A quick and easy muddled Spicy Margarita Recipe to bring out those sweet and spicy flavors. These Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas are tart, and slightly sweet with a jalapeño kick! Make a single or pitcher!
This recipe was first published May 2019. I updated the photos and recipe notes May 2021.
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.
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita Recipe Inspiration
Inspiration for these margaritas comes from our travels to Costa Rica a few years ago. 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 spicy margarita 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 a Spicy Margarita
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. Here’s what you’ll need to make this jalapeno pineapple margarita recipe (see recipe card for details):
- Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar
- Limes
- Fresh Jalapeño
- Pineapple Juice
- Tequila – silver
How to Make this Spicy Pineapple Margarita
To take the spicy and flavor over the top in this pineapple jalapeño margarita, I recommend a jalapeño infused simple syrup. I’ve included how-to in the recipe notes below. 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 summary, here’s how to make this spicy margarita (see recipe card for details):
- First, in a cocktail shaker or stir glass, add the jalapeño, simple and limes. Gently muddle the ingredients.
- Next, pour in the Tequila and pineapple juice. Stir.
- Last, double strain into salt rimmed and iced low ball glasses.
For a Pitcher: If making the pitcher portion of this recipe, juicing the limes as opposed to muddling is utilized for simplicity sake.
Tools I Use to Create Spicy Margaritas
I share margaritas in short low ball glasses or pretty cocktail glasses. To do this for a single or double serving, you’ll need to muddle then mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or stir glass then strain into an ice filled cocktail glass(es).
Enjoy With These Vegetarian Mexican Food Recipes
- Mains:
- Sides/Snacks:
A Few Recipe Notes
- Simple or Agave Nectar: to make these margaritas skinny, use agave nectar instead of simple to sweeten. Either will work! As always in cocktails, sweeten to taste.
- Single or Pitcher: I include two preparations in the pineapple jalapeño margarita recipe below: a single cocktail and a pitcher 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.
- How Spicy? The level of spicy is 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. However if you’re feeling timid about this spicy margarita, scrape the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño and discard them before introducing jalapeño to the other ingredients.
- 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.
More Margarita Recipes to Try
- The Mexicana Margarita
- Mango Jalapeño Mezcal Margarita
- Mezcal Margarita Fizz
Pineapple - Jalapeño Margaritas Recipe
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 oz Lime Juice about 6-10 limes, juiced
- 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 Organic Cane Sugar
- 1/8 - 1/4 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.
This is probably my favorite cocktail I’ve ever made myself. I especially love the sweet and smoky rim. Soooo good!
Great recipe. I loved the combination of flavors.
love the pineapple – jalapeño combination – sweet and spicy and even in the simple syrup, lovely, thank you!
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!
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