Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, summer vacation, or Taco Tuesday with a pineapple margarita. Pineapple and lime juices are mixed with triple sec and tequila to make this bright and refreshing cocktail.
This is amazing! The flavors blend so well together. Will absolutely be making this again. ★★★★★ - Prudence
Recipe summary
Flavor: Sweet, tropical, and fruity.
Perfect for: Cinco de Mayo, taco night, or a fun poolside party this summer.
Simple ingredients. Made with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Have a refreshing margarita ready in 5 minutes!
Serve with: Shrimp Tacos with Jalapeño Slaw or Grilled Chicken Tacos
Similar to: Grapefruit Margarita and Pineapple Rum Slush
Ingredients and substitutions
- Pineapple juice - For a different flavor, pineapple juice can be substituted with other fruit juices like grapefruit juice or orange juice.
- Lime juice - Fresh squeezed lime juice adds the best flavor, brightness, and acidity. You'll need about one lime per cocktail. Buy a few extra if you'd like to garnish with lime wedges.
- Tequila - Use your favorite brand of tequila for this recipe. Not sure where to start? Check out this article: Best Tequila for Margaritas. Tequila can also be substituted with mezcal to add a smoky flavor.
- Triple sec - Feel free to use any orange liqueur you have on hand, like Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or orange curaçao.
Optional additions:
- Simple syrup - Simple syrup is an optional addition if you prefer a sweeter cocktail. I don't find simple syrup necessary due to the sweetness of the pineapple juice and triple sec, but I recommend doing a taste test and adding more sweetness as desired.
- Garnishes - Add a salt or tajin rim, lime slice, or cubed pineapples on a pick.
How to make a margarita
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Top with pineapple juice, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Cover tightly and shake for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Pour into a lowball glass filled with ice and serve.
Tips and tricks
Use a cocktail shaker - I recommend investing in a simple cocktail shaker if you plan on making cocktails at home. This process combines, chills, and aerates the ingredients, adding a frothy texture.
To make simple syrup - Add sugar and water at a 1:1 ratio (ex: ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water) in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, or until all sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow your simple syrup to cool before adding to your cocktail.
Make a pitcher for a crowd - Use the sliding bar to adjust the servings in the recipe card. Pour your ingredients into a pitcher and stir to combine before serving.
Garnish ideas
- Salt or tajin rim: Wet the rim with a lime wedge or a bit of simple syrup. I prefer simple syrup because it's stickier. Add salt to a shallow plate and dip the rim into the salt to coat.
- Pineapple cubes: Thread pineapple cubes onto a cocktail pick and balance on the rim of the glass.
- Lime: Add a lime wedge or slice to the rim.
Frequently asked questions
A classic margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Some margaritas also include simple syrup and other fruit juices for sweetness.
Yes, muddle 1-2 jalapeno slices in the bottom of your cocktail shaker before continuing with the recipe as written. If making simple syrup, jalapeno slices can also be added to the simple syrup while cooking and cooling to infuse with flavor.
A lime wedge or slice, a cube of pineapple, and a salt or sugar rim are classic margarita garnishes. You could also add a jalapeno slice, a sprig of mint, or a tajin rim.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Pineapple Margarita
Ingredients
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1.5 ounces tequila
- ¾ ounce triple sec
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Optionally, wet the rim of your lowball glass with a bit of simple syrup (or lime juice) and dip in margarita salt or tajin. Fill glass with ice and set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add pineapple juice, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add optional simple syrup. Cover tightly and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Pour margarita into prepared glass and serve immediately.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- For a sweeter cocktail: Simple syrup is optional for those who would like a sweeter cocktail.
- Optional garnishes: Salted or tajin rim (shown), pineapple cubes on a cocktail pick, lime wedge or slice.
How did you juice your pineapple? I blended mine and it was too thick.
Hi Kim, I used store bought pineapple juice for this recipe.
This is amazing! The flavors blend so well together. Will absolutely be making this again.