Pineapple Margarita (or Mezcal Margarita)

At a glance

What stands out: Shake up a refreshing from-scratch pineapple margarita for a refreshing change this summer. Try both options: with tequila or with smoky mezcal. Make individual cocktails or stir up a pitcher.

How long it takes: 5 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: cocktail shaker
Servings: 1 (with instructions for a pitcher, too)

Spicy Pineapple Margarita

A fun and refreshing summer cocktail! The spicy rim of this margarita contrasts evenly with the sweet pineapple juice. This cocktail reminds us a little bit of our spicy Paloma recipe (if you haven’t tried that one yet, you’re gonna want to add it to your list).

We just love the slower pace of summer. The kids are finished with school so there’s no worry about homework and getting to bed on time. Warm starry evenings beckon us outside, and often neighbors will wander over and join us around a softly crackling fire. Conversation is quiet, slow-paced, with lots of laughter mixed in.

A frosty cocktail and something to nibble on are always welcome, too. We love testing new recipes on our neighbors and they don’t seem to mind a bit. We love this pineapple margarita and we think you will, too!

By the way, don’t forget the kids or those who don’t care to imbibe. They’ll love refreshing pineapple water (pineapple agua fresca) especially if it’s garnished with a wedge of fresh pineapple and maybe a spicy rim, too.

Margarita Made Your Way

Two recipes in one! This pineapple margarita can be made two ways: with tequila or with mezcal. Each has a distinctive flavor and it’s fun to try both for comparison.

Try different garnishes. Experiment with rim embellishments and garnishes. A cocktail is a feast for the eyes as well as your tastebuds. The garnish and rim enhancements are the entry to the cocktail; the smell and flavor precede the first sip and color the experience.

Make a pitcher. If you want to make several cocktails at once, you’ll find that this recipe is easily adapted to make a larger quantity (see recipe notes). You can do it ahead of time and skip the cocktail shaker since the mixture is already chilled.

What goes in

• Tequila or Mezcal: For a more traditional margarita, choose tequila, either blanco (silver) or reposado which is aged for a smoother flavor. If you want to try something a little different, try mezcal which has a unique smoky flavor.
• Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur): Many margarita recipes contain triple sec which is made from dried orange peels. It’s also found in other cocktails like Long Island iced tea, Sidecars, Cosmopolitans, sangria, and more.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is always better-tasting than bottled juice.
• Pineapple Juice: For a standby flavor, look for fresh pineapple juice in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. Canned pineapple juice works, too; we've used both with good results.
• Agave Syrup: Look for light agave syrup which is nearly colorless. It has a mild flavor and is often used in cocktails. It’s usually found in the baking aisle.
• Chili Powder or Tajín Seasoning: For the rim of the glass, choose your favorite chili powder, or try Tajín Seasoning. We would definitely recommend the Tajín Seasoning — it goes well with this margarita. If you prefer salt or coarse sugar on the rim of your glass, that’s totally cool, too.
• Ice Cubes: We prefer ice cubes for an “on the rocks” margarita because crushed ice melts too quickly, diluting the cocktail; however, it’s your choice.

What Is Tajín Seasoning?

Tajín Seasoning is a mildly spicy blend from Mexico. It’s made with dried chili peppers, lime, and sea salt.It gives a little flavor boost to fruits, vegetables, or meat (not just for margaritas!). Buy it at your local grocer or order it on Amazon.

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What Is the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?

Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like chardonnay is a type of wine. Mezcal is an alcoholic beverage that is made from any agave plant (and there are more than 40 varieties of agave!). Tequila is also made from agave but only from one kind: Blue Weber Agave.

The distillation process is different, too. To make mezcal, the agave is roasted first which gives it a distinctive smoky flavor. Not all mezcals taste the same; there can be a discernible difference between batches.

That’s a “distilled” explanation. There’s lots more to be said but we think it’s time to move on to cocktails!

Why Buy a Cocktail Shaker?

A cocktail shaker is a barkeeper’s friend. If you love martinis or other chilled drinks, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. This handy tool has a built-in strainer so you can quickly cool the ingredients of your cocktail and then strain out the ice so it doesn’t dilute your drink.

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How it comes together

Check your ice supply. Make sure you have plenty of fresh ice on hand. Nothing’s worse than stale ice in a cocktail, or worse yet, no ice! You’ll need a pretty good-sized glass; the cocktail is 6 ounces plus ice.

Prep garnish. If you’d like to garnish your cocktail with a wedge of fresh pineapple (as pictured), make sure the wedges are cut and ready to go.

Prep the glasses. The first step is to rim the glass (or glasses) with the colorful chili powder or Tajín Seasoning. Sprinkle a tablespoon or so of the spice on a plate or shallow bowl. Rub the edge of the glass with a bit of agave syrup and then roll the edge in the spice, making sure to cover it all the way around.

Put a few ice cubes into the glass and set it aside. Put a few more ice cubes into your cocktail shaker.

Shake it up. Add the tequila (or mezcal), triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, and agave to the shaker.

Cover and shake for twenty seconds or so, until the cocktail is chilled.

Remove the cover and pour the cocktail into the prepared glass.

Happy sipping!

Ways to serve it

Enjoy this cocktail with seasoned oyster crackers, olive oil roasted almonds, or tortilla chips and restaurant style salsa. Chipotle salsa and citrus salsa go especially well with this cocktail.

Heartier appetizers like our ultimate 7 layer dip, Mexican corn dip, or refried bean dip are good choices.

Pineapple margaritas go well with a Mexican-style dinner, too. Make a big batch of slow cooker pork tacos and serve them with all the fixings. Don’t forget from-scratch guacamole!

Straightforward Recipe Variations

• Adjust the sweetness: It’s straightforward to mix this cocktail a little sweeter or not as sweet. Add an extra ounce of pineapple juice to make it a little sweeter, or increase the agave syrup. Agave syrup is sweeter than sugar or honey so be careful not to add too much. If you prefer a more tart cocktail, omit the agave.
• Rim options: You can rim the glass with chili powder, Tajín Seasoning, coarse salt, or sugar (or a mixture), or you can choose to leave the rim unadorned.
• Make a frozen margarita: Place all the ingredients in a blender, including the ice, and process until smooth and slushy.
• Not a fan of pineapple? Try our strawberry margarita punch or a cranberry margarita.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make a pitcher of margaritas. If you’re expecting a crowd, combine the ingredients (without the ice) in a pitcher or covered container, and chill the mixture in the refrigerator up to 8 hours in advance. We've already done the math for you; you’ll find the measurements on the recipe card. You won’t need a cocktail shaker to serve it; simply pour the chilled mixture over rocks.

Frozen Sangria Slushie Recipe

Tajin is a trademarked product. Tajin is a proprietary brand that we want to acknowledge and give credit to. This post is not directly affiliated with them other than their product being reliable for this recipe.

• Yield: 1
• Prep: 5 minutes
• Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz. mezcal or tequila (see note)
• 1 oz. triple sec or another orange liqueur
• ½ oz. lime juice
• 3 oz. pineapple juice (or up to 4 oz., depending on how sweet you like it)
• ½ oz. agave syrup, plus additional for rim
• chili powder or Tajín seasoning (see note)
• ice cubes

Method

1. Spread Tajin seasoning or chili powder onto a flat small plate.
2. Use a bit of agave syrup to moisten the rim of the glass. Dip the rim of the glass into the seasonings on the plate, making sure the rim is evenly covered.
3. Add a few ice cubes to glass and set aside.
4. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, mezcal, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, and agave syrup. Shake well for about 20 seconds until the cocktail is cold.
5. Strain into a glass, garnish with pineapple slices and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Mezcal/tequila: Mezcal has a smoky taste that pairs evenly with the pineapple but this drink is also rich made with tequila. Choose your favorite.

Pineapple juice: For best flavor, use fresh pineapple juice. Frozen 100% pineapple juice can be reconstituted and used; canned pineapple juice should be chilled well.

Rim options: Rim the glass with sugar or salt, instead of chili powder or Tajín seasoning, for a more traditional margarita.

To make a pitcher (8 servings) Mix ingredients in pitcher or covered container and chill for up to 8 hours. Prepare rims and add ice cubes to 8 glasses, fill with margarita mix, and serve. 16 oz. tequila (2 cups)

8 oz. triple sec (1 cup)

4 oz. lime juice (½ cup)

24 oz. pineapple juice (3 cups), more to taste

4 oz. agave syrup (½ cup), plus extra for rims