This Spicy Pineapple Margarita is full of irresistible flavor. The fresh pineapple flavor is spiked with a homemade jalapeno simple syrup, for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It's easy, refreshing, and great to serve at any fiesta or summer get-together!
🍍 Why This Is The Best Spicy Pineapple Margarita
Oh my, I just LOVE this spicy pineapple margarita!!
There's something about the sweetness of the pineapple mixed with the heat from the jalapeno simple syrup that makes this cocktail out of this world amazing. It's not as spicy as my Jalapeno Margarita Recipe but it's close.
Not only is this margarita bursting at the seams with flavor, it also couldn't be easier to make. Simply add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake well, then strain and serve. Done and done.
I've also included instructions on how to make a large batch of these margaritas in case you decide to share. However, if your friends aren't into spice, you can always make a large pitcher of classic margaritas.
Either way, I'm sure your guests will love both!
Why You'll Love This Margarita
- It's perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy flavors.
- It's extremely easy to make and takes just 5 minutes!
- It's easy to make one OR a pitcher for a larger group.
- You only need a few ingredients.
- It can be made in ADVANCE! (Something us hostess' greatly desire!)
Pineapple Margarita Ingredient Tips
*full ingredients list and measurements can be found in recipe card below*
- Tequila: I use Tequila Blanco, but it's also called silver tequila. Basically it's the purest form of tequila
- Pineapple juice: Store-bought pineapple juice works great here but freshly juiced is even better! If buying store-bought, I suggest buying it in a glass bottle because the cans can sometimes taste a bit metallic.
- Jalapeno simple syrup: I use a homemade jalapeno simple syrup. It's extremely easy to make, but you can purchase it pre-made if you prefer.
- Cointreau: This orange flavored liqueur separates my margarita from the rest! It's absolutely a must-have ingredient!
- Lime juice: Fresh squeezed lime juice just brightens up the entire drink. I recommend using fresh lime juice because bottled is much more concentrated.
- Tajin or Salt: These ingredients are optional, but if you're feeling fancy it's fun to add a special rim to your glass!
How To Make A Spicy Pineapple Margarita
Step 1: Prepare Your Pineapple Juice
You can take the easy way out here by purchasing pineapple juice from the store OR you can juice your own pineapples using a juicer OR blender with a strainer. Read more below!
Step 2: Decide How Spicy You Want To Make It
The spicy heat in this version comes from the jalapenos I use. But jalapenos are not the spiciest pepper out there. Not even close. So if you feel up to it, you can make your own spicy simple syrup by swapping the jalapeno peppers for a spicer pepper like:
- chili peppers
- chili de arbol
- cayenne pepper
- scotch bonnet (if you dare)
*Check out a pepper list here and play around with different heat levels.
Step 3: Make Your Spicy Simple Syrup
Most margaritas are made with a simple syrup or sweetener like agave syrup. If you do not like a sweet margarita, read below on what to do.
To make a spicy simple syrup, you need to boil equal parts water to sugar along with 1-3 sliced peppers of choice (jalapenos) until the sugar dissolves and the pepper has released some heat. Then strain and bring to room temperature.
Step 4: Rim Your Glass.
Rimming your margarita glass is a MUST! You have FOUR options here:
- Use salt. But not just any salt. Coarse sea salt. It makes a difference in texture and flavor.
- Use sugar. This is for those who love sweeter cocktails.
- Use tajin seasoning. This is a spicy combo of savory smoky flavors that adds a beautiful touch and taste.
- Use a combination of two! I prefer salt and tajin. 🙂
Step 5: Shake well.
Shaking a margarita is essential. It allows your margarita to chill while diluting it a bit. This pineapple margarita also has pineapple juice so shaking it will allow the juice and other ingredients to blend well. Straining the drink isn't a must since we strained to simple syrup already.
Step 6: Garnish.
You put all the effort into making an amazing craft cocktail. Why not put a little more effort to make it look pleasing to the eye? A pineapple wedge or leaf and a few jalapeno slices are the perfect way to tell people what to expect!
Fresh or Store-Bought Pineapple Juice
I know, I know. You're probably thinking, who the heck would want to juice their own pineapple?! Let me tell you that it makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Freshly juiced pineapple is frothy, foamy, not overly sweet and tastes A LOT better than canned versions.
The result is a frothy tasty margarita that leaves a nice layer of foam on the top which adds an interestingly unique texture to your cocktail. It's GOOD
How Spicy Is This Margarita?
I personally can't handle a ton of spice, and find this spicy pineapple margarita quite enjoyable! It's not too spicy but definitely has a kick that you get used to the more you drink it.
You can always add less jalapeno simple syrup OR use less jalapenos when making your syrup if you're worried it's too spicy for you!
Optional Margarita Variations
While I'm obsessed with this spicy pineapple margarita as is, here's a few ways you could customize it if you'd like:
- Beachy vibes: Add a splash of coconut milk or coconut water for a full tropical drink.
- Adjust the heat: Add more or less jalapeno simple syrup according to your spice tolerance. You can muddle the jalapenos for more heat!
- Large batch: Scale this recipe up to serve however many people are at your party! Add all of the ingredients to a large pitcher, stir well, then keep in the fridge until your need it. Be sure to serve with ice! (Add ice last to prevent a watery cocktail.)
What To Serve Margs With:
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! If you make it in advance, just keep it in a covered container in the fridge until you're ready for a drink.
Yes, the recipe is designed for 1, 8 ounce glass, but you could scale up the ingredients to make a large batch and serve multiple people.
Add everything to a pitcher, stir well, then store in the fridge until needed!
Cointreau is an orange flavored Triple Sec liqueur. You can use one of these alternatives if you don't have it!
What To Serve Your Margarita With:
Grilled Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Other Margaritas To Try!
- Avocado Margarita w/ Jalapeno & Cilantro5 Minutes
- Large Batch Margarita Pitchers Recipe (For 14 People!)10 Minutes
- Pumpkin Pie Margarita5 Minutes
- Jalapeño Margarita5 Minutes
📖 Recipe
Spicy Pineapple Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Ounces Tequila Blanco
- 2 Ounces Pineapple juice
- 1 Ounce Jalapeno simple syrup
- ¾ Ounce Cointreau
- ¾ Ounce Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Kosher or flakey salt for the rim (optional)
- Pineapple wedge, Jalapeno slice, Tajin (as garnish)
Instructions
- Dip the rim of your glass into honey or agave and then into the Kosher or flakey salt
- Add Tequila, pineapple juice, jalapeno simple syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds
- Strain into your prepared glass, garnish if desired, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Aleka's Margarita Tips
- Use a lowball glass OR a margarita glass to serve your cocktail.
- Freeze your glass first for a frosty presentation.
- Rim the glass with Tajin or coarse salt for an extra fancy cocktail.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno simple syrup to your taste.
- Use fresh lime juice, bottled is too sour!
- Serve at a fiesta, birthday party, or even unwind on Taco Tuesday 😉
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