I am a sucker for a good margarita and love any kind of spin on the classic cocktail. This Pineapple Margarita has become one of my favorite cocktails to make for friends, it’s light and refreshing and easy to modify to make spicier or milder depending on your taste. I like to coat the rim in tajin for extra flavor but feel free to swap it for salt.
Why You Will Love This
- It feels like a vacation in a glass. It’s the perfect combination of pineapple and tequila.
- It’s perfect for summer parties, cookouts, Cinco de Mayo, and date nights in.
- The sweetness of the pineapple juice gives tropical vibes and is incredibly refreshing, made with simple ingredients.
- It takes just minutes to make and can easily be prepared in a big batch if you are serving a crowd.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Blanco Tequila: Also known as Silver Tequila. It’s smooth and crisp with bright citrus and agave notes.
- Cointreau: Orange liqueur that adds sweet citrus flavor and depth. Triple sec will also work.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds acidity that balances the sweetness and brightens this summery drink.
- Pineapple Juice: You can use store-bought or fresh pineapple juice. The sweet, tropical flavor that gives the margarita its signature taste.
- Jalapeño: Adds a subtle kick of heat that complements the sweet pineapple. This is optional.
- Lime: Use fresh lime wedges to run on the rim before salting.
- Tajín or Salt: Used for a salt rim or Tajín rim if you prefer a bolder flavor.
- Fresh Pineapple: Garnish and nibble on a fresh pineapple wedge in between sips.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Glass
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
Tips for the Best Pineapple Margarita
- A cold glass keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Don’t skip the rim, Tajín or salt adds a spicy or salty kick that really elevates the flavor.
How to Make This Pineapple Margarita
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and then place the glass upside down on a plate with salt or tajin to coat the rim. Add ice to the glass.
- To a cocktail shaker, add a large handful of ice plus the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice, and jalapeno slices and shake vigorously.
- Strain into the prepared cocktail glass and garnish. Add the jalapeno slices from the shaker if you like it spicy!
How to Modify
- Swap the citrus. Try grapefruit juice or a splash of orange juice for a slightly different citrus profile.
- Make it a frozen pineapple margarita and blend everything with the ice or a handful of frozen pineapple for even more flavor.
- Top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly, lower-calorie version.
- Add a splash of coconut water or coconut cream for a creamy pina colada vibe.
- Adjust the alcohol and make it lighter by reducing tequila and adding more juice or sparkling water, or stronger by slightly increasing tequila while keeping mixers the same.
- Want it sweeter? Add a splash of agave syrup, simple syrup, or more pineapple juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside my favorite Mexican dishes like Mexican Chicken Burgers, Mexican Chicken Salad, Mexican Couscous Salad, Sheet Pan Mexican Chicken, or Mexican Meatballs.
If you’re having a cocktail party, try these appetizers: Mexican Taco Cups, Mexican Street Corn Dip, or Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups.
Common Questions
Reduce the pineapple juice slightly and add more fresh lime juice or a splash of soda water.
Absolutely! Just blend all ingredients with ice until smooth for a slushy margarita.
Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Add ice right before serving so it doesn’t get watered down.
Both work! Salt is classic, while Tajín adds a spicy, tangy twist that pairs perfectly with pineapple.
Add jalapeño slices, muddle them lightly, or infuse the tequila ahead of time for a spicy margarita.
If you make this Pineapple Margarita, let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram; I love seeing your photos!
Pineapple Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz cointreau
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 3 slices jalapeno
- 1 lime
- Tajin or salt for rim
- Wedges of pineapple for garnish
Instructions
- To rim the glass, run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and then place the glass upside down in a plate with salt or tajin to coat the rim. Add ice to the glass.
- To a cocktail shaker add a large handful of ice plus the tequila, cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice and jalapeno slices and shake vigorously for 20 seconds
- Strain into the prepared cocktail glass and garnish with a wedge of pineapple.Add the jalapeno slices from the shaker if you prefer a spicier margarita.
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!
