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Home » Beverages

Published: Jan 7, 2022 · Modified: Jan 21, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

5 Winter Margarita Recipes

These five winter margarita recipes prove this classic tequila cocktail 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.

A collage showing four featured winter margarita recipes with text overlay.
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 cocktail, 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 cocktails.

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

A winter margarita using blood orange juice on a pink surface with white flowers.
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 cocktail. 
Check out this recipe
A blood orange margarita with cut-up blood oranges.

2. Cara Cara Margarita

A cara cara margarita using fresh winter citrus juice with orange flowers around it.
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 cocktail. You'll want to sip on this tasty little number all season long.
Check out this recipe
Two cara cara margaritas on a silver platter with orange flowers and Cara Cara slices to the side.

3. Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita

A cranberry margarita with sugared berries on a wooden plate behind it.
Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita
Elevate your cocktail 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 cocktail that’s sure to put everyone in a festive mood. You won't find a more perfect cranberry cocktail for your next holiday gathering.
Check out this recipe
A sparkling cranberry-ginger margarita with sugared cranberries to the side and holiday lights behind it.

4. Winter Wonderland Margarita

Two winter margaritas on a wooden platter with seasonal decor around them.
Winter Wonderland Margarita
When Old Man Winter strikes, nothing gets you through the cold night like a seasonal cocktail 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
A Winter Wonderland Margarita on a wood board with candied rosemary and fake trees and lights in the background.

5. Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita

An apple cider cocktail on a piece of burlap with festive decor around it.
Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita
Put a festive fall touch to everyone’s favorite classic cocktail 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 cocktail. 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
A sparkling apple cider margarita with cinnamon sticks and an apple to the side.

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!

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  1. Gwynn says

    January 11, 2022 at 12:50 pm

    I love a margarita any time of the year and these recipes will definitely come in handy in my house!

    Reply
  2. Liz says

    January 10, 2022 at 11:25 am

    The sparkling cranberry and ginger margarita sounds delicious! I love the sugared cranberries you added to the top! Very festive!

    Reply

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