Ingredients
- Fresh Lime JuiceAlways use freshly squeezed lime juice; the bottled stuff simply lacks the necessary vibrant acidity and punch that defines a good margarita.
- 100% Cranberry JuiceEnsure you grab 100% juice, not a cocktail blend, as the unsweetened tartness is crucial for balancing the agave and mimicking the spirit's sharp edge.
- Non-Alcoholic White Spirit AlternativeWhile optional, a non-alcoholic distilled spirit designed to mimic white agave provides complexity and depth, rounding out the classic flavor profile.
- Agave Nectar or Simple SyrupThis provides the sweetness, and agave works particularly well here as it is traditionally paired with the margarita flavor palette.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut FlakesUsed exclusively for the snowy rim; make sure they are finely shredded so they stick well to the glass edge.
- IceCrucial for chilling and dilution; use large, dense cubes for shaking and smaller pieces for serving.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Snowy Coconut Rim
- Step 2: Combine the Liquid Bases
- Step 3: Shake Until Icy Cold
- Step 4: Strain and Serve
Notes
- If entertaining, combine the lime juice, cranberry juice, NA spirit, and sweetener up to 24 hours ahead of time and store the mix in the refrigerator, but always add the ice and shake right before serving.
- Garnish your finished cocktail with a few frozen cranberries or a small lime wheel studded with cloves to amplify the festive "Winter Wonderland" presentation.
- Ensure your sweetened shredded coconut is finely chopped or pulsed briefly in a food processor—smaller flakes stick much better and provide a delicate 'snowy' texture rather than a bulky crust.
- For the most vibrant flavor, use only freshly squeezed lime juice, as the essential oils and sharp acidity are non-negotiable for cutting through the cranberry and agave sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American