Description
Spicy Pineapple Margaritas are a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances smoky mezcal or tequila with sweet pineapple juice, zesty lime, and a kick of fresh jalapeño. This easy-to-make drink is ideal for summer gatherings or whenever you crave a spicy, tropical twist on the classic margarita.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For One Serving
- 1 1/2 ounces mezcal or tequila blanco
- 1 1/2 ounces 100% pineapple juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought, not from concentrate, no added sugar)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce Cointreau (or Grand Marnier/Triple Sec as alternatives)
- 2 to 4 fresh jalapeño slices (adjust based on desired spice level)
- Ice, as needed
Optional Garnishes and Rim
- Tajín seasoning and/or coarse sea salt for rimming the glass
- Pineapple wedge
- Pineapple leaf
- Extra jalapeño slices
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Rim the Glass (Optional): Take a fresh lime wedge and rub it around the rim of your serving glass to moisten it. Then dip the glass rim into a plate with Tajín, coarse sea salt, or a mixture of both to create a flavorful and textured border.
- Mix the Margarita: In a cocktail shaker or a mason jar, combine the mezcal or tequila blanco, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and 2 to 4 slices of fresh jalapeño. Add a handful of ice, cover tightly, and shake vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Serve: Strain the margarita into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, pineapple leaf, extra jalapeño slices, or a lime wedge based on your preference, and enjoy your spicy tropical cocktail!
- Pitcher Recipe (Optional): For a larger batch to serve 8, combine 1.5 cups mezcal or tequila blanco, 1.5 cups pineapple juice, 1 cup fresh lime juice, 3/4 cup Cointreau, and 16 to 24 jalapeño slices in a large pitcher. Add ice and stir well to chill before serving.
Notes
- Pineapple Juice: Use 100% pineapple juice that is either freshly squeezed or store-bought without added sugars or concentrate for the best flavor.
- Cointreau Alternatives: Grand Marnier or a good-quality Triple Sec can be substituted for Cointreau if desired without compromising flavor.
- Jalapeño Slices: Jalapeño heat levels vary, so start with fewer slices if you prefer milder spice, and adjust to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
