This post contains affiliate links. See our disclosure policy here.
Cocktail History
The Smoky Pineapple Margarita is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that we created as a pineapple-flavored variation of the classic Lime Margarita. It uses the original’s template of tequila, triple sec, and lime but adds mezcal for smokiness, a pineapple syrup made using the sous vide method for fruit flavor, and a Tajín rim for savoriness.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Tequila Blanco: This is one of the base spirits. We went with Casamigos Tequila Blanco for its sweetness and notes of grapefruit and vanilla. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Agave Reserva Spirit in place of the tequila.
Mezcal: This is the other base spirit. We used Del Maguey Vida Mezcal because it offers aromas of tropical fruit, honey, and roasted agave and notes of ginger, cinnamon, and tangerine. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Monday Zero Proof Mezcal in place of the mezcal.
Triple Sec: This is an orange liqueur. It adds sweet citrus flavors for balance. We went with Cointreau because it’s one of the highest quality triple secs on the market. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Orange Sec in place of the triple sec.
Lime Juice: This adds sour citrus flavors. We prefer to use fresh citrus juice because it’s less bitter than the bottled stuff and tastes better.
Pineapple Gum Syrup: This is a sweetener made with pineapple juice, white sugar, gum Arabic powder, and citric acid. We made ours at home using Alex’s sous vide recipe.
Lime Slice: This the garnish. It adds more fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
Tajín: This is added to the rim for a hint of chili lime flavor on the tongue as you sip.
Tasting Notes
The Smoky Pineapple Margarita features aromas of Tajín and smoked pineapple, has a sweet agave-forward taste that harmonizes pineapple, lime, and tequila before showing mezcal’s earthiness, and leaves a lasting fruit-flavored peat note in the throat.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: We both really enjoyed this recipe! This cocktail’s a frequent flyer in Alex’s shaker tins, and it’s even got Kendall’s vote as one of her favorite margaritas despite her not being mezcal’s biggest fan.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Alex’s Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is a very simple Margarita variation I came up with on the fly one night, but despite its simplicity, it’s amazingly good. The mezcal’s smokiness is present but not overwhelming, while our homemade pineapple gum syrup brings the fruit’s signature sweetness in to play a huge role, giving it a taste that’s almost reminiscent of char-grilled pineapple. While the cocktail isn’t exactly visionary (I’m sure 1 out of 5 Mexican restaurants has something similar on its menu), it is fantastic.”—
Kendall’s Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I know every time we’ve made a mezcal drink lately I’ve said the recipe would be a good gateway to liking mezcal for those who can’t take its taste like me, but seriously, this one really would be! The hint of smokiness in an already beloved classic like the Margarita is delightful, especially when paired with the sweetness of pineapple. Just thinking about this cocktail again has me craving another taste.”
Recipe
Pour Tajín onto a plate, rub part of outer rim with lime wedge, and roll in Tajín until coated.
Add tequila, mezcal, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple syrup, and ice to a shaker.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Strain into a margarita glass.
Garnish with lime slice.
Ingredients
Directions
Pour Tajín onto a plate, rub part of outer rim with lime wedge, and roll in Tajín until coated.
Add tequila, mezcal, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple syrup, and ice to a shaker.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Strain into a margarita glass.
Garnish with lime slice.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Agave Reserva Spirit in place of the tequila, Monday Zero Proof Mezcal in place of the mezcal, and Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Orange Sec in place of the triple sec to try a booze-free version of this drink.
Tools & Glassware We Recommend
More Tequila Cocktails
If you like this tequila cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Wild Rose: A tequila and dry sparkling wine cocktail made with pineapple gum syrup, maraschino liqueur, Angostura aromatic bitters, and a orange twist
Salted Sage Paloma: A tequila cocktail made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, salted sage syrup, soda water, and sage leaves
Mocha Spiked Horchata: A tequila cocktail made with horchata, cold-brew coffee, chocolate bitters, and ground cinnamon
Privateer (Variation): A tequila cocktail made with passion fruit syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice, smoke and salt bitters, rosemary, and Tajín
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2023-03-25.
