Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

A pineapple jalapeño margarita to knock your socks off! This award winning cocktail is so flavorful, you will wow all your guests.

This post was originally published on February 19, 2018.

I love a good margarita and this one is no joke! In fact, this delicious cocktail won the neighborhood margarita contest. That’s saying something, right?

These are some of my favorite flavors for margaritas, sweet and spicy. The jalapeño gives this drink just the right amount of kick! You can easily make a virgin version of this as well. All you have to do is leave out the tequila!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this pineapple jalapeño margarita:

• Pineapple 
• Tequila 
• Cilantro or mint
• Lime juice
• Jalapeño 
• Pineapple juice
• Fresh lime
• Dairy free butter (optional)
• Water or soda water (optional)

How to make Pineapple Margaritas:

Making your own flavorful margaritas at home is so easy! Here are the steps to take for this recipe:

1. Grill pineapple.
2. Muddle the other ingredients.
3. Combine all and serve!

Tips for grilling your pineapple

You can skip the grilling but it truly tastes so much better that way! For a detailed tutorial, check out this recipe for How to Grill Pineapple. Here’s the quick rundown for how to do it:

• The key to these pineapples holding up is to make sure you cut them with 2-inch bases and leave the skin intact.
• You’ll then want to coat them in butter for an extra oomph of flavor (I use the vegan butter by Miyoko’s Creamery)!
• Then you’ll grill them for just 5-7 minutes on each side. This really caramelizes the flavor!

Tips for how to cut a jalapeño

Cutting a jalapeño doesn’t have to be difficult, but knowing the best way will definitely help you. You’ll want to either wear gloves or be very careful about not touching anything after you’ve handled the hot pepper until you thoroughly wash your hands.

I have learned this the hard way. Think, eyes on fire. Eeek.

1. Cut off the stem and end of the pepper.
2. Slice the pepper in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and membrane. Or if you want rings with seeds intact, skip this part.
3. If chopping, cut into sticks, then chop from there.
4. Easy peasy!

Depending on how hot you want your margarita to be, you can add or decrease the number of jalapeños you put into your drink. You can also use the seeds if you want to really kick up the spice factor.

Flavor suggestions

For the best tasting pineapple margarita, check out these tips:

• You can always leave out the tequila for a still delicious virgin option!
• Tequila is what makes this a margarita. Add in a splash of mezcal for a smoky flavor, or orange liqueur for a touch of sweetness.
• Experiment using other liquors like vodka or a light rum.
• For a sweeter margarita, use more pineapple juice. You can also add some agave nectar.
• Adjust the jalapeños for your spice preference.
• Add in a splash of other fruit juices or syrups like mango, passion fruit, or orange.
• Rim the glass! Before filling, dip the glass in lime juice, then in salt, sugar, or a mixture of Tajín and salt.
• Make it blended by adding all the ingredients (minus soda water if using) to a blender with two cups of ice and blend to desired consistency.

Tips for making ahead of time

You can make a big batch of these margaritas in advance. If you do, here are some suggestions for the best results:

• Grilled pineapple will hold up for a couple of days, but it is best when fresh. It gets a little limp and loses the flavor the longer you store it.
• If you need to have this done a day or two before (I wouldn’t recommend more than that), I would probable skip the grilling and go the fresh pineapple route. If you really want to grill then go for it. Just know the flavor will change a bit as time goes on.
• For everything else, you simple follow the recipe, then store in an airtight container until you need it.
• Wait to add the tequila and soda water until you are ready to serve.

Preparation tips

A few more suggestions to get you on your way:

• The butter is optional but using it helps the pineapple caramelize a bit more for an even better flavor.
• You can also just keep the pineapple fresh and squeeze the juice out or muddle.
• Using fresh pineapple will give you the best flavor and allows for a pretty garnish. In a pinch you can use frozen (defrosted). If you have to use canned, make sure to buy the kind that’s in pineapple juice, not syrup.
• If you don’t have a muddler, use the end of a thick spoon or ice cream scooper.
• Make more than one at a time! Increase the amounts of everything. This recipe will give you 2 drinks and a pitcher usually holds roughly 6 drinks. So you’ll want to multiply everything by 3. Easy enough to do!

Common Questions

More Boozy Recipes

For more tasty libation ideas, check out these recipes:

• Peach Grapefruit Basil Cocktail
• Passionfruit Margarita
• Wine Slushies
• Piña Colada
• Boozy Popsicles

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Sophia DeSantis

A pineapple jalapeño margarita to knock your socks off! This award winning cocktail is so flavorful, you will wow all your guests.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 2

Calories 119 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 10 pieces sliced pineapple , about 2 inch triangle base, plus extra for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon melted dairy free butter , optional to grill pineapple
• ¼ – ½ cup tequila , 2-4 ounces (more or less depending on preference)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or mint , leaves only
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2-3 slices jalapeño , seeds removed if you don’t want the spice
• 1 ¼ cups fresh pineapple juice
• ¼ cup water or soda water , if wanted to dilute
• 4-6 slices fresh lime

Instructions

 

• Coat sliced pineapple in butter, if using. Grill on grill pan or actual grill until both sides are browning, about 5-7 minutes on each side.
• Meanwhile, combine tequila, cilantro and lime juice in a glass jar or cup. Using a muddler (or end of a thick spoon or ice cream scooper if you don’t have one), carefully and slowly smash the cilantro with the tequila and lime juice until cilantro is somewhat smashed. Add jalapeño and mash a few more times.
• Once pineapple is grilled and cooled, squeeze juices into the jar or cup then add the pineapple in as well. You can also strain liquid if you don’t like the cilantro pieces.
• Add fresh lime slices. Then add the fresh pineapple juice and soda/water if using.
• Serve over ice with extra pineapple as garnish.

Notes

• You can always leave out the tequila for a still delicious virgin option!
• The butter is optional but using it helps the pineapple caramelize a bit more for an even better flavor.
• You can also just keep the pineapple fresh and squeeze the juice out or muddle.
• This makes 2 eight ounce drinks over ice.

Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 23mgPotassium: 414mgFiber: 3gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 995IUVitamin C: 130.5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.7mg

Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

Keyword Pineapple Cocktail, Pineapple Margarita

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!