White Christmas Margarita

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Cocktail History

The White Christmas Margarita is a holiday cocktail that was created in 2015 by Jessica Merchant, recipe developer and blogger at How Sweet Eats based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Originally designed as a batch cocktail for holiday gatherings, the recipe combines the classic base spirit of tequila with a refreshing citrus mix, simple syrup, and cranberries. What sets this Margarita apart, though, is the addition of coconut-flavored ingredients that give the cocktail its signature white, wintry hue and a creamy, tropical flair. The combination of bright citrus and coconut adds a festive, creamy element, while the cranberries bring in a burst of tartness, making it both visually striking and delicious.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Tequila Blanco: This is a type of tequila made in Mexico with fermented blue agave and yeast, which are distilled and then left unaged to develop a bright, agave-forward flavor.

Coconut Water: This is the liquid extracted from young coconuts, which is filtered into a light, refreshing beverage.

Orange Curaçao: This is a liqueur made with bitter orange peels, brandy or distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, rich citrus flavor.

Coconut Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with coconut, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, tropical flavor.

Cream of Coconut: This is a condiment made with coconut cream or coconut milk and sugar, which are blended and emulsified into a thick, rich spread.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.

Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water, which are heated into a syrup with a sweet flavor.

Cranberries: This is a type of berry grown on low shrubs that has bright pink skin and tart, slightly bitter flavor.

Rosemary: This is an aromatic evergreen herb with needle-like leaves and a robust, piney, and slightly peppery flavor.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Casamigos Tequila Blanco
• 🔗 Vita Coco Coconut Water
• 🔗 Senior & Co. Orange Curaçao Liqueur
• 🔗 Dorda Coconut Liqueur
• 🔗 Coco Lopez Real Cream of Coconut

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.

Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a glass or metal mixing glass that’s used for shaking and blending ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is a metal strainer with a spring around its edge that’s used to filter out ice and solids when pouring the cocktail into a glass. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Paring Knife: This is a small, sharp kitchen knife with a narrow blade that’s used for peeling, trimming, and garnishing. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is a handheld tool that’s used to extract juice from fruits by pressing or twisting it against a reamer or cone. I used the Black+Decker 32 oz Electric Citrus Juicer.

Cocktail Pick: This is a small, slender tool that’s used to skewer cocktail garnishes. I used one from the I-MART Gold Stainless Steel Cocktail Pick Set.

Lowball Glass: This is a short, wide glass with a thick base that’s used for serving spirits neat or on the rocks. I used the Anchor Hocking Reality Rocks Glass.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Silky white color

• Aroma: Woodsy rosemary and slight agave

• Taste: A creamy flavor that combines citrus, tequila, and coconut

• Finish: Strong coconut and orange notes

Kendall’s Take
“This holiday spin on the iconic Margarita brings together tequila and creamy coconut in a way that somehow feels both tropical and wintry at the same time. Think Margarita meets Piña Colada, but with a seasonal holiday edge. Thanks to its clever blend of coconut and citrus, the White Christmas Margarita is silky, slightly indulgent, and just different enough to surprise people—all while looking absolutely stunning in the glass. Definitely one to keep in your Christmas rotation.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was found on How Sweet Eats.