This Spicy Pineapple Margarita is sweet, tangy, and perfectly spicy, with fresh jalapeños for heat, a Tajín rim for a zesty kick, and plenty of crushed ice to keep it cool and refreshing. If you are craving a little heat with each citrusy sip, this will be your go-to cocktail! I love how the pineapple juice pairs with the bright lime—it’s so well-balanced and downright delicious! And, if you are in the mood to try another fun twist on a classic margarita, be sure to check out my Apple Cider Margarita, too! Cheers!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tajín Seasoning: Tajín is a mix of chili, lime, and salt that adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick. It’s perfect for rimming this margarita glass, giving each sip a zesty, flavorful boost! First, rub a lime wedge around each glass rim, then, dip into the seasoning. Tajín seasoning can add lots of flavor to foods, too!
- Ice: Ice is used to chill the drink while shaking and to keep it refreshingly cold when serving. For this margarita, I used crushed ice. It chills the drink quickly and makes it feel extra refreshing. It also blends well when shaking, giving the drink a smooth texture. But if you prefer cubed ice, that works too—it just might melt a bit slower in the drink.
- Tequila: Tequila is a type of alcohol made from the blue agave plant. It is the main ingredient in margaritas and gives the drink its smooth, slightly sweet flavor. Just a little bit adds a nice kick to the cocktail! (I prefer blanco tequila for this margarita.) If you don’t have tequila, you can use mezcal, rum (for a sweeter taste), vodka for a neutral flavor, or triple sec for a citrusy kick. Each will change the flavor but still make a tasty drink!
- Pineapple Juice: This is a pineapple margarita, so we can’t forget about the pineapple juice! When choosing pineapple juice, look for 100% pure pineapple juice with no added sugars or artificial flavors for the best taste. Organic options are great too, as they’re often more natural. I do not recommend juice from concentrate if you want the freshest flavor! I also added some fresh pineapple wedges for garnish.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.
- Simple Syrup: Made with just sugar and water, simple syrup is used to add a touch of sweetness to the drink. If you don’t have simple syrup, you can use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup as alternatives. If you prefer a less sweet drink (I do), just leave it out!
- Jalapeño Peppers: For the kick, I added sliced jalapeños while shaking the drink and used a few more as garnish.
How To Adjust The Spice Level Of Your Margarita
To adjust the spice level of your Spicy Pineapple Margarita, you can:
- Add fewer jalapeño slices if you want it less spicy.
- Remove the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them for a milder flavor.
- Skip the jalapeños altogether if you prefer no spice at all.
- Add more jalapeños if you want it spicier!
You can always taste as you go and make it just how you like!
Can I Use Different Fruit Juices In A Spicy Pineapple Margarita?
Yes, you can use different fruit juices in your Spicy Pineapple Margarita! Try mango juice, peach juice, or watermelon juice for a new twist. Each one will change the flavor, but still make a yummy drink!
How To Make A Non-Alcoholic Spicy Pineapple Margarita
Making a non-alcoholic spicy pineapple margarita (a spicy pineapple margarita mocktail) is super easy and just as delicious as the original! Simply leave out the tequila and add a little more pineapple juice for extra sweetness. You can also add lime juice, a splash of soda water, and jalapeño slices for that spicy kick. It’s refreshing and still packed with flavor!
How To Make A Large Batch Of Spicy Pineapple Margaritas For A Party
I love to have some drinks ready to go if hosting a gathering or a party. For this margarita, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. For example, if you’re serving 8 people, you can multiply the tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and jalapeños by 8. Mix everything in a large pitcher or punch bowl, and keep it chilled. Add ice just before serving to keep the drink cool without watering it down. I like to prepare the Tajín rim separately and let guests rim their own glasses to keep it fresh!
Spicy Pineapple Margarita
Ingredients
Rim
- 1 tablespoon Tajín seasoning
- 1 lime wedge
Drink
- ice
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- 4 ounces tequila
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup, adjust to taste
- 1 medium jalapeño, sliced
- pineapple wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the Tajín Clásico seasoning onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of two lowball glasses, then dip the rims into the Tajín to coat.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Then, add pineapple juice, tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and 5–6 jalapeño slices. Shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Fill the prepared glasses with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail mixture over the top.
- Garnish with the remaining jalapeño slices and pineapple wedges. Serve immediately.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Such a fun twist on a margarita! The pineapple juice balances the spice from the jalapeño perfectly, and the Tajín rim adds a great kick. I loved it!
Elizabeth
I love a spicy cocktail, so I knew I would like this (and I did). The only tweak I would do it to leave out the simple syrup–I could do without that.
Stephanie
I love the combination of sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeño! The Tajín on the rim really takes it to the next level.
Bella
This is great! Sweet, spicy, and refreshing with a good amount of heat. (But, I love spice, so I could even add more jalapenos!)
