Coconut cocktails bring a tropical feeling to any occasion. These drinks blend the rich, sweet taste of coconut with various spirits and mixers to create refreshing beverages.
You’ll find many options that use coconut rum, coconut milk, or cream of coconut as their base.
These 21 coconut cocktail recipes offer something for every taste preference, from simple two-ingredient mixes to more complex concoctions featuring bold flavor combinations like coconut with liquorice and anise. Whether you enjoy classic pineapple and coconut pairings or want to try something more adventurous, these recipes will help you create delicious drinks at home without needing professional bartending skills.
1. Piña Colada
The Piña Colada is a creamy, tropical cocktail that combines the flavors of pineapple and coconut. This popular drink originated in Puerto Rico and has become a vacation favorite worldwide.
To make a classic Piña Colada, you’ll need white rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice.
Simply blend these ingredients with ice until smooth and creamy.
For the best results, use 2 ounces of white rum, 2 ounces of cream of coconut, and 4 ounces of pineapple juice. Some recipes add fresh pineapple chunks for extra flavor.
Serve your Piña Colada in a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry. The entire process takes only about 5 minutes.
2. Blue Hawaiian
The Blue Hawaiian is a vibrant tropical cocktail that will transport you to a beachside paradise. This eye-catching drink gets its signature blue color from Blue Curaçao liqueur.
To make this refreshing cocktail, you’ll need rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and Blue Curaçao. Some recipes also include vodka for an extra kick.
Simply combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a glass. The result is a sweet, fruity drink with delicious coconut and pineapple flavors.
The Blue Hawaiian is perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want to enjoy a taste of the tropics.
3. Coconut Mojito
The Coconut Mojito puts a tropical spin on the classic Cuban cocktail. This refreshing drink combines coconut rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and soda water for a perfect summer sipper.
To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice in a glass. Add coconut rum (like Malibu) and some cream of coconut for extra richness if desired.
Fill the glass with ice, top with soda water, and garnish with additional mint and a lime wedge. Some recipes also include white rum alongside the coconut rum for an extra kick.
This cocktail works well for big batches at parties or as a signature wedding drink.
4. Coconut Margarita
The Coconut Margarita is a tropical twist on the classic cocktail that combines the smoothness of coconut with traditional margarita flavors. This refreshing drink requires just four simple ingredients: tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and coconut cream.
You can make this cocktail in a blender for a frozen version that’s perfect for hot days. Just add about 2 cups of ice to create a slushy texture.
For an extra touch, rim your glass with coconut flakes instead of salt. Some recipes suggest using sweetened coconut cream for added sweetness, but you can adjust this based on your taste preferences.
This creamy, tropical cocktail is dangerously delicious and easy to prepare for your next gathering.
5. Tropical Coconut Rum Punch
Tropical Coconut Rum Punch brings the beach vibes to your glass with a creamy, fruity blend. This crowd-pleasing drink combines coconut rum with a mix of tropical juices.
For a basic version, mix 2 oz coconut rum with 4 oz pineapple juice and 2 oz orange juice. Add a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess.
You can enhance your punch with mango juice for a tropical twist. A small drizzle of grenadine creates a beautiful sunset effect.
Serve this refreshing cocktail in a hurricane glass over ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry for a picture-perfect tropical treat.
6. Bahama Mama
The Bahama Mama is a tropical delight that brings the island vibes straight to your glass. This refreshing cocktail blends rum with fruit juices for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
To make this drink, you’ll need orange juice, pineapple juice, regular rum, coconut rum, and a splash of grenadine. Some recipes also include crushed ice for a slushy consistency.
Simply combine all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with an orange slice for a tropical touch.
The drink’s bright colors and fruity profile make it perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you need a quick mental vacation to the beach.
7. Caribbean Breeze
The Caribbean Breeze is a tropical cocktail that will transport you to island shores with every sip. It blends rum, coconut, and fruit juices for a refreshing taste experience.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 2 oz light rum, 1 oz coconut cream, 1 oz pineapple juice, and 1 oz orange juice. Some variations include flavored vodkas for an extra kick.
Fill a shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake well until chilled and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry for an authentic tropical presentation.
8. Coco Loco
The Coco Loco is a tropical cocktail that combines multiple spirits with coconut flavors. This refreshing drink typically contains rum, vodka, and tequila as its alcoholic base.
The signature coconut flavor comes from both coconut cream and coconut water. Some recipes also include fruit juices like pineapple to enhance the tropical taste.
To make a classic Coco Loco, mix 1 ounce each of rum, vodka, and tequila with 2 ounces of coconut cream and 1 ounce of coconut water. Add a splash of fruit juice if desired.
For presentation, you can serve your Coco Loco in a hollowed coconut shell with colorful garnishes for a vacation-worthy cocktail experience.
9. Malibu Bay Breeze
The Malibu Bay Breeze is a refreshing tropical cocktail that requires just three simple ingredients. This easy-to-make drink combines Malibu coconut rum with tart cranberry juice and sweet pineapple juice.
To create this cocktail, you’ll need to beautifully layer the ingredients for that signature colorful appearance. The result is a perfectly balanced drink with coconutty sweetness from the Malibu, tanginess from the pineapple, and a pleasant tartness from the cranberry.
This drink offers a tropical twist on the traditional Bay Breeze cocktail. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want to bring a taste of the tropics to your home.
10. Bikini Martini
The Bikini Martini is a tropical cocktail that brings beach vibes to your glass. It combines coconut rum, vodka, and pineapple juice for a sweet and refreshing taste.
To make this cocktail, fill a shaker with ice and add 1 ounce of coconut rum, ¾ ounce of vodka, and 1 ounce of pineapple juice. Shake until the mixture is frothy and well-chilled.
Pour the drink into a martini glass and add a dash of grenadine for a sunset effect. Some recipes include lemonade for extra tanginess.
This colorful cocktail is perfect for poolside sipping or summer gatherings. You can garnish with a fresh pineapple slice for an extra tropical touch.
11. Batida de Coco
Batida de Coco is a classic Brazilian coconut cocktail that’s popular on beaches across the country. This creamy, refreshing drink combines coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk for a smooth texture.
To make this cocktail, you need full-fat coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and often a splash of cachaca (Brazilian rum) or vodka. Some recipes also include shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
You can prepare Batida de Coco in just minutes with easy-to-find ingredients. The drink is typically served cold, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you want a tropical escape.
12. Bushwacker
The Bushwacker is a creamy, frozen cocktail that tastes like a chocolate milkshake with a kick. It combines cream of coconut with coffee liqueur, rum, and crème de cacao.
To make a Bushwacker, fill your blender halfway with ice. Add coffee liqueur, rum, cream of coconut, and crème de cacao. Some recipes include Irish cream, vodka, or amaretto for extra flavor.
Blend everything until smooth. You can customize your Bushwacker by trying different versions like Cookies ‘N’ Cream or Strawberry Cream variations.
This drink is popular at beach bars and makes a perfect summer treat. Think of it as a pina colada’s chocolatey cousin.
13. Toasted Coconut Sour
The Toasted Coconut Sour offers a delightful twist on the classic sour cocktail formula. This drink gets its signature flavor from toasted coconut, which adds a warm, nutty depth.
You can make this cocktail with Pisco as the base spirit. Toast unsweetened coconut flakes in a skillet until golden brown, then infuse them in Pisco.
For a simpler version, use toasted coconut syrup mixed with white rum or vodka. Add fresh lime or lemon juice to create the sour element.
Garnish your drink with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
14. Coconut Airman
The Coconut Airman is a tropical delight that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. This refreshing cocktail combines white rum with a splash of triple sec for extra complexity.
To make this drink, you’ll need white rum, triple sec, gomme syrup, coconut milk, grapefruit juice, and a couple dashes of tiki bitters. The coconut milk adds a smooth, creamy texture while the grapefruit juice provides a bright, citrusy tang.
For best results, use fresh grapefruit juice and good quality coconut milk. Shake all ingredients well with ice and strain into a glass. You can garnish with a wedge of grapefruit or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
15. The Amaro di Cocco
The Amaro di Cocco is a fascinating blend of tropical and Italian flavors. It combines the best elements of a Piña Colada and a Negroni for a unique drinking experience.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1 oz aged Jamaican rum, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz black rum, and 1.5 oz coconut cream. Some variations include pineapple juice for extra tropical flavor.
The drink balances the bitterness of Campari with the sweetness of coconut cream. This creates a complex yet approachable flavor profile that works well as a weekend treat.
16. Coquito
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican coconut rum cocktail often enjoyed during the holiday season. It’s creamy, sweet, and has a delightful coconut flavor with warm spices.
To make Coquito, you’ll need sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and coconut cream as the base. Add dark rum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract for flavor.
Simply blend all ingredients together until smooth. Some recipes call for a small amount of water to adjust the consistency.
Serve this rich cocktail chilled in small glasses. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
17. The Blue Skies Ahead
The Blue Skies Ahead is a vibrant tiki cocktail that combines pineapple, toasted coconut, and rum. Its electric blue color makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need white rum, blue curaçao, toasted coconut syrup, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. The mixture creates a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tropical flavors.
This drink is easy to make at home, making it perfect for your next gathering. You can garnish it with pineapple fronds for an authentic tiki feel.
For an extra touch, rim your glass with coconut flakes to enhance the tropical experience.
18. Coconut Daiquiri
The Coconut Daiquiri is a tropical twist on the classic cocktail that brings a taste of the islands to your glass. This refreshing drink combines white rum with freshly squeezed lime juice and coconut syrup or cream.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 2 ounces of white rum, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and about ¾ ounce of coconut syrup. You can also use coconut cream for a richer texture.
For a frozen variation, blend the ingredients with ice, pineapple, and banana. The fresh lime juice provides a zesty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the coconut.
This cocktail works best when shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass. You can garnish with a lime wheel or toasted coconut flakes.
19. Coconut & Pineapple Cooler
The Coconut & Pineapple Cooler is a refreshing tropical cocktail that combines sweet and tangy flavors. You can make this drink by mixing 50ml coconut rum, 100ml pineapple juice, 25ml gin, and 50ml cold water.
For garnish, add a piece of watermelon to enhance the tropical presentation. If you prefer a mintier version, consider muddling mint leaves with falernum before adding the other ingredients.
You can also create a virgin version by blending fresh pineapple with coconut milk and ice cubes. This non-alcoholic alternative delivers the same tropical flavors without the rum.
20. Coco Fizz
The Coco Fizz is a delightful coconut cocktail that strikes the perfect balance between tropical flavors and refreshing fizz. This cocktail combines coconut, lime, and rum with a splash of prosecco for a bubbly finish.
To make this drink, mix coconut milk or cream of coconut with freshly squeezed lime juice. Add white rum to the mixture for a traditional version, or leave it out for a mocktail alternative.
Top your creation with prosecco or sparkling water for that signature fizz. The lime cuts through the creamy coconut, creating a refreshing tropical drink that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Serve in a tall glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge or toasted coconut flakes for a simple yet impressive cocktail.
21. Creamy Coconut Pearl Paloma
The Creamy Coconut Pearl Paloma is a dreamy twist on the classic Paloma cocktail. It combines coconut milk with tequila for a rich, tropical experience.
To make this refreshing drink, you’ll need reposado tequila, coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. These ingredients are shaken vigorously with ice until the mixture becomes frothy and cold.
Unlike traditional Palomas that use grapefruit soda, this version relies on the creamy texture of coconut milk to create a more luxurious mouthfeel. The lime juice provides the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness.
Serve in a lowball glass for a perfect tropical escape any time of year.
The Origins Of Coconut Cocktails
Coconut cocktails trace their roots primarily to tropical regions where coconut palms thrive naturally. The sweet, creamy flavor of coconut has been embraced by cultures worldwide, creating iconic drinks that transport you to island paradises.
Cultural Significance
Coconut drinks hold special importance in Caribbean culture, where they represent both tradition and innovation. The Piña Colada, Puerto Rico’s national drink, stands as the most famous coconut cocktail in history. Created in the 1950s, it perfectly blends pineapple, coconut cream, and rum.
In tropical Pacific islands, coconut beverages were initially consumed for hydration and nutrition before becoming celebrated cocktail ingredients. Many traditional ceremonies feature coconut in some form.
The trend of coconut cocktails spread globally during the tiki bar movement of the mid-20th century. American servicemen returning from Pacific deployments brought back tales of exotic tropical drinks, sparking interest in coconut-based creations.
Popular Coconut-Based Spirits
Coconut rum leads the category of coconut-infused spirits. Brands like Malibu pioneered the commercial coconut rum market, making tropical flavors accessible worldwide.
Coconut cream and coconut milk serve as essential cocktail bases rather than spirits themselves. Coco Lopez, created in 1954, became the first widely available cream of coconut specifically designed for cocktails.
You’ll find coconut water increasingly used in modern mixology for its subtle flavor and health benefits. Bartenders often combine it with clear spirits for refreshing, lighter alternatives.
Some distilleries now produce coconut-infused vodkas and liqueurs. These offer versatility beyond traditional rum drinks, expanding the range of coconut cocktail possibilities.
Key Ingredients In Coconut Cocktails
Coconut cocktails rely on specific ingredients that create their signature tropical flavor profile. Understanding these components will help you craft perfectly balanced drinks at home.
Types Of Coconut Products
Cream of coconut is a sweetened coconut cream product that adds richness and silky texture to cocktails. It’s thicker than coconut milk and contains added sugar, making it perfect for piña coladas and other blended drinks.
Coconut milk provides a lighter option with natural coconut flavor. It works well in shaken cocktails where you want coconut notes without excessive sweetness.
Coconut rum (like Malibu) offers an alcoholic base with built-in coconut flavor. This simplifies many recipes and gives consistent results.
Coconut water can be used for lighter, more refreshing coconut cocktails. It provides subtle coconut flavor and natural electrolytes.
Coconut liqueur offers concentrated flavor and sweetness in a smaller volume, ideal for cocktails where you need coconut flavor without diluting other ingredients.
Complementary Flavors
Pineapple juice pairs exceptionally well with coconut, creating the classic tropical combination found in piña coladas and many tiki drinks.
The sweet-tart balance complements coconut’s richness perfectly.
Lime juice adds brightness and acidity that cuts through coconut’s richness. Most coconut cocktails benefit from this citrus element to prevent them from becoming too sweet.
Rum (particularly aged varieties) forms the traditional base spirit for coconut drinks.
Jamaican and other Caribbean rums offer flavor notes that enhance coconut’s tropical profile.
Mango, orange, and pomegranate juices all blend beautifully with coconut elements. These fruits add complexity and can transform basic coconut cocktails into more sophisticated drinks.
Warming spices like cinnamon complement coconut in hot cocktails, creating cozy alternatives for cooler weather.
