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This pineapple margarita is a tropical spin on the classic! The winning combination of pineapple, tequila, and lime makes a refreshing cocktail bursting with flavor.
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:
- Step 1: Rim the glass with salt. Cut a notch in a lime and use it to wet the rim. Place salt on a plate, then place the glass into the salt and rotate so just the outside of the rim is covered.
- Step 2: Shake in a cocktail shaker. Place the pineapple juice, tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with 1 handful of ice and shake until cold.
- Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain it into a glass and serve with clear ice if serving on the rocks. We like to garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge, but that’s just for looks!
The best tequila for margaritas
You can use any type of tequila in this pineapple margaritas recipe. Our rule of thumb is to buy a mid-price range bottle: the price usually corresponds to the quality of liquor! Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35. You can use either blanco or reposado tequila here.
- 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.
Ideas for the salt rim
To take the drink presentation over the top, try our homemade margarita salt for the salt rim! The festive green and orange from the citrus peel look beautiful against the yellow of the pineapple margarita. Tajín is another great option for the rim, a Mexican seasoning blend that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.
Spicy variation: add jalapeño pepper!
🌶️ Want to mix up this pineapple margarita? Make it spicy! Add 3 to 4 jalapeño pepper slices when making the cocktail, or go this Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita and Spicy Pineapple Margarita. The heat and tangy brightness of the pepper pairs perfectly with the tropical pineapple.
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:
- 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
Taste your margarita as you go. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lime juice for tartness. You can also add a bit of simple syrup or agave nectar in the recipe.
For a classic touch, rim your glass with coarse kosher salt. You can also get creative with a superfine sugar rim or a chili lime salt or Tajin rim for a spicy kick.
Yes, go to our Frozen Margarita recipe and substitute 4 cups frozen pineapple for the ice.
Pineapple Margarita Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
This pineapple margarita is a tropical spin on the classic! The winning combination of pineapple, tequila and lime makes a killer cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila blanco or reposado*
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) pineapple juice
- ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) Cointreau
- ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoon) fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or margarita salt for the rim (optional)
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
- For the garnish: pineapple wedge
Instructions
- Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold. (For a sweeter margarita, taste and add a hint of simple syrup or agave syrup, to taste.) Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
Notes
Pitcher variation: To make a pineapple margarita pitcher that serves 8, mix together in a pitcher: 1 ½ cups tequila, 2 cups pineapple juice, ¾ cup Cointreau, and ¾ cup lime juice. Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve!
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.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Oh wow, this looks amazing! I’ve been searching for the perfect margarita recipe for a while now, and this pineapple twist sounds incredible. Can’t wait to try it out and see how it compares to my usual classic margarita recipe. Thanks for sharing! 🍹👌
Sounds delish! Can’t wait to serve up a pitcher on the dock
Love this recipe! Made my first round as-is, but wanted a little more balance between the tequila and pineapple. Made my second round with equal parts (2oz each) tequila and pineapple juice, keeping lime juice and Cointreau the same.
Another winner thanks to Sonja and Alex!