Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas | Vanilla And Bean (2024)

A quick and easy muddled Spicy Margarita Recipe to bring out those sweet and spicy flavors. These Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas are tart, and slightly sweet with a jalapeño kick! Make a single or pitcher!

This recipe was first published May 2019. I updated the photos and recipe notes May 2021.

I was never a margarita fan until I tried a fresh margarita. Often the variety found at the store in a plastic jug lack flavor and are cloying sweet. Skip the jug. Margaritas are SO simple to make and only take a few minutes to pull together.

Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita Recipe Inspiration

Inspiration for these margaritas comes from our travels to Costa Rica a few years ago. Ohhhh I how long to go back! It was happy hour at pool-side. When visiting special places, I often ask for chef’s choice, or in this case, bartender’s choice. I love surprises!

Our waiter asked if I like spicy things and with much enthusiasm I said yes! A few minutes later, he brought out the most beautiful spicy margarita adorned with little flowers, pineapple and jalapeños. Having never had a drink like this, I was delighted as it was completely spicy and in such a good way! The combination of pineapple and jalapeño work together giving us that sweet/spicy combination that pair so well.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Whip Up a Spicy Margarita

Simple ingredients make such a delightful co*cktail. Don’t skimp on the Tequila. A high quality silver goes a long way in flavor and smoothness. Here’s what you’ll need to make this jalapeno pineapple margarita recipe (see recipe card for details):

• Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar
• Limes
• Fresh Jalapeño
• Pineapple Juice
• Tequila – silver

How to Make this Spicy Pineapple Margarita

To take the spicy and flavor over the top in this pineapple jalapeño margarita, I recommend a jalapeño infused simple syrup. I’ve included how-to in the recipe notes below. In this margarita, muddling the jalapeño with simple and limes releases their essential oils and juices. This technique elevates any co*cktail utilizing fresh ingredients, and is my favorite preparation. In summary, here’s how to make this spicy margarita (see recipe card for details):

• First, in a co*cktail shaker or stir glass, add the jalapeño, simple and limes. Gently muddle the ingredients.
• Next, pour in the Tequila and pineapple juice. Stir.
• Last, double strain into salt rimmed and iced low ball glasses.

For a Pitcher: If making the pitcher portion of this recipe, juicing the limes as opposed to muddling is utilized for simplicity sake.

Tools I Use to Create Spicy Margaritas

I share margaritas in short low ball glasses or pretty co*cktail glasses. To do this for a single or double serving, you’ll need to muddle then mix the ingredients in a co*cktail shaker or stir glass then strain into an ice filled co*cktail glass(es).

Enjoy With These Vegetarian Mexican Food Recipes

• Mains:
  • Sweet Potato Tacos
  • Black Bean Tostadas(easy!)
  • Tofu Enchiladas
  • Cauliflower Tinga Tacos
  • Tofu Tacos
  • Creamy Poblano, Corn and Zucchini Tacos
  • Tofu Rancheros Scramble
• Sides/Snacks:
  • Avocado Cream Sauce (as a dip)
  • Creamy Guacamole with Sour Cream
  • Mexican Corn Salsa
  • Brown Spanish (Mexican) Rice
  • Easiest Chipotle Salsa
  • Charred Jalapeno Guacamole
  • Chili Lime Pepita Crema

A Few Recipe Notes

• Simple or Agave Nectar: to make these margaritas skinny, use agave nectar instead of simple to sweeten. Either will work! As always in co*cktails, sweeten to taste.
• Single or Pitcher: I include two preparations in the pineapple jalapeño margarita recipe below: a single co*cktail and a pitcher for four. The preparation is slightly different for four servings than it is for one. For one or two servings, muddling limes is practical because there’s only a few limes to muddle. Muddling limes for more than two servings just isn’t practical, so simply juice the limes instead.
• How Spicy? The level of spicy is a personal matter. After making the margarita once or twice, you’ll find what level you like. Thing is, heat varies from one jalapeño to another… controlling the spicy completely can be a little tricky. However if you’re feeling timid about this spicy margarita, scrape the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño and discard them before introducing jalapeño to the other ingredients.
• For the simple syrup, a few jalapeño slices can be infused to take the spicy over the top! *See recipe notes.
• Make ahead? Yes please! Margaritas can be made up to one day in advance, without ice. Store in the fridge in a lidded container until ready share.

More Margarita Recipes to Try

• The Mexicana Margarita
• Mango Jalapeño Mezcal Margarita
• Mezcal Margarita Fizz

• Spring
• Summer
• Cinco de Mayo