Here’s a tropical drink that marries the perfect combination of pineapple, tequila and lime: the pineapple margarita! Over the years, Alex and I have become experts in all the margarita recipes, from the classic to the more funky and off-the-wall. This juicy, fruity summer cocktail has become a favorite that works in any season. What we love about this recipe: 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 bursting with tropical flavor. It’s just as easy as the classic, but makes an even bigger statement (we think). It’s perfect for parties, and we love serving up the spicy variation, too!
What’s in a pineapple margarita?
The classic margarita recipe 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. 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. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the hint of sugar in the Cointreau make it the perfect sweet tart flavor. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, you can always add simple syrup or agave syrup. 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, but it adds just the right searing saltiness to each sip. Here’s what to do:
Make a pineapple margarita pitcher for a crowd
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:
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.
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!
A few more margarita recipes
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
🍍Love pineapple? Try all our pineapple juice cocktails, like the tropical Pineapple Rum Cocktail or Pineapple Vodka Cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
5 from 1 review For a sweet margarita: Add simple syrup or agave syrup, to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon and gradually increasing. For a spicy margarita: Add 3 to 4 slices jalapeño pepper to the cocktail shaker, or go to Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita or Spicy Pineapple Margarita. Rim variations: Try margarita salt or a Tajín rim, a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.
