Spicy Pineapple Mezcal Margarita

Spicy Pineapple Mezcal Margaritas offer a smoky, sweet, and fiery twist on the classic margarita. Made with fresh pineapple juice, smoky mezcal, and muddled jalapeño, this cocktail is bold, balanced, and perfect for those who like a little heat with their refreshment. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or sipping solo, this drink is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky-Sweet Heat: Mezcal’s signature smokiness pairs beautifully with sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeño.
• Fresh and Vibrant: Made with fresh juices for bold, clean flavor.
• Easily Customizable: Adjust spice level, sweetness, or switch to tequila if you prefer.
• Fun to Serve: The colorful garnish and Tajín rim make it look as good as it tastes.
• Great for Summer: Refreshing enough for hot days but complex enough to sip slowly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ oz mezcal (or substitute tequila for a milder version)
• 1½ oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ¾ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec)
• ½ oz agave nectar (or more to taste)
• 2–3 thin slices of fresh jalapeño
• Ice

Optional Garnishes & Rim:

• Tajín or chili-lime salt, for rimming
• Pineapple wedge, jalapeño slice, or lime wheel

Directions

1. Rim the Glass (optional): Rub a lime wedge around the edge of your glass, then dip in Tajín or salt. Fill the glass with ice.
2. Muddle Jalapeño: In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with lime juice and agave nectar.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in mezcal, pineapple juice, and orange liqueur. Fill with ice, cover, and shake well for 10–15 seconds.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, lime, or extra jalapeño slice if you like it hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Frozen Version: Blend with a cup of ice for a spicy frozen twist.
• Tequila Swap: Use tequila blanco if mezcal is too smoky for your taste.
• Sweet & Spicy: Add a splash of pineapple syrup or use grilled pineapple for deeper flavor.
• Cucumber Cooler: Add muddled cucumber for a cooling contrast to the heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: You can mix the juices, mezcal, and orange liqueur in advance (without ice or jalapeño) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Reheating: Not applicable—this drink is served chilled.

FAQs

What is mezcal?

Mezcal is a Mexican spirit made from agave, like tequila, but roasted in underground pits, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.

Can I use tequila instead of mezcal?

Yes, tequila is a great substitute if you want less smokiness in your margarita.

How spicy is this drink?

The heat level depends on how much jalapeño you use and whether you include the seeds. Start small—you can always add more!

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but canned 100% pineapple juice works just fine in a pinch.

What’s the best way to rim the glass?

Use a lime wedge to wet the rim, then dip into Tajín or a mix of chili powder and salt.

Can I make a pitcher for a party?

Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and stir in a pitcher. Add jalapeño slices and ice just before serving.

What garnishes go best?

Try a pineapple wedge, lime wheel, or a floating jalapeño slice for extra flair.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use fewer jalapeño slices and remove the seeds and membrane, which hold most of the heat.

Is this drink gluten-free?

Yes, mezcal and the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just check the labels to be safe.

What foods pair well with this cocktail?

Spicy pineapple mezcal margaritas go great with grilled meats, tacos, ceviche, chips and guac, or smoky BBQ dishes.

Conclusion

The Spicy Pineapple Mezcal Margarita is a bold, refreshing cocktail that’s anything but ordinary. With its balance of sweet, smoky, tart, and spicy notes, it’s a drink that wakes up your palate and makes any moment feel like a celebration. Whether you’re a mezcal lover or just trying it for the first time, this margarita is sure to heat things up in the best way.

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