There’s something magical about combining tropical coconut with delicate lavender in a margarita that just works. This coconut lavender margarita became my go-to signature drink after accidentally adding lavender simple syrup to a coconut margarita last summer – best mistake ever. The creamy coconut cream balances perfectly with the floral lavender notes while tequila keeps everything grounded in that classic margarita territory we all love. You’ll taste sunshine mixed with garden herbs in every sip and your guests will be begging for the recipe before they finish their first glass.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
The lavender simple syrup is your flavor foundation here. Use only culinary-grade lavender since regular lavender can taste soapy and bitter. If you can’t find culinary lavender try lavender honey mixed with equal parts hot water as substitute.
For the Margarita Base
- 2 oz silver tequila (100% agave works best)
- 1 oz coconut cream (not coconut milk)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup
- 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- Ice cubes
- Coarse sea salt for rim
- Fresh lavender sprig for garnish
Silver tequila gives clean flavor that won’t compete with delicate lavender notes while coconut cream provides that rich tropical element. Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable here – bottled stuff will ruin the balance. For coconut cream look for canned varieties like Coco Lopez or make your own by chilling coconut milk overnight and scooping thick cream from top.
How to Make Your Coconut Lavender Margarita
Step 1: Prepare Lavender Simple Syrup
Combine water sugar and lavender buds in small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely then bring to gentle simmer. Let simmer 5 minutes then remove from heat and steep 30 minutes. Strain through fine mesh strainer pressing lavender buds to extract maximum flavor. Cool completely before using – this keeps refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
Step 2: Prep Your Glass
Run lime wedge around rim of margarita glass then dip in coarse sea salt. Fill glass with fresh ice and set aside while you mix drink.
Step 3: Shake the Margarita
Add tequila coconut cream lime juice lavender syrup and triple sec to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and properly mixed. The coconut cream needs good shaking to incorporate smoothly.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Double strain mixture into prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh lavender sprig and serve immediately while properly chilled.
Creative Variations to Try
Spicy Coconut Lavender Margarita: Add 2-3 thin jalapeño slices to shaker before mixing for heat that plays beautifully with floral notes.
Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with 1 cup ice until smooth for slushy texture perfect for poolside sipping.
Lavender Coconut Mocktail: Replace tequila with sparkling water and add extra lime juice for refreshing non-alcoholic version.
Honey Lavender Coconut: Substitute lavender honey for simple syrup and add 1/2 oz coconut water for lighter texture.
Purple Coconut Margarita: Add 1/4 oz butterfly pea flower tea concentrate for stunning color change when lime hits.
Winter Spiced Version: Include pinch of cinnamon and cardamom in simple syrup for warming holiday twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do coconut and lavender go well together?
Absolutely – coconut and lavender create amazing flavor harmony. The creamy tropical sweetness of coconut balances lavender’s floral intensity while lavender adds sophisticated complexity to coconut’s richness. This combination works so well because both flavors are naturally calming and complement rather than compete with each other.
What is a lavender margarita?
A lavender margarita is classic margarita enhanced with lavender flavor usually through lavender simple syrup or lavender-infused tequila. The floral notes add elegance and complexity while maintaining traditional margarita structure of tequila lime and sweetener. Best lavender margaritas use culinary lavender to avoid bitter or soapy flavors.
How does Jennifer Aniston make her margaritas?
Jennifer Aniston reportedly makes simple classic margaritas using quality tequila fresh lime juice and agave nectar instead of triple sec. She focuses on high-quality ingredients and proper ratios rather than complicated additions. Her approach emphasizes clean flavors and premium tequila as foundation.
Why is it called a dirty margarita?
A dirty margarita gets its name from olive juice addition similar to dirty martinis. The olive brine creates cloudy appearance hence “dirty” designation. Some versions include jalapeño juice or other savory elements that muddy traditional margarita clarity and add complex flavors.
What makes a bad margarita?
Bad margaritas usually result from cheap tequila bottled lime juice or overly sweet mixes. Using gold tequila with additives instead of 100% agave silver creates harsh flavors. Pre-made mixes often contain artificial flavors and excessive sugar that mask natural ingredient balance. Poor ice quality or improper shaking technique also ruins texture and dilution.
What is filthy margarita mix?
Filthy margarita mix refers to pre-made cocktail mixers that contain low-quality ingredients artificial flavors and excessive preservatives. These mixes often taste artificial and overly sweet compared to fresh-made margaritas using real lime juice and quality spirits. Term “filthy” suggests these mixes dirty or compromise the clean flavors of proper margaritas.
Coconut Lavender Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Cocktail shaker
- Margarita glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Bar spoon or stirrer
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
Margarita Base
- 2 oz silver tequila 100% agave
- 1 oz coconut cream not coconut milk
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup
- 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- Ice cubes
- Coarse sea salt for rim
- 1 fresh lavender sprig for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Lavender Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lavender buds. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the lavender to extract flavor. Cool before use. Keeps refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
Prep the Glass
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita glass. Dip in coarse sea salt to coat. Fill the glass with fresh ice.
Shake the Margarita
- Add tequila, coconut cream, lime juice, lavender syrup, and triple sec to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until cold and creamy.
Strain and Serve
- Double strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Perfect Pairings and Serving Tips
This coconut lavender margarita pairs beautifully with light Mexican fare like fish tacos or ceviche. The tropical coconut elements complement seafood while lavender cuts through rich or spicy foods. Try serving alongside our Mango Coconut Protein Shake for brunch parties or pair with Coconut Orange Julius for tropical-themed gatherings. For more coconut cocktail inspiration check out our Coconut Hibiscus Breeze recipe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The lavender simple syrup stores refrigerated up to 2 weeks making this easy cocktail for entertaining. Pre-batch margarita base without ice and store refrigerated up to 24 hours – just shake with ice when ready to serve. Don’t pre-mix with coconut cream more than 4 hours ahead as separation can occur.
My neighbor Sandra was skeptical when I first described this homemade coconut lavender margarita combination but after one sip she declared it the most sophisticated cocktail she’d ever tasted. There’s something about mixing traditional margarita elements with unexpected floral and tropical notes that creates pure magic in a glass. This easy recipe proves that best cocktails come from taking classic foundations and adding your own creative touches. Make this your signature drink and watch how it transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions that people talk about long after last sip.