(Note: this post was originally published on May 3, 2019. It was one of the earliest cocktail recipes on The Rogue Brussel Sprout! It has since been updated with new photos and some tweaks).

A Summery Blackberry Margarita

I'm excited to introduce you to one of my favorite summer cocktails. This show-stopping pink margarita is tropical, coconutty, loaded with summer berries, and just plain fun. Whether you pair it with tacos, sip one while grilling on the deck, enjoy one by the pool, or take the ingredients on a beach picnic, I'm confident this Blackberry Coconut Margarita will become your warm weather go-to.

This colorful cocktail introduces two special summer flavors that aren't generally in a margarita: blackberries and coconut. The blackberries, which are sweet, juicy, and an iconic summer fruit, get muddled into the cocktail and used as a garnish. The coconut, with its tropical sunshine vibes, gets added to the cocktail in the form of coconut rum. It's a winning combination for a warm summer evening.

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Are Tequila and Rum Good 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 coconut margaritas so many times (hence several different generations of photos in this post) and we just can't get enough of them. Sweet coconut rum is a delightful complement to tequila.

Of course I use Koloa's Coconut Rum from Kaua'i in this coconut margarita; it's my all-time favorite rum. Dave and I spend time on Kaua'i every winter, and have made many Koloa Rum cocktails at 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 loving the idea of tequila and coconut rum together, make sure to check out my Coconut Paloma too. I use the same combination there, albeit in a Paloma format with grapefruit, and it's delightful.

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Blackberry Coconut Margarita Variations

There are a lot of ways that you can change up this blackberry margarita to make it work for you. In terms of flavors, it would work great with raspberries instead of blackberries. It would work with blueberries too, but I suggest freezing them first; it helps them release their juice. Keep in mind that the color will change if you use different berries though.

Looking to make this cocktail a bit more hydrating? I love to add a splash of coconut water to this pretty pink margarita, especially if it's a hot evening. Feel free to decrease the amounts of tequila and rum too; there are enough other flavors here that you can easily make it half-strength. And remember that you always have options when it comes to ice; a few large cubes keeps it stronger, while crushed or pebble ice makes it much gentler and more hydrating.

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. With all these options, I hope this blackberry margarita will work for however you're serving it and whoever you're serving it to.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

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

• Blackberries. They give this pink margarita its stunning color. Frozen is fine (and cheaper) for muddling, but you'll definitely want to use some fresh berries to garnish. I notice that I get more of a pink color when I use fresh blackberries (see the photo directly below) and more of a pink/red color when I use frozen blackberries (see the other photos in this post).
• High quality blanco tequila. I prefer using blanco (i.e., minimally aged) tequila 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! Look for coconut rum that is high-proof and is unsweetened. This cocktail would also work nicely with coconut tequila.
  
• Fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 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.‍
• Optional dash (or more) of coconut water. If you want to make this coconut margarita a little more refreshing (and hydrating!), feel free to add a dash of coconut water.‍

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Closing Thoughts

Aren't these pink margaritas just a blast for a warm summer evening? They're really everything I love in a cocktail: rum AND tequila together, some tropical flair, and a very fun, bright color. These margaritas would be perfect for a Cinco de Mayo party, a picnic at the beach, or a summer BBQ. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Finally, I hope this post has also convinced you that margaritas (and their cousins, palomas) should absolutely be varied seasonally. Of course I love a classic marg, but they're also a fabulous blank canvas for seasonal ingredients and flavors. We love making pomegranate margaritas and my Cinnamon Cherry Paloma in the fall, my favorite Ginger Margarita in the winter, my Blueberry Ginger Paloma and Coconut Paloma in the summer, and of course this special blackberry margarita in the summer too.

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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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As with all my cocktail recipes, please enjoy responsibly!

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Suggested Pairings

Fruit Salsa Guide

Watermelon Nachos with Avocado Sauce

Tropical Macadamia Mango Slaw

Rainbow Mexican Black Bean Salad

Tropical Pineapple Tostadas

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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.