White Christmas Margarita Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive yet refreshing cocktail to wow your guests or cozy up your holiday evenings, I’ve got just the thing. This White Christmas Margarita Recipe is my absolute favorite twist on the classic margarita—it’s creamy, tropical, and has this gorgeous holiday flair that you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on the blend of coconut, lime, and a little rosemary magic that makes it so special.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive Flavor Twist: The combination of creamy coconut with zesty lime makes this margarita uniquely delicious for the holidays.
  • Easy to Make: Just a few fresh ingredients and a quick shake standing between you and the perfect cocktail.
  • Beautiful Presentation: The coconut rim, rosemary sprig, and cranberries make for an Instagram-worthy drink.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a quiet night, this recipe always feels special and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work together to balance creamy, tart, and sweet flavors with fresh herbal notes. When I shop for this White Christmas Margarita Recipe, I always look for fresh limes and good quality cream of coconut to ensure the best flavor.

Flat lay of a fresh halved lime with visible juice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded unsweetened coconut, a delicate sprig of fresh rosemary, a cluster of bright red cranberries, a small white bowl containing creamy white coconut cream, a small white bowl with clear lime juice, a small white bowl of golden tequila blanco, and a small white bowl of amber Cointreau, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - White Christmas Margarita, holiday margarita, festive cocktails, coconut lime margarita, Christmas cocktail
  • Dried unsweetened shredded coconut: This is what makes your glass rim festive and adds that lovely texture and aroma.
  • Fresh rosemary sprig: I love tapping it before adding into the drink to release its piney fragrance—it really lifts the cocktail.
  • Cranberries: They add a pop of color and tartness, perfect for the seasonal vibe.
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is key here; it brightens up the creaminess beautifully.
  • Cream of coconut: Make sure to shake the can well before measuring to avoid separation.
  • Cointreau or other triple sec liqueur: This adds a touch of orange sweetness and complexity.
  • Tequila blanco: Use a good quality blanco to keep the flavor crisp and clean.
  • Vanilla vodka (optional): This is a personal twist I like; it adds a subtle warmth but feel free to skip if you prefer.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love occasionally switching this White Christmas Margarita Recipe up to suit different occasions or moods. Don’t be shy to experiment with ingredients that suit your taste or dietary needs—it’s your festive cocktail after all!

  • Frozen Style: Blend the cocktail with ice for a slushy version that’s perfect for warmer climates or holiday pool parties.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Replace tequila and Cointreau with lime soda and a splash of coconut water for a refreshing mocktail.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy: Stick to cream of coconut and skip the vanilla vodka to keep it vegan-friendly and still deliciously creamy.
  • Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick garnish for an extra cozy holiday note.

How to Make White Christmas Margarita Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Glass with a Festive Coconut Rim

Start by cutting a fresh lime in half and gently rubbing it around the rim of your glass. This moistens the edge so the shredded coconut sticks perfectly. If you don’t have lime, plain water or some cream of coconut syrup works too, but lime gives you that zesty brightness I love. Now dip the rim right into a shallow dish of dried unsweetened shredded coconut, twisting as you go until the rim is coated all around. Set your glass aside while you prepare the cocktail itself.

Step 2: Shake Up the Cocktail

Pour 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 ounce of well-shaken cream of coconut, ½ ounce of Cointreau, 2 ounces of tequila blanco, and 1 bar spoon of vanilla vodka (if using) into a cocktail shaker. Add plenty of ice, seal the shaker tightly, and give it a vigorous shake for 15 to 20 seconds. The shaking chills and combines everything while making the drink wonderfully frothy and smooth.

Step 3: Serve with Style and Garnish

Fill your coconut-rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes, then strain the cocktail into the glass so it’s beautifully chilled. Drop in 5-8 fresh cranberries for that festive pop of color. Take your rosemary sprig, give it a gentle smack against your palm to release its aroma, and tuck it into the drink as a garnish. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also looks like holiday magic in a glass.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making White Christmas Margarita Recipe

  • Shake the Cream of Coconut: I learned the hard way that cream of coconut tends to separate; shaking the can before measuring ensures you get that rich, luscious creaminess.
  • Fresh Citrus Matters: Using fresh lime juice rather than bottled really brightens the drink and keeps the flavors crisp.
  • Don’t Skip the Rosemary Tap: Smacking the rosemary sprig releases oils that make all your senses come alive—totally worth the extra step.
  • Serve Immediately: This cocktail can separate after 5-10 minutes because of the coconut cream, so enjoy it fresh or give it a gentle stir before your next sip.

How to Serve White Christmas Margarita Recipe

White Christmas Margarita Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

If you want your White Christmas Margarita Recipe to truly shine, I always go with the classic trio: shredded coconut rim, fresh cranberries floating in the glass, and a rosemary sprig gently tapped and tucked in. It looks stunning and invites your guests to inhale that fresh pine aroma before their first sip.

Side Dishes

This creamy, citrusy cocktail pairs beautifully with light, salty snacks. I like serving it alongside spiced nuts, crispy tortilla chips with guacamole, or a vibrant seafood ceviche to complement the coconut and lime flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

During last year’s holiday party, I served the White Christmas Margarita Recipe in mini mason jars with tiny candy cane stir sticks—everyone loved the mix of rustic charm and festive cheer! For a cozy vibe, you could also rim the glass with crushed peppermint candy for an extra holiday kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I rarely have leftovers because this cocktail disappears fast, but if you do, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and give it a vigorous shake or stir before serving again—just expect a bit of separation from the cream of coconut.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this White Christmas Margarita Recipe because the coconut cream texture changes when frozen, but you can blend it with ice and freeze as a slush for a fun frozen cocktail alternative.

Reheating

This isn’t a cocktail you want to heat up—best enjoyed chilled and fresh. If you must revive leftovers, stirring well and adding fresh ice is your best bet to bring back some of the original charm.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the White Christmas Margarita Recipe without alcohol?

    Absolutely! Substitute the tequila and Cointreau with sparkling water or lime soda and add extra lime juice for brightness. You can keep the cream of coconut for that delicious creamy texture, making it an enjoyable non-alcoholic holiday treat.

  2. What is the difference between cream of coconut and coconut milk?

    Cream of coconut is a sweetened, thicker coconut product often used in cocktails, while coconut milk is thinner and unsweetened. For this White Christmas Margarita Recipe, cream of coconut adds the creamy sweetness that’s essential to the flavor balance.

  3. How do I keep the shredded coconut from falling off the rim?

    Make sure to moisten the rim well with lime juice (or cream of coconut syrup), then dip the glass rim slowly into the shredded coconut, pressing gently and twisting to get full coverage. Setting the glass aside to let the coconut adhere before adding the cocktail helps too.

  4. Can I prepare the cocktail in advance?

    You can mix the cocktail components ahead but hold off on adding ice and garnishes until serving. Keep the mix refrigerated and shake again just before pouring to maintain freshness, as the coconut cream separates over time.

Final Thoughts

This White Christmas Margarita Recipe has genuinely become my go-to festive drink because it hits all the right notes—creamy, tart, and a little sweet with holiday charm packed in every sip. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; it was an instant hit and soon became a tradition. If you want to impress your guests or just treat yourself to something a little festive and fun, I really recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s cozy, bright, and just downright delicious—cheers to your holiday happiness!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
White Christmas Margarita Recipe

White Christmas Margarita Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 786 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

The White Christmas Margarita is a festive and creamy cocktail combining the tropical flavors of cream of coconut and lime juice with the classic margarita blend of tequila and Cointreau, garnished beautifully with shredded coconut, rosemary, and cranberries for a holiday twist.


Ingredients

Scale

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons dried unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 58 cranberries

Cocktail

  • 1 ounce lime juice (from about 1 fresh lime)
  • 1 ounce cream of coconut (shake well before using)
  • ½ ounce Cointreau (or other triple sec liqueur)
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 1 bar spoon vanilla vodka (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Garnish: Cut a lime in half and use it to wet the rim of your serving glass. If you don’t have a fresh lime, you can use water or some cream of coconut syrup instead. Dip the wet rim into the shredded coconut, turning the glass so that the entire rim is evenly coated. Set the glass aside.
  2. Set Aside Garnishes: Wash and dry a rosemary sprig and cranberries carefully. Keep them ready while you prepare the drink.
  3. Mix Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, pour the lime juice, cream of coconut (shaken well beforehand), Cointreau, tequila blanco, and optionally, vanilla vodka. Fill the shaker with ice, securely seal it, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
  4. Serve Cocktail: Fill the prepared serving glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken cocktail into the glass to maintain smoothness and texture.
  5. Add Garnishes: Drop the cranberries into the glass. Gently tap the rosemary sprig against your palm to release its aroma, then add it as a fragrant garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Shake the cream of coconut well before measuring to ensure proper consistency and flavor integration.
  • The cream of coconut may separate from the mixture within 5 to 10 minutes after pouring, so it’s best to enjoy the cocktail immediately after preparing. If separation occurs, simply stir the drink to recombine.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approximately 6 oz)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

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