Smoky Sweet Pineapple Margaritas
Smoky Sweet Pineapple Margaritas
This Smoky Sweet Pineapple Margaritas recipe is partially lifted from an awesome drink I had at Cabo Wabo Cantina, a great little restaurant on the Las Vegas strip. It uses mezcal instead of standard tequila – which gives it a very distinct smoky taste. Mezcal gets its flavor through the distilling process when the agave is cooked in earthen pots instead of boiled.
Why You’ll Love It
- Very customizable – I LOVE this recipe as listed, but I also love when you can add and subtract without harming the final product. So, to that end – don’t like it spicy? Ditch the jalapeños. Not a pineapple fan? Swap out for a fruit juice of your choice. Want it to be a bit sweeter? Add some agave into the drink or switch the salt rim for a sugar rim to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Easy to put together – Two shots, juice, and jalapeños shaken with ice are the core of this drink. So this can be easily made and multiplied without the typical parade of cocktail accouterment.
- A fun twist – If you’re very well versed in the classic cocktail, this is a great change up to feel a little more fun and get you through the hot summer months.
Process
We’ll be making cocktails for two!
Start out with a cocktail shaker or a pitcher. Add plenty of ice followed by four shots of pineapple juice, two shots of mezcal, the juice of 1 (one) lime, and about 2 (two) jalapeño slices.
Shake or stir it up (insert James Bond joke here) and it’s ready to serve!
For the salt rim: Add a generous amount of salt (maybe 2-3 tablespoons) and a few taps of chipotle powder to a bowl. Next, take your glass and rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass until it’s nicely coated with lime juice. Turn the glass upside down and dip it into the salt mixture (give it a couple of twists for an even coat). Repeat, as needed! You can easily replace the salt with sugar, for a sweeter flavor!
Pair this drink with my Fiery Beef Tacos with Mango Salsa for your next #TacoTuesday.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pictures of your creations on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok! Hashtag them #thehappyhaandi. And tag me @thehappyhaandi.
Smoky Sweet Pineapple Margaritas
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker (or pitcher)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice I used a bottled juice but made sure it was 100% juice with no added sugar.
- 1/2 cup Mezcal
- 1 Lime (juice)
- 1 Jalapeno (sliced) Optional (for garnish)
- Salt Optional (for the rim)
- Chipotle Powder Optional (for the rim)
Instructions
For the margaritas:
- In a cocktail shaker or pitcher - add plenty of ice, pineapple juice, lime juice, mezcal, and 2 slices or so of jalapeno.
- Shake or stir to mix the drink! Pour into margarita glasses and serve topped with some additional jalapeno slices.
For the salt rim:
- Take a bowl and add in the salt and chipotle powder, mix or shake a little to combine.
- Grab a lime wedge (even a squeezed one will work here!) and rub it to coat the top of the glass.
- Take the cup and flip it upside down. Then dip the glass into the bowl with salt. Give the glass a couple of twists to ensure an even coat.
- Flip the glass right side up, add ice, then pour in your margaritas! Top with some jalapeno slices and serve.
Leave a Comment