Sparkling Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

I love to make new and exciting cocktails that offer a combination of flavors that are sweet, spicy, and refreshing. My Sparkling Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita is a lively reinterpretation of the classic margarita that is plenty punchy with a tropical, spicy profile.

This drink uses sweet pineapple to infuse the tequila with a near natural fruitiness. The sliced jalapeño, which is used in this recipe without seeds, adds a subtle heat that makes the whole experience seem raised up or elevated.

Adding lime juice provides a zesty citrus burst that complements tequila. Silver tequila is a smooth base mixed with sweet-tasting orange liqueur.

To bring all these flavors together, I add agave syrup for sweetness. The cocktail’s refreshing effervescence comes from topping it with club soda.

I serve it over ice with a salted rim and garnished with either a lime or pineapple wedge. Pineapple adds a simple elegance.

The cocktail isn’t just refreshing but it is low in calories. The only real sugar here comes from the natural sugars in the lime juice, which I don’t skimp on because it is essential for balancing this drink.

Ingredients photo for Sparkling Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Sparkling Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita Recipe

Pineapple Pieces: Rich in vitamin C and fiber, and big on sweet and tropical tastes.

Jalapeño: Contributes a spicy punch, possesses vitamin C, speeds up metabolism.

Tequila, Silver: Offers a straight, clean base that is underscored by fruity aspects.

Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Provides zest, an increase in vitamin C, and sweet balance.

Agave Syrup: Sweet, natural, low glycemic—everything you want in a sweetener and nothing you don’t.

Club Soda: Injects bubbles and boosts bloom, not a calorie to count, but a drink that teems with hydration.

Ingredient Quantities

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  • 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

  • 1 small jalapeño, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)

  • 2 oz silver tequila

  • 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur

  • 1 oz fresh lime juice

  • 1 oz agave syrup or simple syrup

  • 1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water

  • Ice cubes

  • Salt for rimming (optional)

  • Lime wedge or pineapple slice for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:
If you wish, you can rim your glass with salt. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Then, dip the rim in a plate of salt.

2. Blend the Pineapple:
In a blender, fresh pineapple chunks and several slices of jalapeño are combined. They are blended until smooth.

3. Strain the Mixture:
Strain the blended pineapple and jalapeño mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or container to remove pulp and seeds.

4. Mix the Drink:
Shake and combine in a cocktail shaker the following: 2 oz of pineapple-jalapeño juice, silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. To the shaker, add ice cubes.

5. Shake Well:
Tightly cover the shaker and shake it hard for about 15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly.

6. Fill the Glass:
Take your ready-made glass and fill it with ice cubes to the top.

7. Pour the Cocktail:
Pour the contents of the shaker into the glass, which is filled with ice.

8. Add Fizz:
The drink can be topped off with club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.

9. Garnish:
Garnish with a lime wedge or a pineapple slice on the rim of the glass.

10. Serve Immediately:
Relish your Sparkling Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita served chilled and prepared fresh. For a variation with even more zing, check the recipe’s tip on making a jalapeño simple syrup.

Equipment Needed

1. Glass (for serving)
2. Lime wedge (for rimming and garnish)
3. Plate (for salt rimming)
4. Blender
5. Fine mesh sieve
6. Bowl or container (for straining)
7. Cocktail shaker
8. Jigger or measuring device
9. Ice cube tray or ice container
10. Spoon or muddler (optional, for garnish preparations)

FAQ

  • Can I make this margarita ahead of time?The mixture of pineapple and jalapeño can be prepared and stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving. To keep it fizzy, add the club soda and ice only right before serving.

  • How can I adjust the spiciness of this margarita?To create a less spicy drink, take out the seeds from the jalapeño or use fewer slices of jalapeño. To add more fire, keep the seeds or use more sliced jalapeño.

  • Is it possible to make this a non-alcoholic drink?Indeed, substitute the tequila and triple sec with some extra sparkling water or juice. You might also consider incorporating a splash of orange juice for extra flavor.

  • What type of tequila is best for this recipe?Tequila is a great complement to the fresh, fruity flavors of the margarita, but you can use your favorite tequila instead.

  • Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?For optimal flavor, it is best to use pineapple that is fresh, but in a pinch, one can use canned pineapple. Just be sure to drain it very well before using.

  • What other garnishes could I use besides lime or pineapple?For a spicy touch, you can use a slice of jalapeño to garnish, or you can stick with a classic and use fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a more traditional garnish with added aroma.

  • How do I rim the glass with salt?Lime wedge; rim of the glass; dip in coarse salt. Run it over the top. Dip it in salt. Voilà—your glass is now salted.

Substitutions and Variations

Substituting the fresh pineapple chunks with pineapple juice will give you a smoother texture. You’ll want to use about 1 cup of juice.
Swap the jalapeño for a serrano pepper for a flavor shift; use the serrano pepper sparingly since it can be much hotter.
To make a version of this drink without alcohol, use coconut water or extra sparkling water in place of the silver tequila, using the same amount as specified for the tequila.
If a bottle of triple sec cannot be found, a good substitute would be to use the same amount of Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
Change agave syrup to honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor, adjusting to taste.