A Coconut Margarita brings together tropical flavor and a classic favorite. The smooth combo of coconut and lime gives this drink a fresh twist that’s honestly pretty hard not to love, no matter the season.
Here’s how to whip up a simple, refreshing cocktail that tastes like a quick vacation in a glass.
I love how this recipe stays simple but still feels a little special. You don’t need fancy tools or weird ingredients—just a handful of basics you probably already have around.
The steps go by fast, and the end result is a creamy, citrusy drink that hits that sweet-tart balance just right.
You’ll see exactly what gear works best, which ingredients to grab, and how to mix them up for a killer taste. I’ve thrown in a few notes and tasting tips to help you tweak each sip if you want.
Coconut Margarita Cocktail Recipe
When I want a smooth, tropical twist on the classic margarita, I reach for a coconut margarita. Mixing coconut and lime gives this coconut cocktail a bright, beachy flavor that just feels like summer.
It’s easy to make and somehow always manages to feel a bit celebratory.
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger
- Strainer
- Margarita glass
- Small plate for salt or coconut flakes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge and shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim your glass with lime juice, then dip it in salt or coconut flakes.
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, coconut cream, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Shake it up for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into the glass you prepped and fill with fresh ice.
- Top with a lime wedge or sprinkle of coconut.
You get a creamy, slightly tangy drink. The coconut softens the lime’s sharpness, and the tequila finishes it off clean.
It’s a coconut margarita recipe that just feels balanced and easy to sip any time.
Equipment
When I make a Coconut Margarita, I stick to simple tools. The right gear helps me blend everything smoothly and keeps the flavors in check.
Here’s what I grab:
- Cocktail shaker – I toss everything in here to mix the coconut cream, lime juice, and tequila. It chills the drink and makes it silky.
- Blender – If I’m feeling a frozen version, I blend it all with ice until it’s thick and creamy.
- Citrus juicer – I use this to squeeze every drop from the limes, minus the seeds and pulp.
- Measuring jigger – It helps me get the right amounts for a consistent flavor.
- Strainer – I strain out ice chips or pulp so the drink stays smooth.
- Serving glass – Usually I go for a short glass or a margarita glass, just for that classic look.
I make sure everything’s clean and ready before I even start. Having these tools right there saves time and makes the whole thing more fun.
Ingredients
I keep this drink pretty straightforward, using just a few fresh and creamy things. Coconut and lime really give the margarita that smooth, tropical flavor I’m after.
Here’s what I use for one or two servings. Adjust the amounts if you like things sweeter or stronger.
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau (any orange liqueur is fine)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez or Coco Real)
- 1 oz coconut milk or coconut cream for extra richness
- ½ oz agave syrup (totally optional if you want more sweetness)
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Lime wedge and shredded coconut for garnish
I always go for fresh lime juice instead of bottled. It just keeps the drink tasting bright and crisp.
If you want it less sweet, cut back on the cream of coconut or skip the syrup.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this cocktail in no time and still get that refreshing, balanced flavor.
Instructions
I like to keep it easy when making this drink. Before I start, I gather everything so I’m not scrambling around.
Here’s my go-to process:
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Step 2: Add coconut cream, tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
- Step 3: Close the shaker tight and shake for about 15 seconds, until it feels cold.
- Step 4: Rim the glass with a bit of lime juice, then dip it in toasted coconut flakes or salt, whichever sounds good.
- Step 5: Strain the mix into the glass over fresh ice.
- Step 6: Garnish with a lime wedge or a little piece of coconut.
I usually taste it before serving, just to check the balance. If it’s a little too strong, I’ll splash in some coconut water to mellow it out.
Once I’m finished, I clean up right away so I can actually relax and enjoy the drink.
Equipment
- Measuring jigger
- Margarita or rocks glass
- Small plate (for rim)
- Blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- 1 oz lime juice fresh
- 1 oz coconut milk optional, for extra richness
- 0.5 oz agave syrup optional, to taste
- ice cubes for shaking and serving
- lime wedge for garnish
- shredded coconut toasted, for rim; or use salt
Instructions
- Rim a chilled margarita or rocks glass with lime juice, then dip in toasted coconut (or salt). Fill the glass with fresh ice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add tequila, cream of coconut, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. Add coconut milk and agave syrup if using.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and a light sprinkle of coconut.
- Frozen option: blend all ingredients with a generous handful of ice until slushy, then pour into a prepared glass.
Notes
Notes
Toasting the coconut adds a warm, nutty flavor and a bit of crunch you just don’t get from plain coconut. I spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for a few minutes, watching until it turns golden brown.
For the coconut rim, I dip the glass edge in lime juice first, then roll it in the toasted coconut. It gives each sip a little texture and a subtle sweetness.
I always keep lime wedges close by. They’re perfect for tweaking the tartness or just making the glass look good. Fresh lime juice is way brighter than the bottled stuff, so I squeeze it right before mixing.
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Small plate for rim
- Baking sheet
- Measuring jigger
- Serving glass
Ingredients:
- Toasted coconut (for rim)
- Lime wedges
- Lime juice
- Tequila
- Coconut cream
- Triple sec or orange liqueur
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Toast the coconut until golden, then let it cool.
- Rub a lime wedge around the glass rim and dip it in toasted coconut.
- Add ice, tequila, coconut cream, lime juice, and triple sec to your shaker.
- Shake well and strain into the prepped glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Tasting Notes
I take my first sip and right away, I notice how smooth and creamy it is. That coconut flavor jumps out, bringing a gentle sweetness that honestly reminds me of a tropical cocktail you’d want by the pool on a sunny day.
The lime juice keeps things lively and bright. It cuts through the coconut’s richness, sort of like what you get in a classic margarita, but it’s got a softer, more laid-back vibe.
I catch a whiff of toasted coconut and citrus. The aroma comes across as clean and fresh, not heavy at all.
On my next sip, the tequila brings a gentle warmth. It actually blends in with the coconut instead of trying to take over.
The finish? It’s smooth, just a little tangy. That hint of salt from the rim makes each sip feel more balanced—kind of refreshing, honestly.
Flavor Highlights:
- Sweet coconut cream
- Tangy lime
- Smooth tequila
- Light salt finish
Each flavor stands out on its own, but somehow they all just work together. The drink feels both familiar and kind of surprising at the same time.

