Coconut Oil Fat-Washed Tequila

Fat washing is one of those behind-the-bar secrets that sounds more complicated than it actually is. You can fat wash all kinds of alcohol with all kinds of fats, but for this recipe we’re infusing tequila with coconut oil. It’s all your tropical margarita dreams come to life in your very own kitchen.

The biggest misconception about fat-washed alcohol is that it will feel greasy or heavy. That is sooo not the case. The best part about this technique (aside from it being super easy) is that the alcohol takes up the flavors and essence of the fat without taking on the texture. But it also improves the texture — fat washing makes any spirit smoother and more luxurious.

Watch Me Make It

Get the Coconut Margajito recipe!

Tools Needed for Fat Washing

• For straining: Pour-over stand, fine mesh strainer, or a Chemex
• Coffee filters or cheesecloth
• Large Weck jars or similar airtight jar
• Funnel for easier pouring (optional)
• Clean glass bottle or jar for storing

How to Make Coconut Oil Fat-Washed Tequila

For fat washing tequila with coconut oil, you’ll need 1 bottle (750 ml) of tequila blanco + 1-3 tablespoons of refined coconut oil. I recommend using 1–2 tbsp oil for a light wash and 3 tbsp for a richer texture. Use refined coconut oil if you want a smooth texture without a strong coconut flavor or unrefined coconut oil if you want more coconut aroma.

1. Melt coconut oil: Gently melt until liquid. Do not overheat.
2. Combine in jar: Pour tequila into the Weck jar and add melted coconut oil.
3. Shake hard: Seal and shake for 20–30 seconds so the oil disperses.
4. Infuse: Let sit at room temp for 2–4 hours, shaking occasionally.
5. Freeze overnight: Place jar in freezer until oil fully solidifies on top (usually overnight).
6. Remove fat cap: Poke through or lift off the solid coconut oil layer.
7. Fine strain: Strain tequila through coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove remaining fat particles.
8. Bottle and store: Return to bottle or keep in jar. Store at room temp or in the freezer.

You can also use mezcal, rum, or vodka using this same method.

Coconut Tequila vs. Coconut Oil Fat-Washed Tequila

Fat-washing tequila blanco with coconut oil is not the same thing as making coconut-flavored tequila. A lot of coconut-flavored tequilas are made by infusing fresh coconut or adding coconut cream, coconut water, or coconut extracts. These can taste artificial or be overly sweet. Fat-washing tequila with coconut oil gives the tequila a subtle coconut aroma and an extra smooth and creamy texture without any added sweetness or extracts.

How to Use Coconut Oil Fat-Washed Tequila

Coconut and tequila go together like lime and Cointreau. That is, it’s perfect for any margarita, especially ones with tropical flavors. I originally made this coconut oil fat-washed tequila for my super popular Coconut Margajito!

Amp up the coconut flavor in my Classic Coconut Margarita, Charred Citrus and Coconut Margarita, and the margarita that put me on the map: The Aperol Coconut Margarita.

Add a subtle coconut undertone to other tequila-based cocktails like my Classic Spicy Margarita (and Freezer Door version), Tequila Aperol Spritz, Classic Paloma, Rosita, and my Tropical Tequila Banana Cocktail.