Pineapple Spicy Margarita Recipe

Prepare pineapple juice (if using fresh)

Cut about 1/2 a fresh pineapple into chunks and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to yield 1 cup fresh pineapple juice. Alternatively, use 1 cup good-quality store-bought pineapple juice.

Make the jalapeño-cilantro infusion

In a small bowl or jar, combine the sliced jalapeño, cilantro leaves, agave syrup and kosher salt. Muddle gently with the back of a spoon or a muddler 8–10 times to release oils from the jalapeño and bruise the cilantro. Let sit 5 minutes to infuse (longer for more heat).

Strain infusion into juice

Pour the muddled jalapeño-cilantro-agave mixture into the pineapple juice and lime juice. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust heat/sweetness: add more agave if you want sweeter or let jalapeño steep longer for more heat. If you prefer no cilantro, strain the solids out through a fine sieve now.

Season the mix

Whisk in the hot chile powder (tajín or cayenne blend) and ensure the kosher salt is dissolved. This gives a balanced spicy-salty backbone to the cocktail.

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add 6 tbs blanco tequila and 2 tbs triple sec to the shaker.

Pour in 3/4 cup of the prepared pineapple-spice margarita mix (reserve about 1/4 cup if you want to top with soda or save for a second cocktail).

Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.

If you prefer a slightly fizzy finish, add 1–2 tbs club soda to each glass after pouring (optional).

Prepare the rim: Pour the coarse salt or tajín onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of two rocks or coupe glasses, then dip the rim into the salt/tajín to coat.

Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glasses over fresh ice (if using rocks glass) or neat into coupe glasses.

Garnish each drink with a pineapple slice or spear and a jalapeño slice (placed on the rim or floated). Add a lime wedge on the rim for squeezing.

Serve immediately. If desired, pass along extra pineapple-spice mix for guests to adjust sweetness or heat.