Cottontail Margaritas

This drink is as cute as a bunny! A cottontail margarita combines the classic flavors of lime, tequila and triple sec with sweet and creamy coconut. The pearly white drink has a coconut and marshmallow-coated rim that’s reminiscent of how you’d create fur on a bunny or Peter Rabbit cake.

Our cottontail margarita also has a whimsical garnish, one that fits perfectly with the Easter and spring theme: a Peeps bunny. Perched at the rim of this cocktail, the marshmallow bunny looks as if it’s luxuriating in a delicious coconut margarita hot tub. With its smooth texture, tropical flavors and festive topper, this margarita joins the list of our favorite Easter cocktails.

Cottontail Margarita Ingredients

• Tequila: The best tequila for margaritas is silver—aka blanco—which has a clean, agave flavor that will let the other flavors in this drink shine.
• Cream of coconut: This ingredient is commonly found in mixers and drink recipes. It’s a thick, sweet, coconut-flavored cream used especially in tropical drinks, like pina coladas.
• Lime juice: The acidity of this classic margarita ingredient balances the sweet ingredients. And, of course, the flavor is sublime with coconut.
• Agave nectar: Agave nectar is derived from agave plants—the same plants used to make tequila. This nectar serves as a sweet syrup that’s perfect for margaritas.
• Triple sec: Add a hint of orange flavor to this cocktail with triple sec, which is an orange-flavored liqueur.
• Vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds a smooth, sweet note to this drink. Use store-bought vanilla extract or even homemade vanilla extract.
• Marshmallow creme: Make a sweet rim for the cottontail margarita with a little marshmallow creme. Use up the rest of the jar with some of our other favorite recipes with marshmallow creme.
• Shredded coconut: After dipping the glasses in marshmallow, coat the rims in sweetened, shredded coconut.
• Peeps rabbits: Skewered Peeps marshmallow rabbits make an adorable cocktail garnish for these Easter drinks. You can choose between purple, pink, blue and yellow. When it comes to flavor, keep an eye out for brand new Peeps flavors, like tropical punch bunnies, to try with this margarita!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the glasses

Spread some marshmallow creme onto a small plate. Fill another small plate with shredded coconut. Roll the rims of two margarita glasses or cocktail glasses in the marshmallow creme. Then, roll the rims in the shredded coconut until they’re coated. Add ice cubes to each glass and set the glasses aside.

Editor’s Tip: The rims should have a thick coating of marshmallow creme so that lots of coconut will stick to them easily. You can also use a knife to spread on the marshmallow creme if it’s easier.

Step 2: Mix the margaritas

Pour the tequila, cream of coconut, lime juice, agave syrup, triple sec, vanilla extract and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake the ingredients well for 12 to 15 seconds or until the liquid is thoroughly chilled.

Step 3: Assemble the drinks

Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses. Divide it evenly between the two, and be careful not to disturb the rims. Add a few ice cubes to each glass, if necessary. Make the garnish by threading a cocktail pick through the top and down through the bottom of each Peeps rabbit. Add one to each glass and serve the margaritas immediately.

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Cottontail Margarita Variations

• Try a sugar rim: Omit the marshmallow creme and coconut, and instead dip the glass rims in lime juice and then roll them in sugar—or colored sugar—for a more festive touch.
• Make a frozen cottontail margarita: Add the margarita ingredients and crushed ice to a blender. Process everything until the mixture is slushy, then pour it into the prepared glasses.

How to Store Cottontail Margaritas

If you have leftover cottontail margarita base, it can be refrigerated to enjoy another time. Transfer the margarita mixture to a sealed container or covered pitcher. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Wait to coat the rims of the glasses with marshmallow creme and shredded coconut until you’re ready to serve the drinks.

Can you make cottontail margaritas ahead of time?

Yes, you can turn cottontail margaritas into a batch cocktail to hold in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Double or triple the recipe, depending on how many servings you need. Combine the tequila, cream of coconut, lime juice, agave, triple sec and vanilla extract in a drink pitcher and store it in the fridge. Coat the glass rims with marshmallow and coconut, and add ice just before serving.

Cottontail Margarita Tips

What’s the best glass to use for cottontail margaritas?

There are many options available for margarita glasses. Restaurant margaritas are typically served in thick-stemmed glasses with wide bowls and wide rims that hold plenty of salt. Shorter, stemless margarita glasses are also popular, as are rocks glasses or Mason jars. Though, for this festive cottontail margarita, I like to show off the creamy texture, coconut rim and Peeps garnish in a tall, stemmed margarita glass.

Can you use coconut milk to make a cottontail margarita?

If you’d prefer to use real coconut milk instead of cream of coconut, this is certainly an option for your cottontail margarita. It’s less sweet, so the cocktail will be more citrusy and tangy—in which case, you can always add more agave nectar to bring the sweetness up. The downside to using real coconut milk is that it curdles when mixed with tequila. Even though the margarita will still taste good, the texture won’t be as creamy.

What else can you serve with cottontail margaritas?

Cottontail margaritas are perfect to serve at holiday parties alongside Easter desserts like lemon pudding cake or rainbow strawberries. If you’re hosting a springtime brunch, consider skipping the usual mimosas and surprising your friends with cottontail margaritas instead. The lime and coconut flavors are lovely with brunch favorites like rhubarb custard bars, blueberry French toast casserole and white chocolate cheesecake.