smoky pineapple margarita
When life pricks you with a pineapple, make a margarita.
Pineapple is a funny name. Many a meme has covered this, but as an English grad I find it amusing that pineapple came to be the English word when a good deal of other major languages use some variation of ananas to specify the spiny fruit. Apparently the “pine” part at least is a nod to its pinecone-like bodice.
Still kinda funky, if you ask me.
Welcoming the weekend with a simple Smoky Pineapple Margarita. I’ve been erring towards fruitier drinks since I know many of you are probably yearning for spring and summertime after months of being buried in snow, and honestly, I’m also loving all that’s bright and tangy. The Spicy Strawberry Paloma from the other week is one of my favorite sips of late – I could knock back a few of them if I have half the mind. Thankfully, my tolerance to alcohol is shit and I’m pretty well done after like half.
Whether you’re able to kick back outdoors or remain cloistered inside with the heat running, whip up this drink today or tomorrow. It’s light, easy, and uses bar cabinet staples. No weird ingredients needed.
You’ll Pine for This
To make this glass smoky, you’ll need some mezcal. Of course, you can make a non-smoked margarita instead and just replace the necessary amount of mezcal with tequila.
I chose to use a good-quality, cold pressed pineapple juice from Trader Joe’s. You can also use fresh pineapple chunks and add them to the muddling party, if you prefer.
Speaking of the party – smash those pineapple pieces or juice with lime, mint, and agave. The mint adds a nice little fresh pop in the tangy drink. Throw in your tequila, mezcal, and orange liqueur. Shake it up, strain into a glass, and enjoy. Nothing to it.
By the way – I always like to decorate my glass in some lime sugar for a little sparkle. Before you make the drink, just toss together a few spoonfuls of sugar with some lime, run the lime wedge around the rim of the glass, and dip into the pretty glitter.
Making this over the weekend after J’s long run to help him cool down. Hyped.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Aaaaay, margarita (oh, that’s not how it goes):
Spicy Gingered Guava Margarita
smoky pineapple margarita
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 4-6 mint leaves
- 1-2 tbsp agave, to taste
- 2 oz pineapple juice (or 1/2 cup chunks)
- 1 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz mezcal
- 1/2 oz Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- lime sugar, to rim (recipe in notes)
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass. Dip into the lime sugar, shaking off excess. Fill with ice.
- In a shaker, muddle the lime juice, mint leaves, agave, and pineapple juice/chunks. Add the tequila, mezcal, and Cointreau. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain into the prepared cocktail glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint leaves, as desired.
