The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink. An olive garnish is typically assumed, too. Most bars add equal parts vermouth and brine, though you can specify 'extra dirty' or 'filthy' if you prefer more brine.

How do you spruce up pre mixed margaritas? ›

Check out these ways to mix your margarita into a unique drink that'll take you to paradise.
  1. Sorbet. The Frozen Concoction Maker® perfectly shaves ice to create a refreshing frozen margarita. ...
  2. Cucumber. The key to using cucumber in your margaritas is two fold. ...
  3. Spicy. ...
  4. Mezcal. ...
  5. Moonshine. ...
  6. Key Lime. ...
  7. Pomegranate. ...
  8. Watermelon.

How do you make store bought margarita taste better? ›

Start by rimming your co*cktail glass with salt. Dip the rim of the glass in margarita mix, then dip in coarse sea salt. If you pour some salt onto a flat surface like a plate or cutting board, you'll have better luck. Shake up the margarita mix and tequila with plenty of ice.

How do you level up a margarita? ›

8 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Margarita
  1. Use Aged Tequila. Blanco tequila is the go-to for Margaritas. ...
  2. Try Mezcal Instead. For a more extreme base-swap, try mezcal on for size. ...
  3. Switch Up the Salt Rim. ...
  4. Freshen Up with Fruit. ...
  5. Make it Hot, Hot, Hot. ...
  6. Bring In the Herb Garden. ...
  7. Grill It. ...
  8. Go Slushy.
Nov 22, 2016

How do you make drink mixes taste better? ›

Use Mocktail syrups and Flavoured co*cktail premixes, available in so many drool-worthy flavours from fruity to citrusy, botanical and artisanal syrups which make excellent pairing with water, soda and spirits alike. You can also muddle in fruits like strawberries, watermelon, orange and apple for an enhanced taste.

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