If you want to pretend you're on a tropical escape, do yourself a favor and whip up this sweet and tart coconut margarita! Made with cream of coconut and fresh lime juice, this is one margarita full of tropical flavor. With just one sip, this fruity coconut margarita will trick you into thinking you're sipping refreshing cocktails on a beach getaway.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
A tropical take on a classic: I love a classic margarita. In fact, I strongly believe everyone should have a go-to classic margarita recipe that ditches the mix and uses only tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and a touch of simple syrup if desired.
While it's important to have that baseline for a proper margarita, let's make our hearts happy and have some fun with flavored margaritas. So without further ado, I present this coconut margarita recipe!
Perfect for pool sipping and any outdoor party: If you're somewhere tropical or by a pool, I wouldn't blame you for trying to drink your weight in pina coladas -- a noble goal. But why stop at pina coladas? Coconut margaritas bring that same tropical vibe, but served on the rocks, they're not as heavy, which makes them great for pool sipping.
Quick and easy: These tropical margaritas are super easy to whip up. They only require a few ingredients, and you can have this refreshing beach cocktail in hand in under five minutes.
Ingredients
Tequila: I've made this recipe with both reposado tequila and blanco tequila. While you can certainly use either variety, I prefer reposado. This type of tequila ages in oak barrels from anywhere from two to 12 months, which gives it a more nuanced flavor with hints of vanilla. Blanco, also known as white or silver tequila, goes straight into stainless barrels, so we don't get those delicious aging notes.
Cream of coconut: I took the Pepsi Challenge and made these margaritas with both coconut milk and cream of coconut to see how the ingredients compared. Matt and I agreed that cream of coconut was the winner.
Now, the coconut milk was still enjoyable. We certainly finished our drinks without a problem, but the strong coconut flavor wasn't as prominent. Cream of coconut is also one of the classic ingredients in a pina colada, so it gave that exact sweetness I was craving.
Orange liqueur: For a top-shelf margarita, I love Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Triple sec also works well.
Lime juice: Make sure you use freshly squeezed lime juice. The bottled juice is not nearly as bright tasting. The best margaritas absolutely call for fresh juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: For a fun toasted coconut rim, we pour some honey or agave nectar on a small plate and add toasted coconut to another plate. We then dip the rim of the glass in the honey and then swirl it in the toasted coconut flakes (photo 1).
Step 2: Now we add our cream of coconut, tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur to a cocktail shaker (photo 2) and toss in a handful of ice cubes into the mixture.
Step 3: We put on the cocktail shaker top and vigorously shake for 15-30 seconds (photo 3).
Step 4: All that's left is to strain our delicious coconut beverage into our glass and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
Find a spot on the patio, give it a taste and enjoy those tropical vibes! Delicious, isn't it?
Bonus: For more beachy cocktails, you'll also love my Painkiller cocktail and mango mojito.
Recipe FAQs
To toast coconut, we add a handful of flakes to a non-stick skillet and turn the heat to medium. We then let the heat work its magic, and the coconut will start to brown after a few minutes. Make sure you periodically shake the pan to keep the coconut from burning. You'll know it's done when it turns fragrant, and some flakes will turn brown.
Absolutely, this recipe works perfectly for a pitcher. Simply stir together the ingredients in a large pitcher and store in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. I recommend serving within 24 hours. After that, the lime juice starts to lose its brightness.
Although I highly recommend using cream of coconut for this recipe, you technically could use canned coconut milk with 1 ounce of simple syrup. Make sure you shake the canned coconut milk well before using. I do not recommend the refrigerated type of coconut milk that is sold near the dairy alternatives.
Expert Tips
Make sure you use cream of coconut, not coconut cream. They are very different products. You can generally find cream of coconut near the cocktail mixers, and it comes in either a can or squeeze bottle.
Grab limes that have some give when you squeeze them. If the limes are hard, they're dried out.
Before juicing the lime, firmly roll it on the countertop under the palm of your hand. This helps get the juices flowing.
Given that I was going for that kind of sweetness you get in a pina colada, I used 3 ounces of cream of coconut. If you don't like your drinks sweet, you may want to tone down the cream of coconut. But if you're like me and dig pina coladas, 3 ounces should be just right.
Perfect Pairing
My tropical pico de gallo with mango, papaya, toasted coconut and fresh ginger is an obvious choice with this coconut margarita. You also love my lobster tacos with mango-habanero salsa with this summery sipper.
If you’re craving dessert, my strawberry mojito sorbet is a delicious pairing. You could even throw a scoop of sorbet into your coconut margarita for a fun adult float. And who doesn't love fun adult floats? And, of course, my spiced orange tres leches is the perfect sweet end to a margarita night.
Let’s take advantage of this summer weather and make a batch of these coconut margaritas for your next patio dinner. This coconut margarita is everything I love in a summer cocktail, and I hope you love it too.
Cheers!
Need More Margaritas in Your Life?
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Coconut Margarita
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Handheld lime juicer
- Jigger or small measuring cup
Ingredients
- Honey optional, for garnish
- Toasted coconut optional, for garnish (see note)
- 3 ounces cream of coconut not coconut milk or coconut cream (see note)
- 2 ounces tequila preferably reposado
- 1 ounce orange liqueur preferably Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 lime
- Ice
- Additional lime slice optional, for garnish
Instructions
- For a garnished toasted coconut rim, spread the honey on a plate and the toasted coconut on another plate. Dip the serving glass in honey and then swirl in the toasted coconut. Set aside.
- Pour cream of coconut, tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice. Put the top on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-30 seconds.
- Strain the shaken margarita into the garnished glass filled with more ice. Garnish with a lime slice. Enjoy!
Notes
- There is a difference between coconut milk, coconut cream and cream of coconut. They are all three different products. Cream of coconut is typically found in the grocery aisle with drink mixers. It has a syrup-like consistency.
- To toast coconut, add to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the coconut starts to brown and turns fragrant. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat as soon as it toasts.
- 3 ounces of cream of coconut makes a drink that's sweet like a pina colada. If you prefer your margaritas less sweet, you might prefer to half the amount of cream of coconut.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Natalie says
Summer, bring it on! I love tropical margaritas. I'm so excited to try this one. Looks refreshing and sooooo delicious with cream inside. Thanks for the lovely recipe!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You're so welcome, Natalie!
Sharon says
This coconut margarita is so refreshing and the perfect summer cocktail. I love the addition of a touch of honey.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It's all so delicious together!
Beth says
Yum! My husband and I loved these tonight! They were absolutely amazing with the perfect beachy flavor. Truly the perfect summer margarita!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Sounds like a fun evening!
Lauren Michael Harris says
This is the most perfect margarita recipe for summertime! I have sent this to my husband to make me asap!!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You will both love it!
AISilva says
Sign me up for pretending I'm on a tropical escape! This coconut margarita looks so good. Can't wait to sit out in the heat sipping on this drink. Will make it soon!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Get ready for some tropical vibes! 😀🍹
Lily says
I can't wait to try this recipe this weekend! This is the perfect summer poolside drink... love it!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I truly can’t think of a better pool drink!
Biana says
Coconut is such a perfect summer ingredient! And I agree with your about coconut cream, that's a perfect ingredient for summer tropical drinks.
Natalia says
I've been looking all over for a cocktail recipe that I like. Most are too sour or too strong, but this one was just perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You are so welcome!
AISilva says
At a time when it's not easy to get away to a beach, this margarita is just what my husband and I need. I can't wait to make this and enjoy the outdoor summer. Thank you, it looks so great!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Awww, I’m so glad this can bring some tropical vibes to you both!
Raquel says
This looks absolutely amazing! Cannot wait to make these this weekend!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I’ll cheers to that!
Anaiah says
This coconut drink looks so refreshing!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It will totally take you to the beach!
Sam says
This will be perfect for summer BBQ parties. Love how easy it is to make, thanks for sharing!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You're so welcome!
veenaazmanov says
This is so creamy and super delicious. I love the combination. Presentation superb.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.
Jenna @ SipBiteGo.com says
I'm right there with you on enjoying margaritas with a little twist. This recipe is part of my roundup of luau party cocktails - https://sipbitego.com/tropical-drink-recipes/
Cheers!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much for including it! Everything on the roundup looks tasty. ?
Lizzie says
This looks so good! Regarding Triple Sec/Grand Marnier ... I'd use Triple Sec which has a "neutral" alcohol base rather than Grand Marnier which has a brandy base. Big cost difference too, which would allow me to go for top-shelf Tequila. Just a thought.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Good point on the cost! While I'm a big Grand Marnier fan, I don't necessarily use it every time I make margaritas. It's more for when I feel like a good splurge. Other times, I'm perfectly happy with regular triple sec. 🙂