Why You Need Coconut Milk For Your Next Batch Of Margaritas

Margaritas are one of those rare pleasures that can be enjoyed all year round. And the standard marg is indeed a masterclass in timeless excellence, combining lime, tequila, orange liqueur, and optional sweeteners and rim adornments. While it's a classic for a reason, this means the margarita is also the perfect vessel for experimentation. So the next time you're craving the cocktail, try using coconut milk in your margaritas.

Coconut milk is going to be your batched-margarita secret weapon. Making the cocktail with full fat coconut milk imbues it with that killer, natural coconut flavor while also introducing a creaminess that's evocative of a piña colada without the heaviness. Fresh lime juice is a perfect complement to that natural sweetness, which is good news for those looking for creative takes on the skinny marg. But if it still isn't sweet enough, you can also add agave, a little cream of coconut, some simple syrup, or liqueurs like Conitreau. Making coconut milk margaritas is as easy as drinking them: Combine tequila blanco, canned coconut milk (shake it first), and fresh squeezed lime juice. Shake with ice, then strain into a margarita glass.

Tinkering with a new cocktail recipe to get it just right according to your tastes is where the real fun begins. Before you start playing around with coconut milk and all the options it opens up, you should have your basics down. For starters, browse the best kinds of tequila for margaritas to get your spirit settled. You should also be aware of common mistakes to avoid with coconut milk, including storage and lesser brands. Once you feel confident you've set yourself up for success, it's time to let the experimentation begin.

It's hard to go wrong with a standard salt rim, but feel free to try out other, less obvious rims and garnishes. A toasted coconut rim, for example, is a great way to layer that coconut flavor, while a spice mix rim can offer a delicious, sizzling contrast to the sweetness of the marg. Salting or otherwise spicing a margarita rim is quite easy, but if you haven't tackled that cocktail hurdle yet, take a look at this foolproof salt rim method. And since coconut pairs well with so many other flavors, imbibers can try adding other fruit and citrus into the mix. For example, adapting your coconut milk margarita to incorporate elements of this orange-centric golden margarita could be a delicious springboard for all sorts of innovation.