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.
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
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
2. Cara Cara Margarita
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
3. Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita
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
4. Winter Wonderland Margarita
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
5. Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita
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
6. Gingerbread Margarita
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
7. Pumpkin Spice Margarita
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
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.
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Cheers!
