Blackberry Coconut Margarita

(Note: this post was originally published on May 3, 2019  and the photos were updated on April 15, 2021. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)

A Super-Summery Margarita Riff

Okay, here it is: my new favorite summer cocktail! This sweet, tart, strong, and beautifully bright pink Blackberry Coconut Margarita is colorful and fun, and just in time for Cinco de Mayo!

To be honest, I don't usually go for flavored margaritas. I have a hard time deviating from the original. I don't really like sweet drinks, and I love lime to an absurd degree, so I always go classic: tart and strong, on the rocks, with salt.

However, these margaritas have completely changed my view on adding fruit. Muddling in a few blackberries adds a lovely tartness (and oh my gosh, that color!). Adding coconut rum makes these feel like they belong at the beach, or a summer BBQ at the very least. The combination of blackberries, coconut rum, tequila, and lime is perfection.

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Tequila and Rum Together??

You may wonder about mixing tequila and rum. I actually love the combination, and use it pretty frequently in summer cocktails. I've made these so many times (hence several different generations of photos!) and we just can't get enough of them. Fruity, sweet coconut rum is a delightful complement to tequila.

Of course I use Koloa's Coconut Rum from Kaua'i because it's my all-time favorite. Dave and I spend time on Kaua'i every winter, and have brought many (many! many!) Koloa Rum cocktails to the beach. There's something about coconut rum that instantly transports me there, with thoughts of sitting on the sand, feeling the sun on my face, and hearing the waves.

If you're a rum fan, definitely check out Koloa's Instagram feed (@KoloaRum) for inspiration and recipes! I'm one of their Rumbassadors and create a few cocktail recipes each month for them that you'll only find there.

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Let's Talk Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this cocktail, as well as some thoughts and tips. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

• Fresh blackberries
• High quality tequila. I prefer using blanco for these so that the color of the blackberries really stands out. Reposado is delicious and complements the berries beautifully, but the color will be slightly less vibrant.
  
• Coconut rum. Koloa is of course my preference! But this will work fine with whatever coconut rum you can get your hands on.
  
• Fresh-squeezed lime juice. It absolutely MUST be fresh-squeezed! Please please don't ever try to make a cocktail with store-bought lime juice, it's awful.
• Optional dash of agave. I prefer a tart margarita, so I don't add it here, especially since the coconut rum has some sweetness. But you can add a dash if you prefer a sweeter drink.
  
• Garnishes. A few blackberries, maybe a lime wedge.

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Variation: Adding Layers

If you want to create a color gradation like I've shown in some of these photos (i.e. the photos with the succulents in the background), muddle the blackberries with a dash of agave and strain the blackberry syrup into the bottom of your serving glass. Add ice to the serving glass. Then add the tequila, rum, and lime juice to the cocktail shaker, shake, and strain into your serving glass. The blackberry syrup is denser and will stay toward the bottom, creating a dark pink/purple layer beneath the lighter pink margarita.

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Make it Yours

There are a lot of ways that you can change up this cocktail and make it work for you. In terms of flavors, it would work great with raspberries or instead of blackberries. It would work with blueberries too, but I suggest freezing them first; it helps them release their colorful juice. If you're not into coconut rum, this would work fine without the rum (meaning, just as a blackberry margarita); just keep in mind that you'll likely want to add more agave, since it will need some sweetness.

Hosting a party? This cocktail works great in a pitcher! Just multiply as needed. We've made this one for deck get-togethers numerous times with great success.

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Closing Thoughts

Aren't these margaritas just a blast? They're really everything I love. Rum AND tequila together, some tropical flair, and a very fun, bright color. Actually, if I was a cocktail, I think I'd be this one.

These margaritas would be perfect for a Cinco de Mayo meal, a picnic at the beach, or a summer BBQ. So mix up a few of these, soak up the sun, and relax! It's margarita time.

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Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

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Suggested Pairings

Blistered Shishito Pepper Salad

Fruit Salsa Guide

Watermelon Nachos with Avocado Sauce

No-Cook Rainbow Black Bean Salad

Orange Jalapeno Brussel Sprouts

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‍Disclosure: Koloa Rum is a long-term partner and I receive free product. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.