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Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe – Easy Festive Pitcher Cocktail for a Crowd

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This Thanksgiving Margarita is a festive, crowd-pleasing cocktail featuring spiced citrus, cranberry, and tequila. It’s easy to make ahead in a pitcher, perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests with its bright, cozy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (750 ml) tequila blanco
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) triple sec or Cointreau
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water or club soda (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse salt (for rimming)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for rimming)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rimming)
  • Fresh orange slices (for garnish)
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish, or sugared cranberries)
  • Sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. On a small plate, mix 2 tablespoons coarse salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Moisten the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, then dip into the salt-sugar-cinnamon mix. Set glasses aside.
  2. Juice enough fresh limes and oranges to yield 1 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup lime juice. Strain out pulp if desired.
  3. In a large pitcher, combine tequila, orange juice, cranberry juice, lime juice, triple sec or Cointreau, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until the maple syrup is dissolved.
  4. Cover and refrigerate the pitcher for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to chill and meld flavors.
  5. Just before serving, stir the pitcher and, if desired, gently pour in sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly finish.
  6. Fill prepared glasses with ice. Pour margarita into each glass and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs if using. Optionally, add sugared cranberries for extra flair.

Notes

Taste and adjust sweetness before serving, as citrus and cranberry juice can vary. Chill the pitcher well and serve over ice for best flavor. Add sparkling water just before serving for a bubbly finish. For a spicy twist, infuse with jalapeño slices. For a smoky version, substitute half the tequila with mezcal. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving margarita, holiday cocktail, pitcher margarita, cranberry margarita, festive drink, tequila cocktail, fall cocktail, make-ahead cocktail, Friendsgiving drink, easy margarita recipe

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/thanksgiving-margarita-recipe-easy-festive-pitcher-cocktail-for-a-crowd/