Description
Celebrate the holiday season with this Festive Spiced Thanksgiving Margarita, a vibrant cocktail infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, balanced with citrus flavors from fresh lime and orange juice. This refreshing drink is perfect for adding a cozy, seasonal twist to your Thanksgiving gathering, featuring optional jalapeño for a spicy kick and garnished with fresh cranberries and citrus wedges for a festive presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Margarita
- 2 ounces tequila (preferably a good quality blanco)
- 1 ounce orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice
- ½ ounce agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 slice of fresh jalapeño (optional for a spicy kick)
- Ice
For Garnish and Glass Prep
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Lime and orange wedges for garnish
- Sea salt or brown sugar for rimming the glass
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Run a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glass to moisten it. Dip the glass rim into a plate of sea salt or brown sugar, ensuring an even coating. Set the glass aside to allow the rim to set.
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, agave syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Add a slice of fresh jalapeño if you prefer a spicy note.
- Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and blended.
- Strain and serve: Strain the chilled margarita into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring no jalapeño slices are poured into the glass unless desired.
- Garnish: Decorate the drink with fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and an orange wedge for a colorful festive look.
- Final touch: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg atop the drink to enhance the aroma and seasonal appeal.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the warm, festive flavors of this unique Thanksgiving margarita.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, omit the jalapeño slice.
- Use fresh citrus juices for best flavor and brightness.
- The agave syrup can be adjusted to taste for sweetness.
- Rimming the glass with brown sugar adds a sweeter touch compared to sea salt.
- This cocktail pairs well with Thanksgiving dishes featuring roasted turkey and warm spices.
