Festive Tequila Holiday Cocktails to Try This Season
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The holidays feel magical because everything slows down, giving you time to celebrate with the people who make your world feel warm. Tequila holiday cocktails add instant sparkle to this season—whether you’re planning a cozy movie night or a full-on Christmas bash.
Tequila blends seamlessly with the good vibes as it’s lively, spirited, and brings a dash of spice to the festivities. More than just a summer Margarita staple, its versatility makes it perfect for warming, wintery and festive drinks. With styles like blanco, reposado, and añejo, each bringing a unique twist, there’s a tequila for every taste.
From spiced Margaritas to tequila-infused eggnog, our holiday tequila cocktails feel like a celebration in every glass.
Why tequila works so well for the holidays
When the music gets merry and the sweaters get chunky, tequila is right at home. Its natural warmth pairs beautifully with the classic flavors of winter. Think cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, nutmeg, clove, ginger, orange, and seasonal ingredients like cranberry juice that bring “Deck the Halls” energy.
Tequila blanco (opens in new window) brings citrus brightness and keeps the energy high for Christmas Eve and New Year’s toasts. Reposado (opens in new window) leans into baking-spice territory with caramel and roasted agave notes that give off serious fireplace chic. Añejo (opens in new window) steps in when the dessert table comes out. It has a deep character that plays well with coffee, chocolate, and creamy textures.
These different personalities are what make tequila holiday cocktails feel intuitive. No matter the flavor direction, there’s a tequila that makes it shine. Christmas tequila cocktails taste elevated, wintery, and totally worth calling the whole crew over.
Also see: Super Simple Tequila Drinks You Can Make at Home
Top tequila holiday cocktails to try
1. Añejo Old Fashioned
The Añejo Old Fashioned combines the earthy depth of aged agave with subtle spice and sweetness. Since the tequila is finished in bourbon barrels, it retains characteristics similar to a whiskey-based Old Fashioned, adding an extra layer of complexity. Perfect for slow sipping at sophisticated holiday gatherings, this twist on a classic is your ticket to cozy indulgence.
2. Tequila Espresso Martini
The Tequila Espresso Martini takes the beloved Espresso Martini and transforms it into a wintery delight with a spirited twist. Combining the deep, comforting flavors of espresso and coffee liqueur with the warmth of tequila, this cocktail is perfect for snug evenings and festive gatherings.
Read next: Perfect Cinco de Mayo Cocktails for Your Festivities
3. Spiced Cranberry Paloma
The Spiced Cranberry Paloma brings a bold holiday glow to the iconic Paloma vibes you know and love. Tart grapefruit and cranberry sauce team up with Espolòn Tequila Blanco for a zesty, slightly jammy mix that feels like a festive cheer squad in a glass. Serve it when the music’s loud, the sweaters are cute, and the group chat is blowing up with holiday plans.
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4. Champagne Margarita
If you love a drink with some twinkle in the mix, we’d like to introduce you to the dazzling Champagne Margarita. Radiant and beaming, with plenty of citrus zest and a suave tequila backbone, this tempting cocktail can always be counted on to get the party started. Part French, part Mexican, and all-out gorgeous, it’s a must-try for tequila lovers and Champagne fans alike!
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5. Tequila Hot Chocolate
Chocoholics, rejoice! When the weather cools, it’s time to make like the Aztecs and whip up this warm winter cocktail of intensely rich and warmly spiced Tequila Hot Chocolate. We’ve got options to make it dairy-free, vegan-friendly or as a mocktail, so you can rely on this recipe to make a great dessert in a mug. No matter how you serve it, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
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6. Añejo Tequila Eggnog
Eggnog hits different when you swap the bourbon for añejo tequila. The aged agave brings warm caramel and oak notes that play perfectly with creamy dairy and cozy baking spices. It feels like holiday nostalgia with a little extra swagger, ready for movie marathons, late-night gift wrapping, and big cheers around the tree.
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7. Tequila Apple Cider
This cozy sipper brings together the crispness of cider with the warmth of tequila, making it a festive winter favorite.
Ingredients
- 5 oz Espolòn Reposado tequila
- 5 oz Grand Marnier (opens in new window)
- 25 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Thin apple slice, for garnish
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Method
- Warm the apple cider, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg in a small saucepan over low heat
- Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice to a heatproof glass mug
- Pour in the warm cider and stir gently
- Garnish with a thin apple slice and a fresh cinnamon stick
8. Tequila Punch Bowl
This punch is built for big gatherings and holiday feels—effervescent, tequila-forward, and made to serve out of a punch bowl while the carols are playing and the lights are twinkling.
Ingredients
Serves 12
- 3 cups Espolòn Blanco tequila
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100%)
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 cup simple syrup (optional, based on sweetness preference)
- 4 cups lemon-lime soda or club soda (add just before serving)
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Ice
Method
- Chill all the ingredients ahead of time
- In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine tequila, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using)
- Add ice to the bowl
- Just before serving, pour in the lemon-lime soda or club soda and give it a gentle stir
- Garnish with orange slices and cranberries
- Ladle into glasses over ice
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How to choose the right tequila for holiday cocktails
There are three main tequila types that belong in your festive mixology toolkit.
Blanco is crisp and agave-forward, making it amazing in drinks that pop with citrus, bubbles, and a playful edge. Use it in drinks like Palomas and sparkling serves that keep the party buzzing. Espolòn Tequila Blanco is crystal clear with sweet agave and tropical flavors that make citrus the perfect match.
Reposado gives you a little oak age and a touch more luxury. You will taste warm spices, hints of vanilla, and a richer body. It’s made for cozy winter gatherings where mugs and cinnamon sticks are part of the plan. Espolòn Reposado has a golden glow and notes of roasted agave and caramel fudge that work beautifully in tequila winter cocktails.
Añejo is the smooth talker of tequila. A year or more in oak deepens the flavor, so you get velvet on the palate and dessert-friendly notes like dried fruit and chocolate. Drinks like the Añejo Old Fashioned prove tequila can hold its own next to whiskey in slow-sip holiday moments. When choosing tequila, aim for brands with character and quality ― Espolòn (opens in new window) is a great example if you want a bottle that supports both classics and bold, creative cocktails.
Hosting tips for a festive tequila bar
Throwing a party? A tequila bar brings instant sparkle and keeps the vibes high. Here’s how to make it feel like a pro setup, without the stress.
- Offer three tequila styles so guests can choose their own adventure (think blanco for bright party serves, reposado for cozy sips, añejo for after-dinner magic).
- Stock mixers that play well with tequila like fresh citrus juice, ginger beer, club soda, and coffee liqueur.
- Go big on festive garnishes like rosemary sprigs, dehydrated citrus wheels, sugared cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
- Make batch cocktails like punches or Margarita pitchers to keep things easy for you and fun for everyone.
- Bring out the cute glassware (a little sparkle goes a long way!).
- Let your setup reflect the season: festive tequila cocktails deserve festive outfits, bestie.
Remember to enjoy responsibly and savor the moments that matter. Visit the Espolòn site (opens in new window) to stock up on essentials for your tequila Christmas drinks, explore our recipe page (opens in new window), and sign up for our newsletter (opens in new window) — your go-to source of inspiration to keep you hosting like a pro this merry season.
