Pineapple Margarita

Why We Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: It only takes 5 minutes to whip up one of these 6-ingredient pineapple margaritas from scratch. Doesn't get any easier than that!
• Light and refreshing: This is definitely not a heavy cocktail, nor is it too sweet. It's a perfectly balanced and refreshingly light cocktail that's perfect for any occasion!
• Margarita heaven: Margaritas are my go-to cocktail (see Blueberry Margarita, Apple Cider Margarita and Frozen Watermelon Margarita to continue the obsession). They're refreshing, easy to make, and so versatile. I love that this version combines the classic flavor profile with a hint of sweet pineapple juice for a tropical vibe that can't be beat.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make these pineapple margaritas:

Ingredient Notes

• Tequila: We used tequila reposado in these pineapple margaritas. Tequila reposado is aged in oak barrels for anywhere from 2 months to a year, so it has a richer, golden color and flavor. You can also sub with silver (blanco) tequila, which is not aged, or añejo, which is aged for even longer than reposado. It all depends on your preferences – we like that reposado is somewhere in the middle and suitable for most preferences!
• Triple Sec: This is a common variety of orange-flavored liqueur. You can substitute with any orange liqueur of choice, including Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
• Pineapple juice: We use 100% pineapple juice (not from concentrate) in this recipe. You should be able to find it at most grocery stores, often in the juice/soda aisle. In a pinch, you can also use pineapple juice from concentrate.
• Simple syrup: You can also sub 1:1 with agave syrup.
• Citrus juice: You can use all lime juice or all lemon juice – we love the flavor of both, so we add them both in. It's always best to use freshly squeezed citrus juice in cocktails!

How to Make a Pineapple Margarita

(1) To rim the glass, run a lime wedge around the entire rim, or dip the rim in agave syrup, then dip in kosher salt to coat the rim. 

(2) Add the tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, simple syrup, lime and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.

(3) Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into rimmed glass filled with ice and serve. 

Variations

Our pineapple margarita is delicious plain, but there are also so many fun variations you can try! Below are a few of our favorites:

• Make a spicy jalapeño pineapple margarita: Infuse your simple syrup or agave with a few slices of jalapeño (including seeds) for at least 1 hour. Add everything to your cocktail shaker and strain before serving. See our post on infusing liquors for some additional help!
• Make a frozen pineapple margarita: Replace the pineapple juice with 4-6 ounces of frozen pineapple. Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth! If it's not thick enough, add in a handful of ice or more frozen pineapple. (Don't add much ice, otherwise it will water everything down.)
• Make a big batch of pineapple margaritas in a pitcher: 6-10x the proportions listed in the recipe below and add to a large pitcher. Stir or whisk well, then refrigerate until ready to serve. Be sure to mix well again before serving to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated! This is the perfect way to make this recipe for a crowd.
• Make a pineapple margarita with fresh pineapple: Dice up fresh pineapple and sub the pineapple juice with about ½-3/4 cups of diced pineapple. Add to a blender with all remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Strain through a sieve to remove pulp, or enjoy with pulp.
• Make a grilled pineapple margarita: Grilling pineapple before adding to this margarita adds a wonderful smoky flavor and really brings out the sweetness of the pineapple! To do so, grill a few slices of cored pineapple over medium heat until lightly charred (~5 minutes on each side). Cut the pineapple juice down to 2 ounces, and add in ¼ cup of chopped grilled pineapple to a blender along with the other ingredients. Blend until smooth and strain into a chilled glass.
• Make a tajín rim: Tajín seasoning is a Mexican spice blend made with peppers, lime and salt. It's a little spicy, acidic and salty, making it a wonderful addition to the rim of this pineapple margarita. Add a teaspoon or so to the margarita salt and mix well before rimming the glass.
• Add coconut: For a coconut pineapple margarita, cut the pineapple juice to 3 ounces and add in 2 ounces of coconut water or coconut milk. Yum!

Expert Tips and FAQs

• Make ahead: If you want to make a large batch for entertaining, you can measure out all of the ingredients several hours before serving. Just be sure to stir or shake well again before serving so all of the ingredients are evenly mixed.
• Want to try making infused tequila for your next margarita? Check out this post on how to infuse liquors with fruits, spices, herbs and more.
• Garnish: you don't need anything fancy to top off these pineapple margaritas, but fresh citrus slices (lime or orange), a pineapple wedge and/or a pineapple leaf always look nice.
• Serving suggestions: This pineapple margarita has a sweet, tropical flavor profile with a bit of acid, so it pairs well with refreshing recipes like vegan ceviche, al pastor tacos, black bean, mango and avocado salad, and light desserts like lemon cookies and blueberry lemon ice cream.

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