Pineapple Margarita

This pineapple margarita is a tropical spin on the classic! The winning combination of pineapple, tequila and lime makes a killer cocktail.

Here’s a tropical drink that marries the perfect combination of pineapple, tequila and lime: the Pineapple Margarita! We’ve become experts in all the margarita recipes, from the classic to the more off-the-wall. And this juicy, fruity cocktail has become a favorite! The sweet pineapple goes hand in hand with the sharp bite of the tequila and zingy lime. Add Cointreau orange liqueur to the mix, and it’s a party. You need to add this to your cocktail repertoire…stat.

What’s in a pineapple margarita?

The classic margarita is one of the most famous cocktails of all time, invented back in the 1930’s. In fact, it’s on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means that there’s an “official” definition of the ingredients in a margarita: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. That’s right: no added simple syrup! We’re margarita purists and we love the simplicity of this drink made the right way.

This pineapple margarita is spin on the classic that’s in the same vein. No added simple syrup here! The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the hint of sugar in the Cointreau make it the perfect sweet tart flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for a pineapple margarita:

• Pineapple juice
• Tequila (use blanco or reposado)
• Cointreau
• Fresh lime juice

How to make a pineapple margarita

This pineapple margarita is “on the rocks”, meaning it’s served over ice. It’s a classic “shaken” cocktail you can mix up in a cocktail shaker. The salt rim is optional. It adds just the right searing saltiness to each sip, but if you’re feeling lazy it’s just as tasty without!

1. Rim the glass with salt. Salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink! How to make the perfect salt rim? See below.
2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Shake the ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker! Don’t have one? Use a covered jar with a lid.
3. Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain it into a glass and serve with ice. That’s it! We like to garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge, but that’s just for looks.

What’s the best tequila for margaritas?

You can use any type of tequila in these margaritas. Our rule of thumb is to buy a mid-price range bottle: the price usually corresponds to the quality of liquor! You can use either blanco or reposado tequila here. What’s the difference?

• Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor.
• Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, from 2 to 12 months. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla.

How to make a salt rim

If you do decide to go for the salt rim, we have a few tips for getting it just right! To take the drink presentation over the top, try our homemade Margarita Salt. The festive green and orange from the citrus peel look beautiful against the yellow of the pineapple margarita!

• Cut a notch in a lime and use it to wet the rim. It’s easier than trying to do it with your fingers, and makes a consistently wet rim.
• Turn the glass so just the outside rim is covered in salt. You want to rim just the outside of the glass. Place salt on a plate and tilt the glass so just the outside of the rim is covered.

Spicy variation: add jalapeño pepper!

Want to mix up this pineapple margarita? Make it spicy! This Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita is even better (if that’s possible). The heat and tangy brightness of the jalapeño pepper pairs perfectly with the tropical pineapple. You need to taste it to believe it! Click over to that recipe for more.

Love pineapple? Try all our pineapple juice cocktails, like the tropical Pineapple Rum Cocktail or Pineapple Vodka Cocktail.

Serving a crowd? Make a pineapple margarita pitcher

Want to mix up a batch for a crowd? Instead of making single drinks, mix up a big pitcher. Here’s what to do: we did the math so you don’t have to! To make a pitcher that serves 8 drinks, mix together in a pitcher:

• 1 ½ cups tequila
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• ¾ cup Cointreau
• ¾ cup lime juice

Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve!

Margarita variations!

Want more margarita ideas? We have lots more where this comes from. Here are some margarita recipes to try:

• Classic: Simple Margarita, Cointreau Margarita, Patron Margarita or Triple Sec Margarita
• Boozy: Mezcal or Cadillac
• Fruity: Mango, Peach, Blackberry, Watermelon or Grapefruit Margarita
• Light: Skinny, Virgin, or Frozen
• Spicy: Jalapeno Margarita
• Unique: Italian, Blue or Beer

When to serve a pineapple margarita

The pineapple margarita is festive and tropical! It works as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Summer patio drink
• Cinco de Mayo drink
• Girls night, bachelorette party or bridal shower drink
• Cocktail hour drink

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