If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, but maybe white sand instead of snow, then you’ll love this white Christmas margarita! It’s a tropical inspired tequila-based cocktail featuring lime and coconut (which makes the drink white), with a festive holiday cranberry garnish!
What is a White Christmas Margarita?
A white Christmas margarita is a holiday cocktail that combines classic margarita flavors with holiday-inspired ingredients for a creamy, snowy appearance.
This festive cocktail includes tequila, triple sec, lime juice, coconut milk and cream of coconut, with the option of a sweetener like agave syrup.
The coconut milk gives the drink its white, frosty look, reminiscent of snow, while the lime juice and tequila maintain the margarita’s signature tangy kick! Garnishes like cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, or lime slices only enhance the holiday charm and flavor.
A Christmas margarita is a great choice for holiday gatherings due to its delicious blend of tropical coconut flavors and traditional winter aesthetics. It’s versatile and can be made in batches for parties or individually for a cozy celebration!
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White Christmas Margarita Ingredients
- 2 ounces blanco tequila (or silver)
- 2 ounces coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- 1 ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
For the Rim (Optional)
- Fresh lime wedge
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (amount approximate)
Garnish Options
- Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- Lime slices
- Rosemary sprigs
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Don’t like tequila? Try coconut rum instead
- You can swap the coconut milk for white cranberry juice instead if you’d like to add a little more of a seasonal twist
- I think the cream of coconut makes the drink plenty sweet, but you can add more, or some additional agave as desired to adjust for your preferences
- For a bubbly twist, top your drink with club soda!
- Instead of granulated sugar for the rim, you can also use sanding sugar, sea salt, or flaked coconut for different options!
Pitcher Recipe (Serves 8)
- 2 cups tequila (blanco or silver)
- 2 cups coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 cup cream of coconut
- 1 cup triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
Mix together in a pitcher up to 24 hours in advance, then pour into individual rimmed glasses filled with ice for serving. Garnish as desired!
Mocktail Version
To make a mocktail version, you can replace the tequila with white grape juice or a non-alcoholic spirit. Use white cranberry juice instead of triple sec, and the rest of the ingredients can stay the same.
Garnish as you would the cocktail, and serve it over ice in a sugar-rimmed glass for a festive presentation!
How to Make a White Christmas Margarita
- To rim your glass (optional) run a fresh wedge of lime around the outside edge of the glass. Then, dip the wet edge into a plate or shallow bowl filled with granulated sugar and turn until well coated. Fill the glass with ice
- Add the tequila, coconut milk, lime juice, triple sec, and cream of coconut to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a couple ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into prepared margarita glasses
- Garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries, lime slices, or rosemary sprigs as desired. Enjoy!
Alternative Frozen Version
- Add all ingredients plus 1 cup of ice to a blender
- Blend on high until smooth (add more ice as desired if you want a thicker frozen margarita)
- Pour into rimmed glasses, then garnish as desired
Recipe FAQs
What Tequila Is Best For Margaritas?
The best tequila for margaritas is typically a high-quality blanco (silver) tequila, as it has a clean, bright flavor that blends well with citrus and other ingredients.
Reposado tequila, aged for a short period, can also work if you prefer a slightly richer flavor. Always look for “100% agave” on the label for the best taste and smoothness.
Can You Make This Recipe In A Pitcher?
Yes, this white Christmas margarita can be made in a pitcher for serving a group. Combine all ingredients in proportion, chill the mixture in the fridge, and stir before serving.
Adding ice directly to the glasses instead of the pitcher prevents dilution.
What Does Triple Sec Do For Margaritas?
Triple sec is a sweet orange-flavored liqueur that balances the tartness of lime juice in a margarita.
It enhances the cocktail’s overall flavor by adding depth and a hint of citrus.
Is Cointreau Or Triple Sec Better In Margaritas?
Cointreau, a premium orange liqueur, is smoother and slightly less sweet than triple sec, making it a popular choice for margaritas. However, either can be used based on your taste preference or availability.
Cointreau often results in a more refined cocktail, while triple sec offers a more budget-friendly option.
Tips For the Best White Christmas Margarita
- One medium lime usually produces about 1 ounce of fresh lime juice as a point of reference if you plan to make multiple servings. While you can use the bottled stuff in a pinch, I really feel that fresh juice makes these margaritas even better!
- The coconut naturally clumps a bit in the drink. If the texture will bother you, then I recommend serving it frozen instead of on the rocks (blending will help to alleviate that)
Storage and Serving Tips
- Glassware. You can use margarita glasses, mason jars, stemless wine glasses, or any similar style of lowball glass you like!
- You can store leftover margarita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For best results, remove ice to prevent dilution
- Coconut Margarita (W/ Coconut Tequila)
- Salted Caramel Margarita
Final Thoughts
These white Christmas margaritas are simple to make, and totally perfect for the holidays! They’re bursting with coconut flavor that will take you away to the tropics, with silver tequila and fresh cranberries to make for an elegant and delicious drink.
You can make this Christmas cocktail by the glass or in a large pitcher, making it a great option for entertaining! Plus, with the fruity vibes, it’s a sure bet to spread the holiday cheer.
So, if you’re looking for a great option to serve the adults for Christmas, the holiday party, or any other winter occasion, give this white Christmas margarita recipe a try! Cheers!
Easy White Christmas Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Margarita glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila (blanco or silver)
- 2 ounces coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- 1 ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
For the Rim
- 1 fresh lime wedge
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (plus a little lime zest if you want) (amount approximate)
Garnish Options
- Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- Lime slices
- Rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- To rim your glass (optional) run a fresh wedge of lime around the outside edge of the glass. Then, dip the wet edge into a plate or shallow bowl filled with granulated sugar and turn until well coated. Fill the glass with ice1 fresh lime wedge, 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (plus a little lime zest if you want)
- Add the tequila, coconut milk, lime juice, triple sec, and cream of coconut to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a couple ice cubes2 ounces tequila, 2 ounces coconut milk, 1 ounce cream of coconut, 1 ounce triple sec, 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Shake until well chilled and frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into prepared margarita glasses
- Garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries, lime slices, or rosemary sprigs as desired. Enjoy!Cranberries, Lime slices, Rosemary sprigs
Notes
- Don’t like tequila? Try coconut rum instead
- You can swap the coconut milk for white cranberry juice instead if you’d like to add a little more of a seasonal twist
- I think the cream of coconut makes the drink plenty sweet, but you can add more, or some additional agave as desired to adjust for your preferences
- For a bubbly twist (and to cut sweetness), top your drink with club soda!
- Instead of granulated sugar for the rim, you can also use sanding sugar, sea salt, or flaked coconut for different options!
- The coconut naturally clumps a bit in the drink. If the texture will bother you, then I recommend blending with ice and serving it frozen instead of on the rocks
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
