This easy White Christmas Margarita is the dreamiest Christmas cocktail around! It’s made with cream of coconut and lime juice for the perfect tropical escape on a cold winter day. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary for a stunning cocktail that’s perfect for the holiday season.
You already know I’m a sucker for a twist on a classic margarita.
This Italian Margarita is one of my favorites, and Hibiscus Margaritas are perfect if you’re looking for fruity flavors. Or for a little kick, this Grilled Pineapple Margarita with Jalapeno always delivers.
But when the holidays roll around, my go-to festive cocktail is this White Christmas Margarita.
It’s essentially a coconut margarita that looks like a classy, snowy Christmas scene in a glass. DREAMY, right? It adds that special touch to Christmas parties and holiday gatherings and is always a huge hit.
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Why you’ll love it
This cocktail only requires a few simple ingredients, but the flavors are amazing together. With a rich coconut flavor and just a hint of sweetness. It’s creamy and delicious!
It’s tropical and wintery all at the same time, and only takes a few minutes to make. This is a winter margarita recipe you’ll love having in your back pocket for holiday dinner parties!
Ingredients needed
- Silver tequila – Silver is best so that your cocktail keeps its pure white color.
- Orange liqueur – Triple sec, grand marnier or cointreau (read about the differences here).
- Cream of coconut – Look for this in the cocktail aisle of grocery stores or on Amazon. It’s normally sold in a white squeeze bottle.
- Fresh lime juice – Fresh is best here! Don’t use the bottled stuff.
- Club soda – Aka soda water.
- Garnish – Fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, and/or lime slices.
- Sugar lime rim – Lime zest, sugar, and salt.
The flavors of this winter margarita really come from the cream of coconut and lime juice.
This recipe calls for cream of coconut. It is rich and creamy, which gives the margarita the perfect smooth texture. You can use coconut milk instead, but it won’t add nearly as much flavor and texture as cream of coconut.
I highly suggest using real, fresh limes instead of the little bottle you buy at the store. Nothing beats the tangy brightness of a fresh lime!
What tequila is best for margaritas?
This recipe is best with a silver or blanco tequila. Because it isn’t aged very long, it has an almost clear color, which helps you achieve the snowy Christmas look. It still packs a flavorful punch though. Don’t use gold tequila, as it will have a very different flavor and overall look and could turn your coconut margarita a tan color.
How to make it
These margaritas are ultra-simple to make! Start by making the sugar rim for the glasses by mixing the sugar, lime zest, and a pinch of salt together. Rub a lime wedge on the rim of each glass, then dip each one in the sugar mixture.
To make the margarita, add the tequila, triple sec, cream of coconut, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Give it a good shake, then strain it into the glasses. Then just top it with a splash of club soda.
I like a rosemary garnish, but sugared cranberries are also super fun!
How to make a pitcher of winter white margaritas
As written, this recipe makes one cocktail, but to make a large batch, simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card below to make 6 servings. Add the ingredients to a large pitcher and stir to combine.
How to make ahead
Yes! You can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time. You’ll simply need to re-stir the cocktail to combine it again.
Variations
- For a little extra holiday flavor, you could add a splash of white cranberry juice. It is still light in color and has a very soft flavor.
- Instead of a sugar lime rim, switch it up with a cinnamon sugar rim. Yum!
- Don’t like tequila? You could also use coconut rum.
- You can also use a blend this recipe in a blender for a smooth margarita.
More margarita recipes
- More → 30+ Flavored Margaritas
Favorite holiday appetizers
More holiday cocktail recipe ideas
Did you try this White Christmas Margarita recipe?
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Full Recipe
White Christmas Margarita
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce cointreau (or triple sec or Gran Marnier)
- 2 ounces cream of coconut
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- Ice
- Club soda (for topping)
Sugar Lime Rim (optional)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- To make the sugar lime rim, combine the lime zest, sugar, and salt on a shallow plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glasses then dip into the sugar mixture. Fill with ice.
- Add the tequila, triple sec, cream of coconut and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into rimmed glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with cranberries, lime wheels and rosemary sprigs. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a little extra holiday flavor, you could add a splash of white cranberry juice. It is still light in color and has a very soft flavor.
- Instead of a sugar lime rim, switch it up with a cinnamon sugar rim.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2021 to add new information. The Christmas margarita remains the same. Enjoy!
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