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

Coconut martini

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)
Coconut Martini

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 ColadaPainkiller, Chi Chi, or Bushwacker. And of course, don’t forget the Coconut Margarita!

Cream of Coconut vs Coconut Cream

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!
Coconut martini recipe

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:

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
Print
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Coconut martini

Coconut Martini


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x

Description

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


Ingredients

Scale
  • Sweetened shredded coconut, for the rim
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce cream of coconut (not coconut cream)

Instructions

  1. Toast the coconut: follow these instructions. Remove it from the heat and place it in a single layer on a plate. 
  2. Add a bit of extra cream of coconut to a separate plate and dip the edge of the rim of the martini glass into it. Then dip the rim into the plate of toasted coconut.
  3. Add the vodka, lime juice and cream of coconut to a cocktail shaker. Shake with handful of ice and strain into the prepared martini glass.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Coconut martini

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

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