Mulled Wine Margarita
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Get ready to mix, shake, and stir up some holiday cheer with this festive Mulled Wine Margarita recipe. Combining the warmth of mulled wine with the refreshing kick of a margarita, this drink is a must-try for all cocktail enthusiasts. It’s the perfect libation for a holiday celebration!
In this post, we’re combining two beloved classic cocktail recipes to create one uniquely delicious and festive drink: a Mulled Wine Margarita.
I think that making Christmas cocktails is one of my favorite things. There are so many options to have fun with when it comes to flavor combinations and beautiful garnishes. (Remember my Sugar Cookie Martini that’s garnished with a mini sugar cookie? So cute!)
Well, with this drink we’re once again having fun with flavors and garnishes. Not only will your guests enjoy drinking this holiday cocktail, but I also think it looks stunning! The salt on the exterior of the glass almost looks frosty against the deep red of the margarita. So chic!
Love margaritas? Me too! Check out this collection of my favorite margarita recipes! I’m certain you’ll find a few new favorites to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail Recipe
- Who doesn’t love a good margarita? This recipe takes it up a notch by infusing the zesty flavors of mulled wine to create a unique cocktail that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
- Whether you’re cozying up at home or hosting a fabulous Christmas soiree, this drink fits every occasion. The warming spices and deep rich colors make it a drink that looks as stunning as it tastes.
- Love a bit more citrus or a touch more sweetness? This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.
In need of more festive Christmas cocktails? You’ve got it! Check out this collection of all my best holiday cocktail recipes.
Ingredients
Let’s gather up all the ingredients you need to make these Mulled Wine Margaritas. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
Mulled Wine:
- Red Wine (Rioja): A robust Rioja brings the perfect balance of richness and fruitiness to the base of the mulled wine, setting the stage for a heartwarming cocktail.
- Apple Cider: The sweetness and tartness of apple cider complement the red wine beautifully, adding depth and a hint of autumnal charm.
- Orange (juiced): Freshly juiced orange infuses a citrusy brightness.
- Brown Sugar: It sweetens the mix just enough, adding a molasses-like depth that regular sugar can’t match.
- Spices (Whole Cloves, Allspice Berries, Cinnamon Sticks, Black Peppercorns): This classic spice blend adds warmth, complexity, and a festive aroma, making the mulled wine unmistakably inviting.
Margarita:
- Tequila: It’s the foundational spirit of any margarita. I like blanco (silver/white) tequila but use your favorite.
- Mulled Wine: Adding the homemade mulled wine introduces a unique, spiced twist to the traditional margarita, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Orange Liqueur (Cointreau recommended): Cointreau is my favorite. With its crisp, orange flavor, it adds a refined sweetness and a touch of luxury to the drink. Triple Sec or Grand Marnier would work too.
- Simple Syrup: This is the sweet balancer, mellowing the acidity and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the margarita. Try my homemade simple syrup recipe.
Garnish:
- Orange Slices: A fresh orange slice not only adds an aesthetic touch but also a burst of freshness with each sip.
- Flake Sea Salt: The flake sea salt on the rim contrasts beautifully with the sweet and spiced flavors of the drink, adding a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a cocktail that’s as delightful to look at as it is to sip!
Instructions
You can find the step-by-step instructions for this Mulled Wine Margarita below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Begin by preparing the mulled wine. Add the wine, apple cider, orange juice, brown sugar, and spices to a medium-large pan with a lid.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Then turn down the heat, cover, and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Once cooled, prepare your glass by rubbing a section of the rim with a slice of orange. Then dip them into flake sea salt. Add ice and set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the tequila, mulled wine, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake to combine.
- Strain the margarita into the prepared glass and garnish with orange slices. Serve, sip, and enjoy!
And that’s it!
I just love how elegant and sophisticated this cocktail looks! The spiced flavors of mulled wine pair so beautifully with the lively spirit of a margarita to create a drink that’s sure to dazzle.
Recipe Notes
Here are a few quick notes to make this recipe a success!
- Avoid Boiling the Mulled Wine: Simmer, don’t boil, to preserve flavors and alcohol content.
- Infusion Time: Longer infusion equals stronger spice flavors. Option: do an overnight steep for more depth.
- Customize Your Spice Mix: Add star anise or cardamom for a personal touch.
- Chill Glasses: Freeze glasses beforehand for a refreshing serve.
- Make Ahead: Mulled wine can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Creative Garnish: Embellish with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or dried orange slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of red wine (rather than Rioja)?
Absolutely! While Rioja works beautifully for its balance and fruitiness, feel free to use your favorite red wine. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wine you enjoy drinking.
Can I make the mulled wine in advance?
Definitely! Mulled wine can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat it before mixing it into your margarita.
What can I use if I don’t have Cointreau for the orange liqueur?
Any orange-flavored liqueur like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier can be a great substitute for Cointreau.
Can this recipe be made in a large batch for parties?
Yes, this recipe scales up nicely for parties. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large pitcher or bowl.
More Christmas Cocktails You May Enjoy
- Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
- Sugar Cookie Martini
- Naughty But Nice Christmas Cocktail
- Very Merry Ornamentini
- Gingerbread White Russian
- Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
I hope you enjoyed crafting this unique mulled wine margarita as much as I loved sharing it with you. It’s the perfect drink to brighten up any holiday gathering. If you do try it, please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Mulled Wine Margarita
Ingredients
Mulled Wine:
- 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (I used a Rioja)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 orange juiced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 whole cloves
- 8 allspice berries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 8 black peppercorns
Margarita:
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1.5 ounces mulled wine
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- .5 ounces simple syrup
Garnish:
- Orange slices
- Flake sea salt
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the mulled wine. Add the wine, apple cider, orange juice, brown sugar, and spices to a medium-large pan with a lid.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Then turn down the heat, cover, and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Once cooled, prepare your glass by rubbing a section of the rim with a slice of orange. Then dip them into flake sea salt. Add ice and set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the tequila, mulled wine, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake to combine.
- Strain the margarita into the prepared glass and garnish with orange slices. Serve, sip, and enjoy!