Christmas Margarita

Who needs snow? With this festive cocktail, you’ll have a white Christmas no matter where you are celebrating. Built on the classic foundation of tequila, orange liqueur, and a generous squeeze of lime juice, this Christmas cocktail gleams like freshly fallen powder.

Its rich, smooth texture comes from cream of coconut, the ingredient that makes piña coladas so irresistible. The cream of coconut's sweetness also eliminates the need for simple syrup or agave while adding a tropical note. Each sip promises an escape and will get everyone in the holiday spirit!

This Christmas margarita’s sparkling sugar-and-salt rim gives each glass a polished, party-ready look. The red maraschino cherry garnish adds extra cheer. Serve this cocktail at a tree-trimming party, cookie exchange, or holiday potluck—it pairs beautifully with all types of Christmas desserts, from no-bake eggnog pie to peppermint brownies.

What is the best kind of tequila for a Christmas margarita?

Silver tequila (also called tequila blanco) has a clean, crisp taste that’s just right with the cream of coconut in this Christmas margarita. Because it is a mixed drink, there’s no need to splurge on fancy aged or añejo tequila, which can have a strong oaky flavor. So grab a bottle of tequila made from pure agave, and you're all set.

What is sparkling sugar?

Every margarita deserves a tasty rim, and sparkling sugar makes this cocktail shine. Sparkling sugar is super coarse sugar (often tinted a color), with large crystals that bakers use to add a touch of glitter and crunch to things like cookies and muffins. It’s also ideal for rimming a drink glass! Can't find any? Sanding sugar, which is a bit finer than sparkling sugar, is a great backup. Granulated sugar and demerara sugar also work!

Can you make a Christmas margarita in a batch for a crowd?

This recipe makes enough for two cocktails, but it’s easy to double or triple. You can stir together the cream of coconut, tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice in a large pitcher and refrigerate it up to 5 hours in advance. You can also rim the glasses in the sparkling sugar and kosher salt mixture up to 2 hours ahead of time. Just before guests arrive, set out an ice bucket and a cocktail shaker. When it’s time to serve, give the margarita mixture a good whisk to combine it again, then shake up the drinks in batches and strain them into the prepared glasses.

What is the difference between coconut milk, coconut cream, and cream of coconut?

Coconut milk, coconut cream, and cream of coconut may sound similar, but they’re each used a little differently. Coconut milk is the thinnest of the three. It’s made by simmering coconut flesh with water. Unsweetened coconut milk is often used in soups, curries, and baking. Coconut cream is made the same way as coconut milk but with less water, so it is thicker and richer, making it great for creamy sauces. Cream of coconut, on the other hand, starts with coconut cream, but sugar is added before it’s processed into a syrupy liquid. It is thicker than coconut milk and thinner than coconut cream. Cream of coconut is used in drinks such as piña coladas and this Christmas margarita. Coconut milk, coconut cream, and cream of coconut are not interchangeable, so be sure to check the label before you pour.