This sweet and spicy pineapple margarita recipe is a bold flavorful margarita. The kick of spicy simple syrup adds a unique flavor that will keep you coming back for more. This margarita is perfect for a backyard happy hour or Cinco de Mayo.
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I love a good margarita, that includes everything from spicy margaritas to vodka margaritas and all the variations in between. And I think you are going to love this cocktail recipe if you like spicy flavors.
📖Why My Recipe Works
The unique margarita recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and heat, thanks to the combination of fresh pineapple flavor and customizable jalapeno sugar syrup.
You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, ensuring you get a perfect margarita every time.
🧾Ingredient Notes
Silver Tequila - Also called blanco, this clear unaged tequila has a crisp agave flavor that pairs well with citrus and fruit. A reposado or añejo tequila can be substituted.
Cointreau - An orange liqueur that adds sweetness and bright citrus flavor. Triple sec or other orange liqueurs may be substituted.
Pineapple Juice - Fresh pineapple is great but a little hard to manage. I always use store-bought juice.
Lime Juice - Fresh squeezed juice is best. Bottled can be substituted.
Jalapeno Simple Syrup - Adds a spicy kick that complements the fruit. You can add more or less jalapeno to adjust the spiciness. I don't recommend using habanero peppers in the syrup as it tends to overwhelm the flavor of the cocktail.
Tajin and Lime Wedges - Optional for a flavor salt rim. Tajin is a chili-lime seasoning. You could also make your own using the chili-lime salt from my mezcal paloma recipe.
💭 How to Make a Pitcher
Perfect for a big group. Combine the following qualities in a large pitcher and stir well and chill for 1 hour before serving.
- 3 cups tequila
- 1 ½ cups Cointreau
- 3 cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1-2 cups spicy jalapeno simple syrup
⏲️ How to Make a Spicy Pineapple Margarita
Start by making the jalapeno syrup. Let it cool to room temperature before straining.
Wet the glass rim with lime juice for Tajin seasoning to adhere properly.
Rotate the glass gently for an even coating.
Shake tequila, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, and spicy syrup with ice in a shaker until the outside feels very cold.
Strain the margarita into glasses filled with ice. Add garnishes; like a lime wedge, jalapeno slices, or a pineapple chunk.
Expert Tip
For a unique twist, try swapping mezcal for tequila to give this margarita a light smoky flavor.
More Tropical Cocktail Recipes
🌡️Storing Leftovers
Any leftover spicy simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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📖 Recipe Card
Spicy Pineapple Margarita
Ingredients
- 3 ounces silver tequila also called Blanco
- 1 ½ ounces Cointreau or other orange liqueur*
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces spicy jalapeno simple syrup
- Tajin and lime wedges optional for rim
- Pineapple slices for garnish
Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños sliced (adjust for desired spice level)
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Spread the Tajin on small plate. Wipe the rim of two highball glasses with a wedge of lime. Dip into the tajin to coat the rims.Tajin and lime wedges
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, pineapple, juice, lime juice, and simple syrup and shake for about 15 seconds.3 ounces silver tequila, 1 ½ ounces Cointreau, 3 ounces pineapple juice, 2 ounces fresh lime juice, 2 ounces spicy jalapeno simple syrup
- Fill the glasses with ice and pour in the strained cocktail. Garnish with jalapeno and pineapple wedges.Pineapple slices
Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan, stirring over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the sliced jalapenos and them to the sugar-water mixture. Add a pinch of salt if desired.1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1-2 fresh jalapeños, Pinch of salt
- Bring to a low simmer and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse flavors. Remove from heat, cool for a few minutes, and strain the syrup to remove jalapeño slices.
Notes
- You can swap mezcal for tequila for a smoky flavor option. And while I love mezcal, in this recipe I do prefer a tequila.
- The best substitutes for Cointreau are Triple Sec or Grand Marnier.
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