Coconut Martini

This coconut martini is creamy and dreamy, featuring vodka and lime juice! Add a toasted coconut rim and it’s perfection.

There’s something about the tropical creaminess of coconut that makes it perfect for cocktails. It’s best known for the classic piña colada, but we’ve got a more unique spin on it that you’re sure to love. Try the Coconut Martini! Inspired by our popular coconut margarita, this one features vodka instead of tequila and my is it tasty! It’s cool and creamy, with a toasted coconut rim that makes every sip more irresistible.

What’s in a coconut martini?

The coconut martini is a spin on the vodka martini using cream of coconut and vodka. Vodka martinis have essentially nothing to do with a Classic Martini, except for the glass. A dry martini has just gin and vermouth, and tastes intensely dry with a burning finish. Vodka martinis, on the other hand, are just an excuse to pair sugar and vodka. You can essentially make a vodka martini of any flavor, like watermelon, chocolate, coffee, or raspberry.

There are two vodka martinis that are officially on the list of International Bartender’s Association IBA official cocktails: the lemon drop martini and espresso martini. All other vodka martinis are up to the bartender. So here’s our original spin on a coconut martini:

• Vodka
• Lime juice
• Cream of coconut (not coconut cream)

Make sure to grab cream of coconut! Here’s why:

The most important thing to note about making a coconut martini: use cream of coconut! Avoid using coconut cream, which is unsweetened and not intended for cocktails. Here’s what to know about this ingredient, and you can read more at Cream of Coconut vs Coconut Cream:

• Cream of coconut is a sweetened syrup used for cocktails, made with coconut cream and sugar. It’s sold in squeeze bottles to make it easy to add to drinks. Cream of coconut is easy to find online or at your local liquor store: popular brands are Coco Real or Coco Lopez.
• Coconut cream is unsweetened. It’s thick with a strong coconut flavor and sold in cans next to the coconut milk. Coconut cream is made from chilling coconut milk and then skimming off the layer of cream that floats to the top. It’s not intended for this drink.

More with cream of coconut? Try popular coconut cocktails like the Piña Colada, Painkiller, Chi Chi, or Bushwacker. And of course, don’t forget the Coconut Margarita!

What if you accidentally buy coconut cream?

That’s ok! Of course, it’s better to get cream of coconut. But if you want to use coconut cream, here’s how to substitute: Substitute 1 ounce cream of coconut with ½ ounce coconut cream and ½ ounce simple syrup.

How to make a coconut martini: basic steps

Got the right ingredients? Let’s make this coconut martini! Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

1. Make the coconut rim. Toast the coconut in a skillet, making sure to keep your eye on it because it can burn fast! Go to How to Toast Coconut. Then spread it on a plate. Dip the edge of the glass in extra cream of coconut (this will be the glue), then in the toasted coconut.
2. Shake: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add 2 handfuls ice and shake until cold. Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with top.
3. Strain: Strain into a martini glass. That’s it!

More vodka martinis!

There are so many tasty vodka martini recipes to try, of every color and flavor! Here are a few of our favorite martini recipes:

• Love citrus? Try a Lemon Drop Martini, Limoncello Martini, Blood Orange Martini, or Key Lime Martini
• Pick a pink drink: try a Raspberry Martini, Cranberry Martini, Watermelon Martini, Pomegranate Martini or French Martini
• Go unique with a Ginger Martini or Cucumber Martini
• Try dessert-style with Espresso Martini, Coffee Martini or Chocolate Martini

When to serve a coconut martini

The coconut martini recipe is fun and festive, with a lightly tropical, creamy flavor. Serve it as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Dessert cocktail
• Signature drink
• Girls or guys night drink
• Cocktail hour drink

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