If you're like me, then you adore a spicy cocktail. And with the sizzle of jalapeños balanced by the tropical sweetness of pineapple, the pineapple jalapeño margarita is one of my absolute favorite spicy cocktails. Give it a try, and I think you'll see why I love it so much.
How to Make a Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
I love the simplicity of a traditional margarita, but sometimes, I want something with a little more sizzle. That's when I reach for my muddler and jalapeños. Muddling a few slices of chili pepper is a great way to add heat to all kinds of cocktails (try it in a tart and refreshing paloma).
Ingredients
- Lime wedge
- ½ teaspoon tajin + ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 jalapeño slices
- ¾ ounce agave syrup
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- 1½ ounces tequila or jalapeño-infused tequila
- Ice
Instructions
- Run the lime wedge along one side of the edge of a rocks glass. Save the wedge for garnish.
- On a small plate, mix the tajin and salt. Dip the wet edge of the glass into the mixture.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with the agave syrup.
- Add the lime juice, pineapple juice, and tequila.
- Add ice and shake to chill.
- Strain into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the lime wedge.
If you prefer a frozen margarita, add 1 cup of ice or freeze 1 cup of pineapple juice in an ice cube tray. Blend all ingredients in a blender.
Flavor Variations for the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
Perhaps the biggest variation for this drink is controlling the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño slices and seeds. The heat in jalapeños is primarily in the seeds, so include more for a spicier drink.
- Muddle a few cilantro leaves with the jalapeño slices and agave.
- For a more pronounced pineapple flavor, muddle a few chunks of fresh pineapple with the agave and jalapeño.
- Add a few dashes of mole or habanero bitters.
- On the chili pepper heat index, jalapeños aren't super spicy. If you want some heat, add hotter chilies, such as a habanero. Do this judiciously — you'll probably want to add fewer/smaller slices and fewer seeds.
- Replace the tequila with smoked pineapple tequila for smoky flavors and a more pronounced taste of pineapple.
- For a smokier drink, you can also replace the tequila with mezcal.
- Replace agave syrup with orange-flavored liqueur.
- Multiply the recipe to make a pitcher of margaritas.
Related: A Tasty Tart Cranberry Margarita Recipe That's a Fruity Fiesta
Spicy & Sweet Garnishes
Salt or sugar on the rim can help to cut the heat for this spicy drink. You can even add a combination of sugar and salt or sugar, salt, and tajin. You can also try:
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
- Garnish with a pineapple leaf.
- Garnish with a jalapeño slice or even a whole jalapeño on a skewer.
Gettin' Jalapeño Business
If you love the classic margarita but are seeking a slightly more picante experience, then the pineapple jalapeño margarita is one to try. With a balance of sweetness and heat, this margarita is a true treat for the senses.
