Festive Holiday Cocktails
with Tequila
The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to celebrate with loved ones and toast to the year ahead. While eggnog and mulled wine have their charms, tequila adds an unexpected twist to holiday cocktails, bringing warmth, zest, and cheer to any gathering. Here are five tequila-based cocktails that will make your holiday season merry and bright! To make your holidays even brighter, try them with one of our recommended tequila’s:
1. Adictivo Anejo Tequila
2. Don Nacho Tributo Blanco Tequila
3. Tierra Sagrada Reposado Tequila
1. Holiday Spiced Tequila Mule
A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail brings in the festive spices of the season. The ginger and cinnamon make it a cozy, warming drink, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients: 2 oz tequila (Reposado works best for depth of flavor); 4 oz ginger beer; 1 oz fresh lime juice; 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup (recipe below); Cinnamon stick and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine tequila, lime juice, and cinnamon syrup in a copper mug or cocktail glass with ice.
2. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lime wheel.
Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a pot. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves. Let cool and strain.
2. Tequila Cranberry Margarita
For margarita lovers, this seasonal version will hit all the right notes with its mix of tart cranberry and zesty lime. It’s bright, bold, and perfectly red for the holiday vibe.
Ingredients: 2 oz tequila blanco; 1 oz fresh lime juice; 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened for a more tart flavor); 1/2 oz triple sec; Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish.
Instructions:
1. Combine tequila, lime juice, cranberry juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig for a festive touch.
3. Tequila Hot Chocolate
Warm up with a cozy spiked hot chocolate. Tequila adds a unique twist, and a dash of chili powder or cinnamon gives it a Mexican-inspired kick.
Ingredients: 1.5 oz tequila (Añejo adds a rich, warm note); 6 oz hot chocolate; Whipped cream; Dash of chili powder or cinnamon; Grated chocolate or chocolate shavings for garnish.
Instructions:
1. Make your favorite hot chocolate recipe and pour into a mug.
2. Add tequila and stir well.
3. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of chili powder or cinnamon, and chocolate shavings.
4. Spiced Pomegranate Paloma
This colorful cocktail combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the citrusy brightness of a Paloma, with a little holiday spice to round it out.
Ingredients: 2 oz tequila blanco; 1 oz pomegranate juice; 1/2 oz fresh lime juice; 4 oz grapefruit soda; Dash of allspice; Pomegranate seeds and lime wheel for garnish.
Instructions:
1. In a glass with ice, combine tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and allspice.
2. Top with grapefruit soda and stir.
3. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wheel.
5. Tequila Espresso Martini
This rich, bold cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up for holiday parties. It’s simple, sophisticated, and has just the right amount of caffeine to keep you dancing through the night.
Ingredients: 1.5 oz tequila (Añejo or reposado for a deeper flavor); 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (or cold brew concentrate); 1/2 oz coffee liqueur; Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine tequila, espresso, and coffee liqueur in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
3. Garnish with a few coffee beans for an extra festive touch.
Cheers to the Season!
Tequila’s versatility makes it an ideal spirit for crafting cocktails that are anything but typical holiday fare. So, shake things up at your next gathering with these festive tequila-based drinks, and let the good times roll.
