Coconut Margarita

Best tequila for a Coconut Margarita recipe

When it comes to crafting the perfect Coconut Margarita, selecting the right tequila is key. You’ll want to go for a Blanco tequila made from 100% blue agave. This type of tequila is unaged, which means it has a crisp, clean flavour that beautifully balances the creamy coconut and tangy lime juice in the cocktail. 

A high-quality blanco tequila offers bright, citrusy notes with hints of tropical fruit and a touch of peppery spice. The natural smoothness of a 100% agave tequila allows the flavours to blend harmoniously, giving your Coconut Margarita a well-rounded, refreshing finish with a touch of zest. 

Also see: 17 Easy Coconut Cocktails to Make at Home 

Coconut cream or cream of coconut

When it comes to making the perfect Coconut Margarita, it’s important to use cream of coconut, not coconut cream—and here’s why. 

Cream of coconut is specifically formulated for cocktails and desserts. It’s sweetened and has a rich, thick consistency that blends seamlessly with other ingredients, providing that signature tropical sweetness and smooth texture. This is what gives your Coconut Margarita a luxurious, dessert-like finish. 

Coconut cream, on the other hand, is unsweetened and typically used in cooking. While it’s thicker than coconut milk, it doesn’t have the same sweetness or the silky texture of cream of coconut. If you were to use coconut cream in this recipe, you’d end up with a much less balanced drink, possibly even a bit bland, since you’d miss out on that necessary sweetness. 

Learn more: Your Guide to Making Creamy Vegan Cocktails 

Variations & tips on how to make a Coconut Margarita your own

Looking to put your personal spin on the Coconut Margarita? Here are some fun variations and tips to help you customise your cocktail: 

• Make it spicy. Add a kick by muddling a few slices of fresh jalapeño with the lime juice before shaking. The heat contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the coconut. 

• Frozen Coconut Margarita. Toss all the ingredients into a blender with a handful of ice for a frosty, tropical treat. Perfect for those extra hot days! 

• Swap out the liqueur. Instead of Grand Marnier, try a coconut or pineapple liqueur to intensify the tropical vibe. It adds another layer of depth without overpowering the tequila. 

• Add a splash of pineapple juice. For an extra fruity twist, mix in a little pineapple juice with the lime juice. It pairs perfectly with the cream of coconut, adding another dimension to the flavour. 

• Garnish creatively. Beyond the classic lime wedge, add a skewer of fresh pineapple or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for an eye-catching presentation. 

• Rim it with flavoured salt. Instead of toasted coconut, rim your glass with flavoured salt, like chilli-lime salt, for a bold contrast that enhances each sip. 

• Cut back on sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet drink, dial back the cream of coconut slightly and add a little more lime juice for extra brightness. 

• Try a coconut sugar rim. For a bit more sweetness and texture, dip the rim of your glass in coconut sugar instead of toasted coconut. 

Go pro: What is the Best Margarita Recipe (10 Ways to Make a Margarita) 

Serving suggestions

Coconut Margaritas are perfect for a beach-themed party, a poolside gathering, or as the signature cocktail this festive season. For a more elegant presentation, serve them at a tropical dinner party with tiki lights and laid-back vibes. Here are a few of our favourite food pairings.  

• Spicy Mexican fare: Tacos with grilled shrimp, jalapeño-studded nachos, or spicy chicken quesadillas bring out the sweetness in the cocktail while balancing the heat with the creamy coconut. 

• Grilled seafood: The taste of coconut complements the smoky, savoury notes of grilled fish or prawns, especially when served with a squeeze of lime or a tropical salsa. 

• Coconut shrimp: Lean into the coconut theme by pairing the Margarita with crispy, golden-fried coconut shrimp. The combination is a match made in tropical heaven! 

• Ceviche: The fresh, citrusy punch of ceviche plays beautifully against the creamy, sweet nature of the cocktail. Go for ceviche made with a hint of spice to really balance the flavours. 

• Tropical fruit platter: For a lighter snack, serve with a platter of fresh mango, pineapple, and papaya. These fruits not only match the tropical theme, but they also enhance the cocktail’s flavour.  

Other cocktails to try if you love a Coconut Margarita

Jack Frost. This frosty sipper combines a frosty, refreshing blend of tropical flavours with a hint of sweetness. Its slushy, icy texture and coconut undertones make it a delightful escape from traditional cold-weather drinks. 

Pina Colada. The classic Piña Colada boasts a creamy, smooth texture with a perfect balance of pineapple sweetness and rich coconut flavour. It’s tropical and indulgent, ideal for folks who love bold, fruity cocktails. 

Painkiller. A velvety tropical cocktail with a hint of spice, the Painkiller blends the smooth sweetness of coconut and pineapple with a touch of citrus, creating a comforting yet refreshing sip. 

Mezcal Margarita. A more complex twist on the classic, the Mezcal Margarita comes to the party with earthy notes and a zesty kick of lime, offering a rich, layered experience for fans of bold flavours. 

Lime Margarita (the OG). The original Margarita is a timeless classic, offering a perfect balance of tart lime, a slight sweetness, and a refreshing bite. It’s the ultimate citrusy cocktail that never goes out of style. 

Top tips from Tris

Tristram Fini, our friend from the Campari Academy UK, has shared a few valuable tips for folks who want to understand more about mixing and pairing tequila to perfection:  

Tips for pairing tequila cocktails with food

If food and drinks have grown together regionally, they will automatically pair well. With tequila, you can explore options like aguachile, which is a ceviche-style dish. You can also consider different styles of tacos, such as al pastor or tacos de birria, which are vibrant regional dishes coming from Oaxaca and Puebla specifically. 

Tequila usually has an element of acidity, freshness, and potentially spice. Nicely cured seafood and grilled prawns work great, but steer clear of dishes that are too dairy-heavy. Those don’t really pair naturally with tequila.Focus on vibrant, fresh flavours that aren’t too subtle. 

Interestingly, tequila and margaritas pair wonderfully with oysters. Oysters are fatty and briny, giving them a salty characteristic. Margaritas pair well with that saltiness because salt and tequila are always going to work well together. 

Unusual ingredients to enhance Margaritas  

When crafting margaritas, consider flavours that complement tequila, particularly those representative of its region of origin. Mexico’s diverse food scene offers a wealth of ingredients, including mangoes, pineapples, and tomatillos, which can enhance the cocktail. 

For a spicy twist, adding a mango habanero hot sauce can elevate a margarita, infusing it with tropical nuances. Coconut is another intriguing flavour that pairs well with tequila, although it’s often underutilised. 

Add a few dashes of coconut to a Tommy’s Margarita to allow the pineapple flavour to shine. Another suggested recipe includes 60 ml of tequila, 30 ml of lime juice, 15 ml of agave syrup, and your desired amount of hot sauce. Shake well, and you’re ready to enjoy a uniquely flavoured Margarita! 

There you have it – our favourite Coconut Margarita recipe, and a few insider tips to help you whip up an incredible tropical creation every time. Tag us when you share your pics on Instagram and remember to sign up for our newsletter to receive the freshest drinkspiration in your inbox. In the meantime, visit the Espolòn and Grand Marnier websites for more cocktail ideas.