This Winter Wonderland Margarita is a cozy and festive twist on the classic margarita, perfect for holiday celebrations! It combines smooth tequila blanco, orange liqueur, creamy coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and a special homemade gingerbread simple syrup. I love how this cocktail blends tropical notes with warm holiday spices, creating a unique and delicious drink. The cinnamon-sugar rim and optional gingerbread cookie garnish make it extra festive!
Why You’ll Love This Winter Wonderland Margarita
- Festive Holiday Flavor: The gingerbread simple syrup infuses the cocktail with warm, comforting holiday spices.
- Creamy and Unique: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture that beautifully complements the tequila and citrus.
- Elegant Presentation: The cinnamon-sugar rim and festive garnishes make this a visually appealing cocktail.
- Easy to Make: The gingerbread syrup is simple to prepare, and the cocktail itself comes together quickly.
- Perfect for Parties: A unique and delicious cocktail to impress guests at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients for Winter Wonderland Margarita
Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive margarita. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Gingerbread Syrup
- Sugar (Sweetener)
- Water (Liquid)
- Gingerbread spice herbal tea bags (Flavoring)
Cocktail
- Cenote Tequila Blanco (Liquor) Specific brand mentioned
- Orange liqueur (Liqueur)
- Canned coconut milk (Dairy Alternative)
- Lime, juiced (Fruit)
- Gingerbread syrup (from recipe above) (Sweetener/Flavoring)
- Ice (Ice)
Rim
- Sugar (Sweetener)
- Cinnamon (Spice)
Garnish (Optional)
- Gingerbread house cookie (Garnish)
- Rosemary sprig (Herb)
- Star anise (Spice)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Winter Wonderland Margarita as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Different Tequila: Use reposado tequila for a slightly smokier flavor.
- Add Cranberry: Add a splash of cranberry juice for extra tartness and color.
- Creamy Liqueur: Substitute a creamy liqueur like RumChata for part of the coconut milk.
- Make it Spicy: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the tequila and orange liqueur, and perhaps add a bit more lime and gingerbread syrup, topping with sparkling water.
How to Make a Winter Wonderland Margarita
Let me show you how easy it is to make this festive Winter Wonderland Margarita:
Make the Gingerbread Syrup
- First, I make the gingerbread syrup. I add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- I bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- I remove the pan from the heat and add the gingerbread spice herbal tea bags.
- I let them steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- I allow the syrup to cool completely. Then I store it in an airtight container.
Prepare the Cocktail Glass
- I add the sugar and cinnamon for the rim to a small shallow dish and combine them.
- I prepare a cocktail glass by coating the rim with lime juice (running a lime wedge around the edge works well).
- I submerge the rim in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s nicely coated.
Make the Cocktail
- I add the Cenote Tequila Blanco, orange liqueur, coconut milk, lime juice, and gingerbread syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- I shake vigorously until the shaker feels well-chilled.
Strain and Serve
- I strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared cocktail glass over fresh ice.
- If desired, I garnish with a gingerbread house cookie, a rosemary sprig, and star anise.
- Serve
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Margarita
Here are my secrets for making this cocktail truly exceptional:
- Quality Tequila: Using a good quality blanco tequila like Cenote (as suggested) provides a smooth base.
- Homemade Gingerbread Syrup: The homemade syrup infused with tea bags is key to the unique holiday flavor.
- Shake Well: Shaking vigorously chills the drink properly and slightly aerates the coconut milk for a better texture.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Rim: The cinnamon-sugar rim adds a lovely aroma and extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve
This Winter Wonderland Margarita is perfect for:
- Holiday Parties: A festive and unique signature cocktail for Christmas or winter gatherings.
- Cocktail Hour: A cozy yet sophisticated drink to enjoy during the colder months.
- Après-Ski: A fun and warming drink after a day on the slopes (if you’re lucky enough!).
Serve immediately in the prepared, rimmed cocktail glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
The gingerbread simple syrup can be made well in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks. The cocktail itself is best mixed fresh just before serving.
FAQs about Winter Wonderland Margarita
- Can I use a different type of tequila?
- Yes, a reposado tequila would add a slightly oaky note, or you could use another quality blanco tequila.
- What if I can’t find gingerbread tea bags?
- You could make a simple syrup infused with fresh ginger slices, a cinnamon stick, and a few whole cloves instead. Strain well before using.
- Can I use light coconut milk?
- Full-fat canned coconut milk provides the best creamy texture. Light coconut milk will result in a thinner drink.
Enjoy this festive, creamy, and unique Winter Wonderland Margarita! It’s a perfect cocktail for celebrating the holiday season.
Print
Winter Wonderland Margarita
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails, Holiday, Christmas
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Description
This Winter Wonderland Margarita is a festive and unique twist on the classic cocktail. Tequila blanco, orange liqueur, and lime juice are shaken with creamy coconut milk and a homemade gingerbread simple syrup, served in a cinnamon-sugar-rimmed glass for a cozy holiday treat.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 gingerbread spice herbal tea bags
For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Lime wedge (for moistening rim)
For the Cocktail (per serving):
- 1 1/2 ounces Tequila Blanco (such as Cenote Tequila Blanco or other 100% agave)
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 ounce canned full-fat coconut milk, stirred well
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce Gingerbread Syrup (from recipe above)
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Small gingerbread house cookie
- Fresh rosemary sprig
- Star anise pod
Instructions
1. Make the Gingerbread Syrup:
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 2 gingerbread spice tea bags to the hot syrup.
- Let the tea bags steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove and discard the tea bags.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Cocktail Glass:
- Add the 1/2 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to a small shallow dish. Stir to combine.
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass to moisten it.
- Dip the moistened rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rotating the glass to coat the rim evenly.
3. Make the Cocktail:
- Add the Tequila Blanco, orange liqueur, coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of the cooled Gingerbread Syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the shaker is well-chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
4. Serve:
- Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared cocktail glass over fresh ice (optional, depending on preference and glass style).
- If desired, garnish with a small gingerbread house cookie, a fresh rosemary sprig, and/or a star anise pod.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Gingerbread Syrup: This makes more syrup than needed for one cocktail. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and use in other cocktails, coffee, or tea.
- Tequila: Use a good quality 100% agave Blanco tequila.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau or Triple Sec are common options.
- Coconut Milk: Use canned, full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk for the best creamy texture. Stir well before using as the cream can separate. Do not use refrigerated coconut milk beverage.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of gingerbread syrup to your preference.
- Serving: A coupe or margarita glass is traditional, but any cocktail glass will work.