When Old Man Winter strikes, nothing gets you through the cold night like a seasonal cocktail by the fire, and you'll love sipping on this Winter Wonderland Margarita. Made with sweet and savory rosemary simple syrup and bright white coconut milk, this Winter Wonderland Margarita is your perfect sipper for the occasion. Serve with a candied rosemary sprig for a sparkly, wintry touch.

Jump to:
Why You Need to Make This Recipe
Coconut is getting a makeover for this winter cocktail, and I have no doubt you’ll love the new vibes. Usually, I reserve coconut for my summer cocktails, like this tropical coconut-watermelon mojito, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Coconut cocktails were made for sandy beaches and turquoise water.
But why stop there? That pretty white coconut milk is also the perfect nod to snowy winters. Let's expand coconut's horizons, shall we?
Along with our snow-white look, I wanted this margarita to show off a wintry flavor. Enter our homemade rosemary simple syrup, which gives this margarita a savory, complex touch for a delicious yet unexpected twist that's sure to impress.
And this seasonal margarita will impress. Trust me. I made just one Winter Wonderland Margarita for my father-in-law on Christmas Eve, and after his rave review, I went into busy bartender mode, mixing up this cocktail left and right for the rest of the family.
Honestly, my only regret was not making this margarita pitcher style for easier entertaining, but at least I know better for next year. Live and learn, right?
Bonus: For more holiday inspiration, check out my collection of best Christmas cocktails!
Ingredients
Let’s chat ingredients. Here’s everything we need to make this winter margarita.
- Coconut milk
- Fresh lime juice
- Rosemary simple syrup
- Tequila
- Orange liqueur
- Sea salt for glass rimming
- Candied rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional but oh-so pretty)
For the coconut milk, make sure you get the unsweetened canned variety. This gives us pure, unadulterated coconut goodness as opposed to the kind in a carton. Coconut milk in a carton works great in smoothies, but canned coconut milk gives us a much richer flavor for our cocktail.
As I’ve discussed in my other margarita recipes, reposado tequila is my favorite type for margaritas. Reposado spends time aging in oak barrels for a more complex taste. To me, reposado tequila makes for a tastier drink.
That said, if you prefer blanco tequila, feel free to use that. We all have our different preferences.
And then there’s the orange liqueur. I usually reach for Grand Marnier or Cointreau, but your basic triple sec also works.
How to Make Rosemary Simple Syrup
Now let's start with our rosemary simple syrup. The rosemary simple syrup gives this margarita a savory quality to counter the sweetness.
While the rosemary flavor is subtle, it makes all the difference and adds the perfect complex touch, so please don't skip this step. Otherwise, you'll just have a coconut margarita, which is still delicious but not quite what we're going for with this winter cocktail recipe.
To make the rosemary simple syrup, we cook water, sugar and fresh rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan until the mixture comes to a low boil. Give it a stir to help dissolve the sugar, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to steep.
Bonus: You don't have to just use this rosemary simple syrup in this margarita recipe. If you're looking for more ways to use this rosemary simple syrup, give my blood orange-rosemary gin and tonic or rosemary Kentucky mule a try.
Step-by-Step Instructions
With our rosemary simple syrup prepared, we’re ready to start mixing.
Step 1: We grab a cocktail shaker and add our simple syrup, fresh lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, coconut milk and ice.
Step 2: Now we pop on the top and give it a good shake again. Who knew your arm would get such a workout just from making one margarita?
Step 3: For an extra pretty serving touch, I love to rim the glasses with coarse sea salt and garnish with a candied rosemary sprig.
And just like that, our Winter Wonderland Margarita is now ready for serving and sipping!
Recipe FAQs
You sure can! Simply stir together the ingredients in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator. If you take a look at the notes section of the recipe card, I included proportions for an eight-serving pitcher.
If you need a different serving number than eight, the calculation is simple. Cocktails are measured in ounces, so multiple the number of ounces by the number of servings you need. Then, divide that number by eight. That will give you the cups measurement, which is easier to use when you're dealing with a large batch.
(Ounces of ingredient x number of servings) / 8 = cups measurement
I recommend making the pitcher of margaritas within 24 hours of serving. If you make margaritas too far ahead of time, the lime juice will start to lose its brightness.
Expert Tips
- Before using the coconut milk, make sure you shake the can well. As it sits, the solids and liquid tend to separate. If the two are still separated when you open the can, a good stir will take care of the job.
- When shaking the cocktail shaker, use two hands for proper technique. This ensures you get enough force to chill and incorporate the ingredients.
- Before juicing the lime, firmly roll it on the counter to get the juice flowing.
- Make sure you pick limes that have a slight give when you press into them.
Perfect Pairing
This winter margarita is perfect with dessert. To keep the wintry vibes going, I recommend pairing this margarita with a delicate angel food cake topped with sweet cranberry sauce.
You can make your own angel food cake or pick one up from the bakery and then use my spiced-brandied cranberry sauce for the topping. The coconut and savory rosemary work beautifully with the fresh orange zest and spices from the cranberry sauce. And they’ll look so festive together, which is just plain fun.
If you need an escape from these chilly months, I hope you try this Winter Wonderland Margarita. With that pretty white shade and glistening candied rosemary sprigs, this festive margarita is just what you need to get through the winter until spring arrives.
And, hey, even if you serve this margarita in the middle of July, it's still tasty. I certainly wouldn't judge.
Cheers!
Need More Winter Cocktails?
If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.
📖 Recipe
Winter Wonderland Margarita
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Citrus juicer
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- Several fresh rosemary sprigs
Candied Rosemary Garnish
- Rosemary simple syrup
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- White sugar
Winter Wonderland Margarita
- 2 ounces tequila preferably reposado
- 2 ounces coconut milk from a can, not a carton
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 lime
- 1 ounce orange liqueur preferably Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
- Ice
- Course sea salt for garnish, optional
Instructions
- To make the rosemary simple syrup, bring the water, sugar and rosemary sprigs to a low boil over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. Once it comes to a low boil and the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can make this a couple weeks in advance.
- For the candied rosemary garnish, lightly dip a pastry brush into the rosemary simple syrup and coat the rosemary sprigs. Sprinkle with sugar. Set on a wire rack to dry for about an hour.
- Add the tequila, coconut milk, lime juice, orange liqueur, rosemary simple syrup and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Pop on the top and shake vigorously for about 15 to 30 seconds.
- If desired, sprinkle course sea salt onto a small plate. Run a lime slice along the rim of the serving glass. Place the rim into the salt and swirl a few times to coat.
- Add ice to the serving glass. Strain the margarita into the glass. Garnish with the candied rosemary for an extra festive touch. Enjoy!
Notes
- To make drinks for a crowd, use eight limes, 2 cups tequila, 2 cups coconut milk, 1 cup orange liqueur and 1 cup rosemary simple syrup. That will give you eight servings. You can make it a few hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that coconut milk eventually settles so give it a stir before serving to make it all pretty and fun again.
- For the coconut milk, make sure you get the unsweetened kind that comes in a can and shake it well before using. Also, check to make sure it's straight coconut milk, not coconut cream or cream of coconut.
- Shake the coconut milk can well before using to ensure the solids and liquid incorporate. If they're still separated after opening, just give it a stir until it becomes one cohesive liquid.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Heidi says
This was absolutely delicious! I served it with pound cake as suggested, and my guests loved it.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Sounds perfect! Glad y'all enjoyed it.
Bella B says
I had some coconut milk leftover so gave this a try. Oh my! I was so happy with how it turned out. Next time I am trying the rosemary garnish because I didn't have time this round.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I’m so happy you loved it! Thanks for sharing.
Anna says
I made this as directed (used Don Julio blanco) and while it’s yummy, I’m not tasting or smelling rosemary. I steeped the syrup, which tastes incredible, but I’m missing it in the drink. Suggestions? Steep more? I tried increasing the syrup and it was way too sweet.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Hey, Anna! Well, I'm glad you overall liked it but am sorry it doesn't have as much rosemary flavor as you hoped. You could try doubling the amount of rosemary in the next batch and steeping for longer to extract more flavor. Or another option could be to muddle some fresh rosemary with the lime juice and syrup first and then make the rest of the drink. I always find muddling is a pretty effective way to get even more flavor.
Meri says
This was a crowd pleaser!! I used coconut tequila
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Ohhh, coconut tequila sounds lovely! So glad y’all loved it!
Candice says
Just made this FANTASTIC cocktail, and it is worth making alone for the rosemary simple syrup! Can't wait to use up the rest next weekend when I make them again.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Yay! So glad to hear that!
Tammy says
Mmm I love rosemary but I've never had it in a cocktail like this...the combination of the rosemary and coconut sounds delightful! I know I'd love this.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
They're so delicious together!
Debbie says
These winter wonderland Margaritas are such a beautiful festive cocktail. Such a lovely twist on a classic margarita. The rosemary simple syrup is pure genius . Perfect cocktail for any party.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
The rosemary syrup is SO good!
kita says
Oh girl! Love everything about the sound of this. That candied rosemary sounds perfect. And I know who's adding this to the list of things to make this week - me!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Yay! The candied rosemary is such a fun touch. So glad you're trying this!
GUNJAN C Dudani says
Your images are so beautiful. I can't keep my eyes off this wonderful beverage. I must try it soon.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Aww, thank you! ❤️
Tanya says
I love all of the unexpected ingredients in this margarita. Especially the coconut milk. I can't wait to give it a try!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
They all work so well together! Coconut milk and herbs are a wonderful match. Hope you love it!
Jacqui Debono says
I tend not to drink much at all, but when I do, I like to go all out and make something delicious that I can savour! This is perfect for sipping on a wintery day in front of the fire!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
For sure! Sounds like it's perfect for you.
Veronika says
Such beautiful photos and the cocktail looks delicious! We are hosting a dinner this weekend and this margarita will be perfect for this party!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much! Hope everyone loved it!
Anna says
Oh my.... I just got very thirsty... This cocktail looks wonderful! Love the sound of tequila with coconut milk and rosemary flavours!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
They all are SO good together! Hope you love it.
Sharon says
Winter Wonderland is the perfect name for this beautful cocktail! With the tequila it's a great way to warm up when it gets cold out.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
For sure! A cocktail always does it for me. ?
Lauren Schmidt says
Just made my first one! AMAZING! About to make another because it’s just so good I can’t stop drinking it! Great recipe girl!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Haha, I felt the same way when I first tried it! So glad to hear how much you loved it!