Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail (Festive, Bubbly & Beautifully Sweet)

Sarah Smith
Nov 2, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

a cocktail glass with a red liquid inside sugar on the rim. Garnished cranberries and green pine Sprig

There’s no better way to toast the season than with a Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail — a sparkling, ruby-red drink that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

It’s fruity, lightly tart, and beautifully festive, made with cranberry juice, vodka, and a splash of sparkling wine or champagne. The sugared rim and sprig of rosemary add that extra holiday touch, making every sip feel special.

It’s simple enough for weeknight celebrations but elegant enough for Christmas Eve or New Year’s toasts. Celebrate with the mistletoe kiss cocktail alongside classic eggnog or peppermint bark hot chocolate, and serve it with baked brie topped with cranberries and pecans.

Recipe Card

Servings: 2 cocktails Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 oz vodka (plain or cranberry-flavored)
2 oz cranberry juice
1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
Sparkling wine or champagne, to top
Ice

For Garnish:

Fresh cranberries
Rosemary sprigs
Sugar for the rim (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Glasses: If desired, rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass and dip it into sugar for a frosted edge.
Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
Pour and Top: Strain into glasses and top with a splash of sparkling wine or champagne.
Garnish: Add a few cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to each glass for that signature mistletoe look.

Tips for the Perfect Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail

Use chilled ingredients for a crisp, refreshing sip.
Swap champagne for sparkling rosé for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Want a mocktail version? Use sparkling water or ginger ale as a substitute for alcohol.
Add a splash of orange liqueur for a citrus twist.
Serve in coupe or flute glasses for a festive, elegant presentation.

Final Thoughts

The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail is a holiday showstopper — bright, sparkling, and full of cheer. It’s perfect for Christmas parties, romantic nights by the tree, or any moment that deserves a festive toast.

FAQ

Q: What alcohol works best for a Mistletoe Kiss? Vodka is classic, but gin or white rum also blends beautifully with fruity mixers.

Q: Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic? Yes — substitute lemon-lime soda, cranberry juice, or sparkling water for a mocktail version.

Q: Can I make a pitcher of this for parties? Absolutely — multiply ingredients by 6–8 and chill in a pitcher until serving.

Q: How do I get the best flavor? Use chilled juices and shake well with ice so the drink is crisp and refreshing.

Q: What garnishes work best? Sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, lime slices, or fresh cranberries look festive and beautiful.