Fans of the cult classic film Practical Magic may recognize some version of this cocktail. The “Midnight Margarita” is inspired by a scene in which two characters blend up a witchy brew to the soundtrack of Harry Nilsson’s “Coconut.” Some fans even start the movie at exactly 11:12 p.m., so the pivotal moment arrives at the stroke of midnight.
While the movie’s cocktail appears to be a standard standard frozen margarita—no eye of newt or toe of frog, (maybe hair of the dog if you prefer tequila and lime in the morning)—but our version leans into the magic. Blackberries give the drink its deep purple color, while coconut water adds a subtle sweetness and makes the frozen version especially refreshing. Serve it on the rocks or blended. If serving on the rocks, garnish with a torched rosemary sprig for a smoky, spellbinding flourish.
More tequila drinks to cheers to at midnight: Paloma; Citrus Slushy; Aperol-Kombucha Cocktail
How to make a frozen version:
Because freezing can dull flavors, a little extra lime juice perks this version up. We’ve also increased the coconut water so that you won’t have to dilute the drink with plain ice.
Photographs by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr. Prop Styling by Christine Keely, Food Styling by Taneka Morris
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut water
- Flaky sea salt
- 3 limes
- 5 blackberries
- 2 oz. tequila blanco
- 1 oz. orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
- ½ tsp. sugar
Method
- Pour 1 cup coconut water into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid, at least 2 hours or, ideally, 12 hours.
- Pour some flaky sea salt on a small plate. Halve 3 limes and rub a cut side of 1 half around rim of a rocks glass; dip rim into salt to coat. Squeeze juice from limes into a small measuring glass or bowl (you should have about 3 oz).
- Place 5 blackberries in glass and muddle berries just to break up.
- Blend coconut water ice cubes, 2½ oz. lime juice, 2 oz. tequila blanco, 1 oz. orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec), and ½ tsp. sugar in a blender until smooth. Pour into glass with blackberries. (Save any remaining lime juice in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.)
