To wrap up our seasonal cocktail and appetizer series with The Collective Book Studio, I wanted to end on a high note—something bold, celebratory, and perfect for gathering. For this final pairing, I’m featuring a cocktail from Friday Night Cocktails by A.J. Dean, alongside one of my most requested appetizers from The Modern Hippie Table.

Enter the Blood Orange Margarita—a drink that instantly sets the tone for a festive evening. Made with vibrant blood orange, this cocktail delivers a rich blush-red hue that feels right at home during the holidays. Finished with a dried blood orange wheel and a salt-and-sugar rim, it’s equal parts striking and playful. It’s the kind of drink that signals the workweek is officially over and it’s time to celebrate.

To pair with this margarita, I chose my Guacamole with Tomato & Feta—a twist on the classic that’s anything but ordinary. Instead of a smooth purée, this version is intentionally chunky, with generous pieces of fresh tomato and crumbled feta folded into creamy avocado. The result is a guacamole that feels hearty, bright, and endlessly scoopable. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for a reason.

Together, these two recipes lean into a Mexican-inspired theme that feels festive and familiar—perfect for holiday entertaining when you want something approachable yet elevated. The bold color of the cocktail, the texture of the guacamole, and the balance of salty, citrusy, and creamy flavors make this pairing feel fun, abundant, and inviting.

Serve this duo when guests arrive, gather everyone around the table, and let the mood shift into celebration. It’s a reminder that holiday hosting doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes all it takes is a great drink, a favorite appetizer, and a reason to toast.