• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Peel with Zeal

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • GF Resources
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • GF Resources
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Published: Aug 2, 2021 · Modified: Jun 20, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Coconut Margaritas

    127 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email
    - Jump to Recipe -
    coconut margarita

    A refreshing and creamy take on the classic margarita. Coconut margaritas have all the lime flavor, yet they are not overly sweet and can be served on the rocks or frozen. This coconut margarita recipe makes 2 cocktails, but you can use the 2x and 3x buttons on the recipe card to increase the recipe, this is the perfect cocktail for a crowd.

    overhead look at two coconut margaritas

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    We have been having a lot of success with our mezcal cocktails, our Mezcal Paloma quickly became one of the most popular recipes to date. I have a feeling this coconut lime margarita is going to have the same appeal.

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    This recipe is refreshing, making it perfect for summer happy hour and Cinco de Mayo. But also, totally appropriate for a winter white party.

    This recipe uses coconut cream, not coconut milk. Which gives a luscious texture to the drink. And most recipes use cream of coconut, which is way too sweet for a margarita. The sugar in the cream of coconut overpowers the tequila and the lime juice.

    Our coconut margarita recipe is just right! Plus it is nice to have a new take on the classic margarita recipe. Variety is the spice of life.

    And you can't have a margarita without chips and salsa. And if you are going to do a twist on a classic cocktail, you should definitely do a twist on traditional salsa. This is why we served this delicious drink with our roasted salsa.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredients
    • 💬 Substitutions
    • ⏲️Instructions
    • 💭Expert Tips
    • 🌡️Make Ahead and Storage
    • More Great Cocktail Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    🧾Ingredients

    The key to this recipe is using the correct type of coconut. You want the drink to be frothy, not heavy. And not too sweet. We love a pina colada but this is so much better! It is my favorite tropical cocktail.

    • Coconut cream (in a can, not a carton or a squeeze bottle)
    • Tequila
    • Lime Juice
    • Orange Liqueur
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Lime wedges (for garnish)

    Toasted Coconut Glass Rim (optional)

    • Unsweetened coconut- You want the dried flakes, no sugar added.
    • Kosher salt
    • Sugar
    • Zest of 1 lime zested

    You can use skip the salt and/ or sugar and just use the lime and coconut for a great look but without the extra saltiness or sweetness. Make it yours!

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    glass with tequila bottle and Cointreau bottle behind

    💬 Substitutions

    Coconut Cream vs Coconut Milk

    Coconut cream is different than coconut milk, it has a higher fat content. To substitute coconut milk (the kind in a can, not a carton) for the cream place the can in the fridge for 60 minutes for the cream to separate from the coconut water. Spoon off the needed amount of cream from the top.

    Do not use coconut milk beverages or cream of coconut. Coconut milk beverages may have sweetener added but most importantly they are thin and lack the fat needed to make the froth.

    Cream of coconut has sugar added. A lot of sugar added. If this is all you have on hand definitely skip the extra sugar. and know that the drink will be substantially sweeter than intended.

    Tequila

    I prefer a Blanco-style or silver tequila for this margarita recipe. The best type of tequila to use for this drink is a mid-range priced one you like.

    Given the extra coconut, a high-priced tequila is unnecessary, the details of the spirit won't come through.

    But there is enough tequila flavor coming through you don't want to add a low-end tequila that tastes like rocket fuel.

    Out of tequila? Then try our vodka margarita.

    Orange Liqueur

    My preference for orange liqueur is Cointreau but Grand Marnier and triple sec also work just fine. If you don't have orange liqueur on hand, simply add a small splash of OJ and a little extra sugar.

    Lime Juice

    For lime juice use fresh or bottled. I prefer bottled because I am admittedly lazy when it comes to cocktails and you would have to squeeze a lot of limes to get enough fresh lime juice.

    Simple Syrup vs Granulated Sugar

    Simple syrup is granulated sugar dissolved in water over low heat and then cooled. Simple syrup is used in cocktails to eliminate the graininess of undissolved sugar and for a sweetness that is consistent throughout the drink.

    While we typically use simple syrup for cocktails but here the sugar gets blended and dissolves quickly, so I don't go to the extra trouble to make a syrup.

    You can substitute simple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. If you are avoiding sugar you can omit but the drink will be very tart.

    toasted coconut on small plate

    ⏲️Instructions

    Toasted Coconut Glass Rim

    The first step is to toast the coconut. Place the coconut in a dry skillet and toast over medium heat until golden brown. About 4 minutes. Spread out on a small plate and allow to cool for 5 minutes (this is when I blend the cocktail).

    Mix in the salt, sugar, and lime zest on the plate. Using a lime wedge moisten the rim of the glass and dip the glass into the coconut mixture.

    How to Make a Coconut Margarita on the Rocks

    Combine all the ingredients in a blender with 5 to 6 ice cubes. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until the ice is crushed. The ice helps keep the coconut froth without making it frozen.

    Place ice into two coconut-rimmed glasses. Pour the blender contents into the glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.

    Alternately you can place all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Put on the top and aggressively shake until frothy for the perfect drink. At least 1 minute.

    margarita in a glass with lime wedges scattered around

    How to Make a Frozen Coconut Margarita

    Fill a blender with ice and add all the margarita ingredients. Blend on high for 60 seconds or until the ice is totally crushed.

    Pour into two coconut-rimmed glasses and garnish with a lime wheel or wedge. I hope you enjoy the tropical flavor of the recipe!

    💭Expert Tips

    • Use the solid white part of the coconut cream, leaving the clear liquid behind. 
    • Do not over-blend the coconut cream, it will turn into whipped cream. Making the drink extra thick.
    • You can make the recipe without a blender by placing the ice in a cocktail shaker and adding all the drink ingredients. Shake for one minute. Using a strainer pour over ice. 

    🌡️Make Ahead and Storage

    If you want to make a batch of cocktails ahead of time using the blender method and serving over ice is your best bet. The coconut milk will stay frothy for 1 to 2 hours when stored in the fridge.

    Leftover coconut milk? Cover and place in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. You can use the leftover cream or milk for our Thai pumpkin soup or my favorite vegetarian green curry.

    More Great Cocktail Recipes

    • Strawberry Whiskey Smash
    • Mezcal Mule
    • Blood Orange Margarita
    • Green Ghost Cocktail

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    Is coconut cream the same as cream of coconut?

    No. Coconut cream is pure coconut milk with a higher percentage of fat (aka the cream) than coconut milk. Cream of coconut is a syrupy concoction of coconut cream and sugar or corn syrup.

    📖 Recipe

    two glasses of coconut lime margaritas with lime garnish

    Coconut Margarita

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    A refreshing twist on the classic margarita. Made with coconut cream and a dash of sugar for just the slightest bit of sweetness. This coconut lime margarita is the perfect summer drink.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Cocktail, Drinks
    Cuisine American, Mexican
    Servings 2
    Calories 289 kcal

    Equipment

    • Blender

    Ingredients
      

    Coconut Lime Margarita

    • 3 oz. coconut cream
    • 3 oz tequila
    • 2 oz. lime juice
    • 1 oz. Cointreau or triple sec
    • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or simple syrup

    Glass Rim and Garnishes (optional)

    • ¼ cup coconut
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 1 lime zested
    • 4 lime wedges

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all the ingredients in a blender with a handful of ice. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until the ice is crushed.
      3 oz. coconut cream, 3 oz tequila, 2 oz. lime juice, 1 oz. Cointreau or triple sec, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
    • Place ice into two coconut-rimmed glasses. Pour the blender contents into the glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.

    Toasted Coconut Glass Rim

    • Place the coconut in a dry skillet and toast over medium heat until golden brown. About 4 minutes.
      ¼ cup coconut
    • Mix the toasted coconut, salt, sugar, and zest of a lime and spread on a plate. Using a lime wedge moisten the rim of the glass and dip into the coconut mixture.
      ¼ cup coconut, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 lime zested, 4 lime wedges

    Video

    Notes

    1. Use the solid white part of the coconut cream, leaving the clear liquid behind. 
    2. Simple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar can be substituted for the sugar. 
    3. You can make the recipe without a blender by placing the ice in a cocktail shaker and adding all the drink ingredients. Shake for one minute. Using a strainer pour over ice. 
    4. To make a frozen coconut margarita, add 3 cups of ice to a blender along with the coconut cream, tequila, lime juice, orange liquor, and sugar. Blend until frothy. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 289kcal | Carbs: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g
    Keyword coconut cocktails, coconut lime margarita, coconut margarita
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Next Recipe

    • Homemade Hard Apple Cider
    • Cucumber Gin and Tonic
    • Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
    • Red, White, and Blue Cocktail
    127 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    Subscribe

    Seasonal Recipes

    • Roast Turkey with Sage and Orange
    • How to Dry Brine a Turkey
    • Homemade Turkey Broth
    • Citrus and Herb Cornish Hens
    • Cranberry Gin Cocktail
    • Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

    Popular Recipes

    • Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
    • Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Squash
    • San Marzano Tomato Sauce
    • Demerara Syrup
    • Tanghulu
    • Easy Dog Birthday Cake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out our new Web Stories

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Partnerships

    Copyright © 2022 Peel with Zeal