Go Back
#cometocatskill #sweetandspicy #pineapplejalapeñomargarita #its5oclocksomewhere #willyoubemyvalentine #hudsonvalley #catskills #iloveny #hudson #saugerties #windhammountain #huntermountain #woodstock #athens #catskill #margarita #tequila

#Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Drinks
Cuisine Mexican

Equipment

  • Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, muddler, knife, cutting board, jigger, fine strainer (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks or pineapple juice, if fresh isn’t available
  • 1-2 slices fresh jalapeño adjust to taste for spiciness
  • 2 oz tequila blanco or mezcal for a smoky variation
  • 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice about half a lime
  • ½ oz agave syrup or honey for a different flavor profile
  • Ice for shaking and serving
  • Salt or tajín for rimming the glass
  • Pineapple wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Method:
  • Muddle the Flavors
  • Let me show you how I make this margarita by first muddling the pineapple chunks and jalapeño slices at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. This step helps release the sweet juices from the pineapple and the heat from the jalapeño.
  • Tip: If you prefer a less spicy drink, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or use fewer slices.
  • Add the Liquids
  • Pour in the tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
  • From my overall experience, agave syrup balances the flavors well, but feel free to use honey or even simple syrup as a substitute if agave is unavailable.
  • Shake It Up
  • Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine all the ingredients.
  • Troubleshooting tip: If your drink is too sweet, add more lime juice. If it’s too strong, add more pineapple juice or a splash of water.
  • Prepare the Glass
  • Rim your margarita glasses with salt or tajín (a spicy Mexican seasoning). This adds an extra layer of flavor to your drink.
  • Tip: For a fun twist, try using sugar instead of salt for a sweeter rim.
  • Strain and Serve
  • Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice. If you prefer a pulp-free margarita, use a fine strainer to catch any small bits of pineapple and jalapeño.
  • Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a jalapeño slice for a touch of style.
  • Variations:
  • Smoky Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita: Replace tequila blanco with mezcal to introduce a smoky flavor.
  • Spicy Mango Margarita: Swap out the pineapple for fresh mango, and follow the same steps. The mango adds a rich, tropical sweetness.
  • Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace tequila with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative for a mocktail.
  • Dietary Substitutions:
  • If you're on a low-sugar diet, you can omit the agave syrup or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
  • For gluten-free diets, make sure the tequila you use is 100% agave (most are, but it’s good to double-check).