This White Christmas Margarita brings together the perfect blend of tequila, lime, and coconut for a holiday cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a signature drink to serve, this refreshing white margarita delivers festive flavors in minutes.
There’s something magical about the holidays in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made this cocktail for our family Christmas Eve gathering – the kids were decorating cookies, my husband was stringing lights, and I was looking for something special to serve the adults. I wanted a drink that felt festive but wasn’t the usual red or green. When I rimmed that first glass with coconut and added the cranberries and rosemary, the whole kitchen smelled like Christmas. The bright white color against those ruby cranberries reminded me of snow-covered fields back home, and that first sip – smooth tequila with creamy coconut and a hint of lime – was pure holiday magic. Now it’s become our tradition, and I can’t imagine Christmas without it. Time to shake up some holiday cheer!
What Makes This White Christmas Margarita So Special
I’ve been mixing cocktails for holiday parties for years, and this white margarita has become my go-to for good reason. It combines simple ingredients you can find at any liquor store with a presentation that looks like you spent hours preparing. Here’s why this festive cocktail belongs at your next celebration:
Ready in just minutes – From start to sipping, you’ll have these beautiful drinks in guests’ hands in under 5 minutes
Uses accessible ingredients – No hunting for exotic liqueurs or hard-to-find mixers, just quality basics from your local store
Delivers consistent crowd-pleasing results – The coconut-lime-tequila combination appeals to margarita lovers and tropical drink fans alike
Adapts easily for parties – Scale up to a pitcher for entertaining without losing that fresh-shaken quality
Creates that perfect balance – Sweet cream of coconut meets tart lime and smooth tequila for a flavor that’s refreshing, not cloying
Looks stunning – That coconut rim, bright white drink, and pop of red cranberries photograph beautifully
Ingredient Spotlight
Tequila Blanco: This clear, unaged tequila is essential for keeping your White Christmas Margarita bright white – I always choose a quality blanco over reposado or añejo to maintain that pristine snowy appearance.
Cream of Coconut: This sweet coconut syrup (not to be confused with unsweetened coconut cream) provides the signature white color and tropical sweetness that makes this margarita special.
Fresh Lime Juice: Nothing beats fresh-squeezed lime for that bright, tangy balance – I’ve learned that bottled juice just can’t deliver the same vibrant flavor that cuts through the coconut’s richness.
Cointreau: This premium orange liqueur adds subtle citrus depth and smoothness that elevates the drink beyond a basic margarita.
Vanilla Vodka: Just a bar spoon of this optional ingredient rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth – Betty’s tip: it’s that secret touch guests always ask about.
Dried Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: For the rim, this provides texture and reinforces the coconut theme without adding extra sweetness.
Fresh Rosemary and Cranberries: These garnishes aren’t just pretty – the rosemary releases an aromatic pine scent when you tap it, and cranberries add festive color while subtly flavoring the drink.
How to Make White Christmas Margarita
Step 1. Betty always starts by preparing the garnish first – cut your lime in half and run it around the rim of your glass, then dip the moistened rim into shredded coconut, turning slowly to coat evenly.
Step 2. I’ve found that washing and drying your rosemary and cranberries before you start mixing keeps them fresh and prevents water from diluting your cocktail.
Step 3. Add the lime juice, cream of coconut, Cointreau, tequila, and vanilla vodka to your cocktail shaker – through trial and error, I learned to shake that cream of coconut bottle vigorously before measuring to ensure the mixture is smooth.
Step 4. Fill the shaker completely with ice, seal it tight, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside feels frosty cold.
Step 5. After years of making this, I’ve discovered that filling your prepared glass with fresh ice (not the shaker ice) keeps the drink colder longer without excess dilution.
Step 6. Strain the white mixture over the fresh ice, watching as it cascades into your coconut-rimmed glass.
Step 7. The key I discovered is to add cranberries first, then lightly tap the rosemary sprig against your palm to release its aromatic oils before placing it in the drink – this creates that wonderful Christmas scent.
Keeping This White Christmas Margarita Fresh
I typically store any leftover mixture (without ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coconut will separate and settle to the bottom, but don’t worry – just give it a vigorous shake or stir before serving again. Betty’s storage method works well because the alcohol preserves the fresh lime juice, though the flavor is definitely brightest when served immediately.
For the best texture and appearance, I don’t recommend freezing this cocktail. The cream of coconut doesn’t maintain its smooth consistency after thawing, and you’ll end up with a grainy texture that isn’t pleasant. If you’re planning a party, mix the base ingredients ahead and keep them chilled, then simply shake with ice and garnish when guests arrive.
Since this drink naturally separates within 5-10 minutes as the coconut settles, serve it right after mixing for that beautiful white presentation. If it does separate while guests are mingling, Betty’s tip is to just give it a quick stir with a cocktail straw – it’ll still taste delicious, just won’t look quite as pristine.
White Christmas Margarita
A festive holiday cocktail combining tequila, lime, and coconut with a beautiful white color and rosemary-cranberry garnish
Cut lime in half and use it to wet the rim of your serving glass. Dip the wet rim into shredded coconut, turning the glass to coat evenly. Set aside.
Wash and dry the rosemary sprig and cranberries. Set aside for garnish.
Add lime juice, cream of coconut (shaken well), Cointreau, tequila, and vanilla vodka to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside is frosty.
Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice.
Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass over the fresh ice.
Add cranberries to the glass. Lightly tap the rosemary sprig against your palm to release oils, then add to glass and serve immediately.
Notes
The coconut will naturally separate within 5-10 minutes, so this cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after making. If separation occurs, simply stir and enjoy. Use blanco tequila to maintain the bright white color. For parties, mix base ingredients ahead and shake individual portions with ice when serving.
Perfect Partners for White Christmas Margarita
Spicy appetizers like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings – The cooling coconut and lime balance beautifully against heat, while the tequila cuts through rich, spicy flavors
Fresh shrimp cocktail or air fryer coconut shrimp – These light seafood starters complement the tropical notes in the margarita without overwhelming your palate before dinner
Cheese and whipped feta dip with honey – The sweet-tart profile of this cocktail pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses and creamy dips, creating sophisticated flavor contrasts
Holiday ham or glazed turkey – Betty’s family always serves this alongside our Christmas dinner – the lime’s acidity cuts through rich, glazed meats perfectly
Mexican-inspired appetizers like sheet pan shrimp fajitas – Since this is a margarita variation, it naturally pairs with Tex-Mex flavors and festive party foods
Coconut shrimp or tropical fruit skewers – Double down on the coconut theme with complementary dishes that enhance the margarita’s island-inspired character
FAQs
Can I make this White Christmas Margarita without alcohol? I recommend using a non-alcoholic tequila alternative, coconut water mixed with coconut cream, and fresh lime juice for a mocktail version that captures the tropical flavors – just skip the Cointreau and vanilla vodka.
Why does my white margarita separate so quickly? The cream of coconut naturally separates from the other ingredients because it’s heavier and syrup-based – to prevent this issue, shake extremely well with ice and serve immediately, or keep a stirring spoon handy for guests to mix as needed.
Can I substitute coconut cream for cream of coconut? Many home cooks find success with coconut cream if you add simple syrup to sweeten it, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same – cream of coconut is specifically formulated as a sweetened cocktail ingredient and creates that signature smooth consistency.
What’s the best tequila to use for a White Christmas Margarita? Betty’s solution is to use a quality blanco (silver) tequila – I’ve tested this with reposados and añejos, but they add golden color that ruins the pristine white appearance, and their barrel-aged flavors compete with the coconut.
Can this cocktail be made ahead for a party? The best approach I’ve tested is to mix all liquid ingredients (except ice) in a pitcher up to 4 hours ahead, keep refrigerated, then shake individual portions with ice and add garnishes when guests arrive – this maintains quality while saving time.
How do I prevent the coconut rim from falling off? I’ve learned that the key is using fresh lime juice (not water) to moisten the rim and letting it sit for 1-2 minutes before adding ice – this creates a natural adhesive that holds the coconut securely throughout serving.
