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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 spin is one of my favorites! 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 a burst of tropical flavor. It’s just as easy as my classic margarita, but makes an even bolder statement (in my opinion!).
5 star reader review
“Love this recipe! Made my first round as-is, 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!” -Caroline W.
Ingredients in a pineapple margarita
The classic margarita recipe was invented back in the 1930’s, a simple mix of lime juice, orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau), and tequila. I’m a margarita purist, so this pineapple margarita is spin on the classic formula, where the sweetness of the pineapple juice and the hint of sugar in the Cointreau create the perfect sweet tart flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter margarita, you can always add simple syrup or agave syrup. Here are the ingredients you need for a pineapple margarita:
- Pineapple juice
- Tequila (use blanco or reposado)
- Cointreau (or triple sec)
- Fresh lime juice
Expert tips for this recipe
Here are a few of my tips for a pineapple margarita (or go to the recipe):
- Ice and a salt rim: This pineapple margarita is served “on the rocks” or over ice. It’s a classic “shaken” cocktail mixed up in a cocktail shaker. The salt rim is optional, but it adds just the right searing saltiness to each sip. Using clear ice gives it a craft cocktail feel.
- Garnish ideas: I like to garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge, but that’s just for looks! You can also use a lime wedge or even add a drink umbrella.
- Pitcher variation: Instead of making single drinks, mix up a big pitcher of 8 servings at once. (See the recipe below for quantities.)
Choosing the right tequila
My rule of thumb on tequila 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.
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.
🍍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. Or, try our homemade margarita salt for the salt rim: the green and orange from the citrus peel look beautiful against the yellow drink.
Tajín is another great option for the rim, a Mexican seasoning blend that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.
Yes, go to our Frozen Margarita recipe and substitute 4 cups frozen pineapple for the ice.
Pineapple Margarita Recipe
This pineapple margarita is a tropical spin on the classic! The winning combination of pineapple, tequila and lime makes a killer cocktail.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
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.
Other margarita recipes to try
Want more margarita ideas? I’ve written over 25 margarita recipes and here are some favorites:
Some of these drinks calls. for lime or lemon, What if the person is allergic to citrus then what. can i add some other kind of juice besides lime and lemon.
Thank You
Unfortunately you need that acidic element for the drinks to work. I’m not sure what a good sub wood be!
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! 🍹👌
So delicious. I didn’t change anything. Love this margarita!
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!