A quick and easy muddled Jalapeño Margarita to bring out those spicy flavors: Pineapple – Jalapeño Margaritas are tart, and slightly sweet with a jalapeño kick! Make a single or pitcher!
I was never a margarita fan until I tried a fresh margarita. Often the variety found at the store in a plastic jug lack flavor and are cloying sweet. Skip the jug. Margaritas are SO simple to make and only take a few minutes to pull together.
Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas Inspiration
Inspiration for these Pineapple – Jalapeño Margaritas comes from our travels to Costa Rica this time last year. Ohhhh I how long to go back! It was happy hour at pool-side. When visiting special places, I often ask for chef’s choice, or in this case, bartender’s choice. I love surprises!
Our waiter asked if I like spicy things and with much enthusiasm I said yes! A few minutes later, he brought out the most beautiful cocktail adorned with little flowers, pineapple and jalapeños. Having never had a drink like this, I was delighted as it was completely spicy and in such a good way! The combination of pineapple and jalapeño work together giving us that sweet/spicy combination that pair so well.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Whip up Pineapple – Jalapeño Margaritas
Simple ingredients make such a delightful cocktail. Don’t skimp on the Tequila. A high quality silver goes a long way in flavor and smoothness.
- Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar
- Limes
- Fresh Jalapeño
- Pineapple Juice
- Tequila – silver
How to Make Jalapeño Margaritas
In this margarita, muddling the jalapeño with simple and limes releases their essential oils and juices. This technique elevates any cocktail utilizing fresh ingredients, and is my favorite preparation.
- In a cocktail shaker or stir glass, add the jalapeño, simple and limes. Gently muddle the ingredients.
- Pour in the Tequila and pineapple juice. Stir.
- Double strain into salt rimmed and iced low ball glasses.
If needed the Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas can be made up to one day in advance, without ice. Store in the fridge until ready share.
Tools I Use to Create this Jalapeño Margarita
I share margaritas in short low ball glasses or pretty cocktail glasses . To do this, you’ll need to muddle the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or stir glass then strain into an ice filled cocktail glass.
A Few Margarita Recipe Notes
- If preferred, use agave nectar instead of simple to sweeten the margaritas. Either will work! As always, sweeten to taste.
- I include two preparations in the recipe below: a single cocktail and serving for four. The preparation is slightly different for four servings than it is for one. For one or two servings, muddling limes is practical because there’s only a few limes to muddle. Muddling limes for more than two servings just isn’t practical, so simply juice the limes instead.
- The level of spicy is such a personal matter. After making the margarita once or twice, you’ll find what level you like. Thing is, heat varies from one jalapeño to another… controlling the spicy completely can be a little tricky.
- For the simple syrup, a few jalapeño slices can be infused to take the spicy over the top! *See recipe notes.
- Make ahead? Yes please! Margaritas can be made up to one day in advance, without ice. Store in the fridge in a lidded container until ready share.
Celebrate Margarita Week with Us!
Kate over at Hola Jalapeño rounded up a bunch of bloggers together to share their favorite margarita. You can see the margarita I made last year and also, check out all the recipes at this year’s margarita week! There are endless varieties to try!
Pineapple - Jalapeño Margaritas
Ingredients
For One Cocktail:
- 1/2 oz Jalapeño Simple Syrup * see note
- 1 1/2 Limes cut into quarters about 1 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1-2 Jalapeño Slices three for extra spicy!
- 2 1/2 oz Silver Tequila
- 2 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
For Four Servings:
- 2 oz Jalapeño Simple Syrup * see note
- 6 Limes juiced, about 6 oz lime juice
- 4-8 Jalapeño Slices 12 for extra spicy!
- 1 1/4 C 10 oz Silver Tequila
- 1 1/4 C 10 oz Pineapple Juice
For the Salt (double for four servings):
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Cane Sugar
- 1/8 tsp Smoky Paprika
Garnish with Lime, Sliced Jalapeños and Fresh Pineapple
Instructions
For One Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker or sturdy mixing glass, add the quartered limes, simple and jalapeños. Gently muddle the ingredients, releasing juices and oils. Do this for about 30 seconds. Pour in the tequila, pineapple juice and ice. Stir. Rim a low ball or old fashioned glass with lime and dip into salt mixture. Fill glass with ice. Double strain into glass. Garnish as desired.
For Four Cocktails:
- In a cocktail shaker or sturdy mixing glass, add the simple and jalapeños. Gently muddle the ingredients, releasing juices and oils. Do this for about 30 seconds. Pour in the lime juice, tequila, pineapple juice and add ice. Stir. Rim a low ball or old fashioned glasses with lime and dip into salt mixture. Fill glass with ice. Double strain into glasses. Garnish as desired.
For the Salt:
- Mix the salt, sugar, and paprika on a small plate. When ready to use, rim a glass with a lime wedge and invert the glass into the salt mixture.
Hello Traci,
Love the combination of pineapple and Jalapeno!! just one question, can this be made non-alcoholic in anyway?
Hi Ayesha! You bet! To make a mocktail, omit the tequila and double the pineapple juice and lime. To make it fizzy, top with club soda (I love doing this!). I hope this helps!
This is probably the best margarita I’ve made! Thanks for the recipe. I love it.
Hi Angela! Thank you for your note… and kind words. So happy to hear!
I don’t make cocktails enough, Traci – love the spicy punch that this one has – need to get myself organized and make this asap. It’s warming up here – so this would be perfect to enjoy outside in the early evening while the sun is setting. Cheers!
Wish we could get together and sip a few…. Such a delicious mix of flavors! And pretty to boot! Have a lovely week, my friend!
I would absolutely love that Annie! You too!
Love the spicy jalapenos with the sweet pineapple juice Traci! Bet this is so tasty and refreshing. I’ll most definitely be adding this to our cocktail menu this summer! All our friends LOVE margaritas.
I never knew how much I loved margaritas until I made homemade… wow, what a difference! Your friends have good taste, Mare! I hope y’all enjoy them… I’ll say perfect for summer entertaining!
I love all things spicy, so these margs would be perfect for me!!
YASSS! We are jalapeno sisters, Sarah! :D
This margarita was looking good to me and then when I saw smoky paprika I just knew I’d have to make it. It’s on my to do list for today.
Hi Sandra! I hope you enjoyed the margaritas! I loooove a little smoky with a margarita, and the paprika does just that. Just a hint in this margarita, but enough to give it interest and flare!
Another tasty margarita recipe! I’ve become of fan of making flavored simple syrups for cocktails, such an easy way to add unique flavor to drinks. I’ll have to try using agave, too. Would love to hear about the Utah blogger’s retreat-what an awesome place to go! Enjoy your weekeend, Traci, cheers!
Aren’t simple syrups so fun to play with Jean? It’s so easy to infuse herbs into it… I’ve got a ton of mint coming in, so it’s time to whip up a batch of mint simple. I’m not a big fan of agave, but lots of people are, so I always make a note of that option. Ohhh the conference in Utah! It was over the top encouraging and inspiring. So many entrepreneurs freely offering their skills, experiences and encouragement. I’m SO exhausted but my heart is full and I can’t wait to implement some of the things I learned! Thank you so much for your support and always sharing your thoughts, Jean. It means so much <3
Yes to spice! And I bet it goes SO nicely with the sweet pineapple. Love this combo, Traci. And those glasses are adorable. I might have to grab some! Thanks for the link!
Oh my gosh, Liz… I think this was my most favorite cocktail of the entire trip. I’m a big fan of jalapeños, and pairing it with pineapple is magic! Like peas and carrots = jalapeños and pineapple. Aren’t those glasses fun? I’ve not found any short margarita glasses at the thrift store yet.. but I’m keeping my eyes out!