I made this for a birthday party where the only brief was “margaritas but not boring.” Fresh pineapple juice changed everything. Mixed with blanco tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and lemon juice, then shaken hard and strained into salt-rimmed glasses, it tasted like a margarita that had been on holiday somewhere fancy and tropical. The pineapple makes it sweeter and more complex than a classic lime margarita without adding any syrup.
The double citrus, both lime and lemon, is what keeps it from tipping into a fruit punch. One sour, one sharp, and together they cut through the sweet pineapple. The salt rim is coarse salt, not fine, so it stays on the glass and dissolves slowly with each sip. I will make this for every party, from now until eternity. Probably.
How to Make a Pineapple Margarita
Rim the Glasses First
Rub the rim of two glasses with a lime wedge. Dip the rims into a shallow dish of coarse salt. Set them aside while you make the drink. The salt needs a minute to set. 
Shake Hard
Combine 30ml (1 oz) blanco tequila, 30ml (1 oz) triple sec, 60ml (2 oz) fresh lime juice, 30ml (1 oz) fresh lemon juice, and 240ml (8 oz) pineapple juice in a cocktail shaker with 4-5 large ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
Strain into the salt-rimmed glasses over fresh ice. Serve immediately. The pineapple foam on top settles quickly.
Refreshing Pineapple Margarita
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A taste of sunshine in a glass! This vibrant margarita blends tequila, pineapple, and citrus for a refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 oz (28 g) 100% agave blanco tequila
- 1 oz (28 g) triple sec or cointreu
- 2 oz (57 g) fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz (28 g) fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 8 oz (227 g) pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon course salt
Instructions
- Rub the rim of two glasses with a lime and dip the glasses into the salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, lemon juice, and pineapple juice with 4-5 large ice cubes. Shake until the shaker is cold and frosty.
- Place 3 large cubes of ice in your cocktail glasses and evenly pour the margarita between the two glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge and a slice of pineapple.
Notes
- For a sweeter margarita, add a splash of agave nectar.
- If you don’t have triple sec, you can use orange liqueur or even a touch of orange juice.
- Store leftover margarita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use fresh pineapple juice?
Fresh is best but good quality bottled pineapple juice (100%, not from concentrate) works. Avoid anything with added sugar. The pineapple is doing the sweetening, so the juice quality matters.
What is the difference between triple sec and Cointreau?
Cointreau is a premium triple sec. Either works here. Cointreau is smoother and more orange-forward. Generic triple sec is sweeter. Use what you have.
Can I batch this?
Yes. Multiply everything, combine in a pitcher without ice, and refrigerate. Shake individual portions with ice to order. Do not store the batch with ice or it dilutes.
Mixed up these margaritas for mom’s birthday dinner. The fresh pineapple juice really elevated the vibes (or well, maybe it was the booze). Big thumbs up from everyone!
Fresh pineapple really gives it a nice touch!
Can I use canned pineapple juice instead of fresh, and will it affect the taste much?
Made these pineapple margaritas for our weekend BBQ and everyone loved them! The fruity twist was refreshing and perfect for a sunny day.
Sounds like they were a great addition to your BBQ! Fresh fruit drinks always seem to make outdoor gatherings even better.
Same here! I made them for a brunch and they were a hit. That fresh pineapple juice really does make a difference, right?
Glad to hear that Sarah! Cheers!
Made these pineapple margaritas for my sister’s bridal shower and they were a hit! Fresh pineapple juice really transformed it. Everyone kept asking for more, we got pretty hammered tbh lol!