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The History of the Margarita

Carlos “Danny” Herrra, a Tijuana restaurant owner, claims that he created the drink in 1938. Jose Cuervo famously ran a campaign in 1945, claiming: “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.” There have been other notable claims, as well, including Dallas socialite Margarita Sames’ claim that she invented the drink for a group of friends in 1948. Hilton Hotels also famously added the drink to their menu to support her claims.

Spin on a Classic Margarita Recipe

If you’re looking to expand your horizons and make a top notch margarita from scratch, don’t wait any longer to try this skinny spicy margarita! Using fresh pineapple juice (or canned, if you prefer) and fresh sliced jalapeño peppers for a spicy twist, this cocktail uses silver tequila and orange liqueur to make the best summer margarita recipe! Top it off with a splash of sparkling water or Topo Chico and you’ve got a refreshing, bubbly cocktail, perfect for entertaining guests for a summer pool party. This is the ultimate spicy pineapple jalapeño margarita cocktail recipe.

Note: Since this recipe gets its sweetness from the pineapple juice, there is no added sugar from pre-made margarita mix, agave nectar, or simple syrup. This makes it the perfect choice for a skinny margarita recipe!

What You Need to Make A Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita Cocktail

• Tequila: The hallmark of a good tequila. Look for one that is 100% agave for best quality.

  • Note: You can always used an aged tequila, such as a reposado, to give it a slightly richer, spicier taste.

• Orange Liqueur: Don’t go for any old triple sec. We prefer using Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a richer flavor.

• Pineapple Juice: The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the spicy.

• Fresh Jalapeños: Add as many or as few as you would like for spice!

  • Note: If you don’t want a super spicy cocktail, make sure to remove the seeds and the flesh of the jalapeño directly around them! Capsaicin, which is what gives peppers their heat, is primarily in the seeds, so removing them will give you the jalapeño flavor without the added heat (they will still be spicy, though!).

• Lime Juice: Of course, we can’t forget the lime in a margarita. For the best taste, we think fresh lime juice will always be superior over the bottled kind.

• Sparkling Water: Top the cocktail off with a bit of fizz.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

• Choose a new spirit. Not a tequila fan? Try substituting vodka.

• No jalapeños, no problem. Keep the spicy peppers out for a sweet summer margarita.

• Swap the juice. Orange or Grapefruit juice would work great for a tart cocktail.

• Try a sugar rim. Turn up the sweetness by adding a sugar rim instead of salt.

• Add a flavored tequila. There are variety of flavored tequilas on the market, but the Dulce Vida Pineapple Jalapeño tequila is a surefire winner for this spicy cocktail.

How to Make a Spicy Pineapple Margarita

1. Rim your glass. Run a lime across the rim of the glass and turn it upside down into a plate of salt. Fill with ice and set aside.

2. Shake it up. Add tequila, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, jalapeños and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well.

3. Pour it over ice. Strain the cocktail over ice.

4. Add the fizz. Add a splash of Topo Chico or sparkling water to finish the cocktail.

5. Don’t forget the garnish. Add a pineapple slice or lime for an added touch.

Bar Tools for This Recipe

• Cocktail Shaker

• Muddler + Mixing Spoon

• Cocktail Jigger

More Cocktail Recipes To Try

Tip: Many margarita recipes will use triple sec, but we prefer an orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier to elevate this cocktail.

Margarita Recipe Variations

1. Switch Out The Fruit Juice. Not a fan of pineapple juice? Leave out the juice and add extra fresh lime or margarita mix to make a spicy skinny margarita. For a varied flavor twist, try substituting grapefruit juice for a paloma margarita or adding fresh coconut milk for a tropical creamy margarita.

2. Add a Spicy Margarita Rim. Kick it up a notch by adding chile lime seasoning, such as Tajín Clásico, instead of the traditional salt.

3. Make it frozen. This recipe would be great as a frozen margarita! Simply blend the ingredients (except for the sparkling water!) together in a blender. This is also a great way to make these drinks non-alcoholic and family-friendly for kids to enjoy. To make sure that it blends easily, simply add more fruit juice or coconut milk.