Pineapple Margarita 🍹🍍
A Juicy, Citrus-Kissed Cocktail That’s Pure Sunshine in a Glass
When it comes to margaritas, there’s always room to play. And this Pineapple Margarita is one of our favorite ways to do it—adding tropical pineapple juice to the classic lime-and-tequila combo. It’s sweet, tart, and just boozy enough to make any evening feel like a vacation.
Whether you’re sipping it poolside, pairing it with tacos, or shaking one up just because, this cocktail is bright, refreshing, and dangerously easy to love.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something about pineapple juice that instantly transports you to a tropical mindset. It balances beautifully with lime’s acidity and tequila’s bite, while a touch of sweetener brings it all together. The rimming salt or Tajín adds an optional kick, and garnishing with a pineapple wedge makes it feel just a little extra.
It’s quick to make, super easy to batch, and always a crowd-pleaser at any cookout or casual hang.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila (silver or reposado both work)
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1½ oz fresh pineapple juice (fresh is best, but canned works too)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
- Ice
- Coarse salt or Tajín (for rimming the glass)
- Pineapple wedge or lime wheel (for garnish)
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Tequila: Silver (blanco) has a clean, crisp flavor; reposado adds a smooth, aged touch.
- Sweetener: Agave nectar feels more traditional in margaritas, but simple syrup is great too.
- Fresh Juice Matters: Use freshly squeezed lime and pineapple juice for the best balance of flavor.
- Rim Variation: Try a mix of sugar and salt for a sweet-and-salty edge.
How to Make a Pineapple Margarita
1️⃣ Rim the Glass
Rub a lime wedge around the edge of your glass. Dip the rim into coarse salt or Tajín. Set aside.
2️⃣ Shake It Up
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sweetener. Fill with ice, then shake hard for 10–15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
3️⃣ Serve
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice (or serve it straight up in a coupe for a sleek vibe). Garnish with a pineapple wedge or lime wheel.
4️⃣ Sip & Enjoy
It’s bold, bright, and just the right mix of sweet and sour—cheers to your new go-to margarita!
Tips for Success
- Chill Your Glasses: Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for an extra-refreshing drink.
- Batch It: Multiply the ingredients by 4 or 8 and mix in a pitcher—skip the shaking and serve over ice.
- Garnish Game: Use a cocktail skewer with grilled pineapple or mint sprig for party vibes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This tropical margarita pairs best with salty, spicy, or zesty snacks and mains. Serve it with:
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Cheesy and shareable
- Walking Taco Bar – Build-your-own perfection for parties
- Grilled shrimp skewers or fish tacos
- Chips with mango salsa or guacamole
- And for a drink pairing flight: serve alongside this classic margarita and this strawberry mojito
Make It a Party: Batch Recipe
For 4 servings:
- 8 oz tequila
- 4 oz triple sec
- 6 oz pineapple juice
- 4 oz lime juice
- 2 oz simple syrup or agave
Stir in a pitcher with ice or refrigerate ahead of time. Shake individual portions with ice when serving for maximum chill.
More Drinks You’ll Love
If you loved this juicy twist on a margarita, you’ll want to try:
- Classic Margarita – Simple, clean, always a win
- Strawberry Mojito – Fresh minty balance
- Rainbow Sangria – Perfect for brunch or BBQs
- Walking Taco Bar – Ideal pairing for cocktail night
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Margarita is proof that with a few fresh ingredients and a shake of the wrist, you can bring the tropics to your glass. Whether you’re sipping solo or shaking for friends, it’s an easy way to elevate your cocktail game with bold flavor and minimal effort.
Try it out, tag @chefmaniac, and let us know what you paired it with! For more fruity cocktail fun and fiesta-ready snacks, explore our growing library of drink and appetizer recipes.
Cheers to good times and great sips!
