(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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
The traditional margarita gets a major summery upgrade with tart, juicy blackberries and sweet, decadent coconut. Perfect for sipping on the deck while grilling!
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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