Frosted Mistletoe Margarita with Peppermint Sugar Rim

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A festive margarita blending crisp lime, smooth tequila, and a hint of peppermint, rimmed with frosty sugar for holiday cheer. This mexican-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together silver tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon finely crushed peppermint candies to create a peppermint sugar rim.
  2. Step 2: Rub the rim of a chilled margarita glass with 1 lime wedge, then dip the rim into the peppermint sugar mixture to coat evenly; set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces silver tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce orange liqueur, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, and 1 cup crushed ice.
  4. Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.
  5. Step 5: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1 fresh mint sprig and serve immediately, enjoying the crisp peppermint finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Frosted Mistletoe Margarita with Peppermint Sugar Rim take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Frosted Mistletoe Margarita with Peppermint Sugar Rim?

Refrigerate any leftover frosted mistletoe margarita with peppermint sugar rim in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Frosted Mistletoe Margarita with Peppermint Sugar Rim?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Frosted Mistletoe Margarita with Peppermint Sugar Rim for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Frosted Mistletoe Margarita with Peppermint Sugar Rim?

Mexican cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.