If you’re on the lookout for a festive cocktail that’s creamy, refreshing, and both tropical and seasonal, this White Christmas Margarita Recipe is a winner. It’s one of those drinks that instantly brings a cozy holiday vibe without feeling too heavy or sweet. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday party, and it quickly became my go-to for impressing guests with something a little different than your usual margarita.

What makes this White Christmas Margarita Recipe special is the blend of coconut milk and coconut water that adds a silky tropical twist, balanced wonderfully by the zing of fresh lime and a splash of Grand Marnier. Whether you’re hosting friends or just unwinding after a chilly day, this cocktail feels like a mini vacation in a glass that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list here shines because every part contributes to that creamy but crisp flavor combination. It’s worth using good quality silver tequila and fresh lime juice to really bring those bright, authentic flavors forward.

Coconut Milk: Use canned coconut milk for richness and creaminess—it gives body without making it too sweet.
Coconut Water: Adds lightness and balances the thick coconut milk for a refreshing finish.
Grand Marnier: This orange liqueur deepens the citrus profile and adds a touch of sweetness.
Silver Tequila: The backbone of your margarita; opt for a smooth, good-quality brand for the best taste.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must. Bottled just doesn’t capture the same vibrant flavor.
Agave Syrup: A natural sweetener that blends seamlessly without overpowering the tart and coconut notes.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Perfect for garnish and adding a festive pop of color.
Lime Slices: For rim decoration and extra zesty aroma.
Rosemary Sprigs: Adds a fresh herbal note and looks gorgeous as a garnish.

Variations

I love how versatile the White Christmas Margarita Recipe can be. Sometimes I play around with the sweetness or add a little spicy element to keep things interesting—and you absolutely should feel free to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili powder or muddle a slice of jalapeño into the mix for a subtle warmth that complements the creamy coconut beautifully.
Vegan-Friendly: Swap out agave syrup for maple syrup if you’re looking for a slightly different sweetness with richer notes.
Fruity Twist: Substitute Grand Marnier with a berry liqueur for a hint of tangy fruitiness—ideal if cranberries are in season and you want more berry flavor.
Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushier, party-perfect variation that’s extra refreshing on a warm day.

How to Make White Christmas Margarita Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Chill Your Ingredients

Start by placing your coconut milk, coconut water, and tequila in the fridge so they’re nice and cold. Cold ingredients help your White Christmas Margarita taste fresh and keep the flavors crisp when you shake or blend. Also, have your lime juice freshly squeezed right before you start. Trust me, the tangy brightness is all in the freshness.

Step 2: Shake It Up

In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, combine 18 oz. of coconut milk, 6 oz. coconut water, 9 oz. silver tequila, 6 oz. Grand Marnier, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, and 3 tablespoons agave syrup. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until everything is well mixed and chilled. If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare Glasses and Pour

Before pouring, rim your glasses with a little lime juice then dip into sugar for that festive sparkle—this is optional but adds a lovely sweetness with each sip. Then strain your margarita mixture into your prepared glasses, adding fresh ice if you like your drink extra chilled.

How to Serve White Christmas Margarita Recipe

A clear glass filled with a creamy white drink over ice, topped with bright red cranberries, a thin lime slice, and a small green rosemary sprig. The rim of the glass is coated with coarse salt that adds texture and contrast. In the background, more similar glasses filled with the same drink and garnishes are visible on a white marbled surface. The layers show the light, milky liquid at the bottom, ice floating in the middle, and colorful fruit and herb garnishes sitting on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like garnishing my White Christmas Margarita with a few fresh cranberries and a lime slice perched on the rim. Adding a small rosemary sprig not only looks beautiful but also releases a subtle piney aroma as you sip—perfect for the holidays.

Side Dishes

For a truly festive spread, I pair this margarita with light, bright appetizers like shrimp ceviche, fresh guacamole, or even spiced nuts. The brightness and creaminess of the drink balance perfectly with those fresh or savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday season, I served this White Christmas Margarita Recipe in mini mason jars, topped with mini pinecone-shaped cookies on cinnamon sticks. It created such a whimsical feel, and guests loved the combination of flavors and presentation—it’s a memory I still smile about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the mixture (before adding ice) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good shake or stir before serving again, since some separation can happen with the coconut milk.

Freezing

While I haven’t personally frozen the full drink, you can prepare a concentrate of the ingredients (minus the ice) and freeze it in an ice cube tray. When ready, blend the cubes with fresh lime juice and ice for a quick frozen White Christmas Margarita. This works great for batch prep!

Reheating

This drink is always best served chilled, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If leftovers have separated or thickened a bit in the fridge, just stir or shake well—no heat needed!

FAQs

Can I make this White Christmas Margarita Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! To make a mocktail version, simply leave out the tequila and Grand Marnier, and replace them with extra coconut water and a splash of orange juice for sweetness. The flavors will remain creamy and refreshing, perfect for everyone at your holiday gathering.
What’s the best way to get fresh lime juice if I don’t have a juicer?

You can squeeze fresh lime juice by hand easily — just roll the lime on the counter with your palm to loosen the juices, then cut and squeeze it over a fine mesh strainer or your hand to catch seeds. It’s worth the extra effort for that bright, fresh flavor.
Can I use flavored coconut milk for this recipe?

I recommend sticking to plain coconut milk to maintain the balance of flavors. Flavored versions sometimes include added sweeteners or vanilla, which can change the taste of the margarita in unexpected ways.
How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 4-6 cocktails depending on glass size, so it’s perfect for small gatherings or a festive night in with a friend or two.

Final Thoughts

This White Christmas Margarita Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday treats because it’s creamy, bright, and just a little unexpected. It’s that cocktail you can whip up quickly yet impress with easily, and I hope you’ll find it as delightful as I do. Next time you’re planning a festive get-together or just want to treat yourself, give this recipe a try—you might just start a new holiday tradition of your own.

White Christmas Margarita Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

This White Christmas Margarita is a festive and creamy twist on the classic margarita, combining coconut milk and water with silver tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and agave syrup for a tropical holiday cocktail. Garnished with cranberries, lime slices, and rosemary sprigs, it’s perfect for winter gatherings and adds a refreshing, creamy flair to your celebrations.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

18 oz. coconut milk (canned)
6 oz. coconut water
6 oz. Grand Marnier
9 oz. silver tequila
1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
3 tablespoons agave syrup

Garnishes

Fresh or frozen cranberries
Lime slices
Rosemary sprigs

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, ensuring coconut milk is well mixed before measuring. Freshly squeeze the lime juice to maximize flavor.
Mix the Drink: In a large pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine the coconut milk, coconut water, Grand Marnier, silver tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup. Stir or shake thoroughly until everything is well blended and smooth.
Serve the Margarita: Fill glasses with ice, then pour the margarita mixture over the ice to chill the drink.
Garnish: Add fresh or frozen cranberries, a lime slice, and a rosemary sprig to each glass for a festive touch and aromatic enhancement.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, tropical margarita perfect for holiday celebrations.

Notes

If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the agave syrup to 1-2 tablespoons.
For a frozen version, blend all ingredients with ice instead of serving over ice cubes.
Use silver tequila for a smooth and clean taste; reposado can add a richer flavor but changes the profile.
Fresh lime juice is preferred for brightness, but bottled can be used if necessary.
Shake or stir well to avoid separation of coconut milk before serving.

Keywords: White Christmas Margarita, coconut margarita, holiday margarita, festive cocktail, creamy margarita, tequila cocktail, holiday drink