Holly Jolly Margarita Mocktail
- Mocktail Girlie
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: May 20
A Festive Holiday Mocktail Recipe You’ll Sip All Season Long
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday mocktail recipe to make this season extra merry, the Holly Jolly Margarita Mocktail is it! This drink is bright, refreshing,
and full of cranberry flavor. It’s the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy. Plus, it’s absolutely gorgeous in the glass with its deep red hue and festive rosemary and sugared cranberry garnish.
This recipe is part of my holiday mocktail series, where I share fun and flavorful drinks to make your celebrations sparkle. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, toasting with family, or just craving something festive for a cozy night in, this one deserves a spot on your menu.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Mocktail
Festive and vibrant: The cranberry juice gives this mocktail that classic holiday color that looks beautiful on any table.
Simple to make: You only need a few ingredients, and it’s easy to mix up for one or a whole crowd.
Alcohol-free and delicious: Made with a tequila alternative (Recommendations here), this mocktail gives you all the flavor of a margarita without any of the alcohol.
Perfect for any occasion: From Christmas brunch to New Year’s Eve, this drink fits right in.
How to Make the Holly Jolly Margarita Mocktail
Grab your cocktail shaker and let’s get mixing!
INGREDIENTS
For two:
• 2 oz tequila alternative (Free Spirits is my current favorite)
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 oz orange juice
• Top with club soda
• Garnish: cranberries + rosemary
If you don't have a tequila alternative, you can use 1 oz orange juice & 1 oz cranberry juice.
HOW TO MAKE Grab your cocktail shaker and add cranberry juice, tequila alternative spirit (I used Lyre's agave blanco), fresh lime juice, and orange juice. Add some ice and shake it up. Then grab your glassware of choice and pour your shaker ingredients evenly between the two glasses. Top with Club Soda and then garnish with rosemary and sugar-coated cranberries!
Batch:
• 1 1/2 cups tequila alternative (Free Spirits is my current favorite)
• 4 cups cranberry juice
•1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 2 cups club soda
• Garnish: cranberries + rosemary
If you don't have a tequila alternative, add an extra 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of club soda.
So What is Tequila Alternative?
Non-alcoholic tequila alternatives are made to mimic the taste, aroma, and slight burn of traditional tequila. Think of them like the NA version of spirits: crafted to deliver that same complex flavor you’d expect in a margarita!
Non-alcoholic tequila alternatives are perfect for those who love the bold, earthy, and slightly smoky flavors of traditional tequila. These substitutes are crafted to mimic the essence of tequila, making them ideal for mocktail versions of your favorite tequila-based drinks.
Favorite brands to try:
Free Spirits The Spirit of Tequila – More complex, with a warm finish and herbal notes. Inspired by aged tequila and artisanal mezcal, it captures warm oak and vanilla, bright pepper heat from natural capsaicin, and subtle smokiness.
Almave Blanco Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit (<0.5% ABV) - This one became my favorite in 2025! Almave is the first super-premium non-alcoholic Blue Agave spirit, made in Mexico, closely following traditional tequila distillation techniques. Check with Dr. if pregnant!
Ritual Zero Proof Agave Spirit Alternative – Earthy, vegetal, and a little spicy. A great go-to for margaritas.
NOTE: Please consult your health care provider if you have questions on consuming non-alcoholic wine that has less than .5% alcohol. This is NOT health advice.
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