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9 Tequila and Pineapple Cocktails for a Taste of Paradise

February 08, 2024 by

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Ready to shake things up at your next backyard BBQ or beach bash? Pineapple tequila cocktails are the way to go. Whether you’re a seasoned home mixologist or still figuring out how to use your shaker, these tropical sippers are easy to master and packed with good vibes.

Why do pineapple and tequila work so well together? It’s all about balance. The juicy sweetness and slight tang of pineapple bring out the earthy, peppery notes in tequila, especially a bright blanco or a mellow reposado. Use fresh pineapple juice if you can swing it; the flavor’s punchier, and it gives your drinks that just-cut fruit energy. But hey, canned works too, just check the label and go for 100% juice.

From poolside hangs to Friday night tacos, this combo always brings a dash of sunshine to any occasion. Let’s get mixing.

1. Pineapple Paloma

Close up of two Pineapple Paloma cocktails on a white tablecloth in a sunny indoor environment

We adore a peppy Paloma, and this tequila pineapple cocktail version is a complete treat. To make one, combine 2 oz tequila, 4 oz fresh pineapple juice, and 1 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a serving glass over ice, pop a wedge of pineapple on the rim as a garnish, and enjoy.

Also see: 5 Best Cocktails with Rum and Tequila

2. Pineapple Margarita

Close up of two glasses of Spicy Pineapple Margarita on a wooden table top surrounded by fresh limes and rimmed in tajin

The best pineapple juice tequila cocktails tend to have some serious tropical swagger, and the Pineapple Margarita certainly ticks this box. To make one, add 1.5 oz tequila, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, 0.75 oz Grand Marnier, and 0.75 oz lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well combined, strain into a salt-rimmed Margarita glass, top it with ice, and serve. 

“When crafting Margaritas with a tequila like Espolòn Tequila Blanco, consider flavors that complement tequila, particularly those representative of its region of origin. Mexico’s diverse food scene offers a wealth of ingredients, including mangoes, pineapples, and tomatillos, which can enhance the cocktail. For a spicy twist, adding a mango habanero hot sauce can elevate a Margarita, infusing it with tropical nuances. Coconut is another intriguing flavor that pairs well with tequila, although it’s often underutilized.” Tristram Fini, Campari Academy UK

3. Mr. Prado

Two Mr Prado cocktails on a table outside at a beach cafe with an ocean view, daytime, sunny

If the idea of a tequila and pineapple juice cocktail with a bit of herbaceous action sounds up your alley, you’ve got to whip up a Mr. Prado, darling. To make one, you’ll have to make a batch of sage-infused simple syrup. Don’t worry, it’s easy—just use our Ultimate Guide to Simple Syrups. Once your syrup has cooled, combine 2 oz Blanco tequila, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.75 oz sage syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and serve with fresh sage garnish. 

More where this came from! 15 Totally Tropical Pineapple Juice Cocktails 

4. Pineapple Ranch Water

Pineapple Ranch Water cocktail on a table outside at a beach cafe with an ocean view

Cocktails with pineapple juice and tequila do not come simpler than this tropical take on the Texan classic. To pour one, combine 2 oz tequila, 2 oz pineapple juice, and 1 oz fresh lime juice in a big glass over lots of ice. Top off with 4 oz sparkling water (Topo Chico if you have it) and enjoy! This zesty cocktail is a treat when paired with some BBQ chicken wings. 

5. Pineapple Princess

Pineapple Princess cocktail on a table in a modern home kitchen

Take your tequila pineapple juice cocktail to a whole new level with the addition of a bitter apéritif to strike a captivating balance. To make a Pineapple Princess cocktail, combine 0.75 oz Aperol, 1 oz tequila, 0.75 oz Grand Marnier, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, and 0.5 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a serving glass over fresh ice, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve.  

You might also like: Jumpin’ Jack Flash | Tepache | Rum Runner 

6. Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz 

Two Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz cocktails on a table inside a traditional island Tiki bar

Tequila cocktails with pineapple juice are sunny to the core, and the Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz might just be the most joyful of them all. Start by making a jalapeño simple syrup using this recipe, and one sliced jalapeño with its seeds removed.

Once the syrup is cooled, combine 1 oz jalapeño simple syrup with 3 oz pineapple juice and 2 oz Blanco tequila in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, strain into a serving glass over fresh ice, and top off with sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh lime. You can also rim the glass with a lime wedge and tajin seasoning if you’re feeling fancy. 

Read next: 10 Tequila and Aperol Cocktails to Sip at Sunset

7. Tequila Pineapple Rum Punch

Two Tequila Pineapple Rum Punch cocktails on a table on a porch between two wicker chairs with yellow pillows

If you’re looking for tasty tequila and pineapple cocktails to serve a crowd, you can’t go wrong with this Tequila Pineapple Rum Punch. To make a batch for about 6 guests, combine 12 oz Blanco tequila, 6 oz coconut rum, 15 oz fresh pineapple juice, 2 oz lime juice, and a bottle of sparkling water in a pitcher over ice. Give it a gentle stir and add some lemon slices for extra zest. We suggest sugar-rimmed glasses for a nice touch of sweetness. 

Go pro: 14 Best Tequila Mixers (What to Mix with Tequila)

8. Pineapple Tequila Sunrise

Two Pineapple Tequila Sunrise cocktails on a table covered in a colourful tablecloth with natural light coming in through a window

If you’re looking for a colorful, festive clinker of a drink, this pineapple orange juice tequila cocktail should be at the top of your list. To make a Pineapple Tequila Sunrise, build 2 oz Blanco tequila, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, and 4 oz orange juice in a Collins glass over ice. Add a dash of grenadine, garnish with a cheeky slice of orange and a cherry, and enjoy! 

Check these out! Painkiller | Singapore Sling | Jungle Bird 

9. Rosemary Pineapple Tequila Cocktail

Two Rosemary Pineapple Tequila Cocktail cocktails on table outside in a vibrant summer garden

For a fragrant take on a classic spritz, we highly recommend a Rosemary Pineapple Tequila Cocktail. To make one, muddle 3-4 fresh pineapple chunks in the bottom of a mixing glass with the leaves of one sprig of fresh rosemary, and 2 oz lime juice. Fine-strain the mixture into a cocktail shaker and use a muddler to push through as much juice as possible.

Add 1 oz simple syrup, and 1.5 oz Espolòn Tequila Anejo, shake well, and strain into a tall serving glass over fresh ice. Top off with your favorite wheat ale (or some sparkling water if you prefer a lower ABV), garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, and serve.  

10. Pineapple Tequila Rum Punch

Looking to serve a crowd with a tropical twist? This Pineapple Tequila Rum Punch is your go-to. Combining the smoothness of tequila and coconut rum with the vibrant flavors of pineapple and lime, it’s a party in a pitcher.​

To prepare a batch for about six guests, combine 12 oz blanco tequila, 6 oz coconut rum, 15 oz fresh pineapple juice, and 2 oz lime juice in a large pitcher over ice. Stir gently to mix. Top with a bottle of sparkling water, add some lemon slices for an extra zing, and serve in sugar-rimmed glasses for a delightful touch.

Inside scoop: Trending Cocktail Flavors with Espolòn Tequila

11. Desert Diablo

The Desert Diablo brings that sunny sweetness with just the right touch of zing, thanks to a splash of ginger beer and a hit of lime. To make one, combine 1.5 oz tequila, 0.75 oz pineapple juice, and 0.5 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it like you mean it, then strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top with 1 oz ginger beer and garnish with a slice of dehydrated pineapple for a little desert drama.

Cheers, dears! 20 Refreshing Tequila Cocktails to Sip This Summer

Tips for using pineapple in cocktails

Making pineapple juice at home 

Close up of a glass of fresh pineapple juice on a table outside with a fresh pineapple next to it on a sunny day

Making fresh juice at home for tequila pineapple drinks is a simple and refreshing process. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade pineapple juice: 

INGREDIENTS 

  • 1 ripe pineapple 
  • Water (optional, depending on your preferred consistency) 
  • Sweetener, e.g. honey, agave syrup, or sugar (optional, depending on your taste) 

INSTRUCTIONS  

  1. Select and prepare the pineapple. Choose a ripe pineapple with a sweet aroma. You can check for ripeness by gently pressing the base of the fruit – it should give slightly. 
  2. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Put the pineapple upright and cut away the skin, removing the thorny bits. Slice the pineapple into chunks, discarding the core. 
  3. Blend. Place the pineapple chunks in a blender. Blend until you get a smooth consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to help with the blending. 
  4. Strain (optional). If you prefer a smoother juice, strain the blended mixture using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag. Press the pulp with a spoon or spatula to extract as much juice as possible. 
  5. Adjust consistency and sweetness (optional). If the juice is too thick, you can add more water and blend again until you achieve your desired consistency. Taste the juice and add sweetener if needed. Depending on the sweetness of the pineapple, you might not need any additional sweeteners. Options include honey, agave syrup, or sugar. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a splash of lime or lemon juice. 
  6. Serve and enjoy. Pour the fresh pineapple juice into glasses over ice or use it in your favorite tequila pineapple cocktail below. 
Remember that fresh pineapple juice is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Shake or stir well before serving if any separation occurs when making tequila and pineapple juice cocktails.  

Infusing tequila with pineapple

Infusing tequila with pineapple is a brilliant way to add a naturally sweet, tropical twist to your pineapple tequila drinks. The process is straightforward and yields a flavorful spirit that’s perfect for sipping or mixing.​

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Peel, core, and slice a ripe pineapple into spears or chunks.​
  2. Place the pineapple pieces into a large, airtight jar, filling it about three-quarters full. Pour in enough silver (blanco) tequila to fully submerge the fruit.​
  3. Seal the jar and refrigerate it for 4 to 7 days, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the more pronounced the pineapple flavor will be.​
  4. Once infused to your liking, strain out the pineapple and store the flavored tequila in a clean bottle until you want to make your pineapple cocktails with tequila.

Using pineapple as a garnish or in ice cubes

Everyone’s favorite tropical fruit does double duty in pineapple tequila recipes—it brings the flavor, and it looks fantastic doing it.

A fresh wedge or slice perched on the rim of your glass instantly signals good times ahead. If you’re after something a little more refined, dehydrated pineapple rings offer a concentrated pop of sweetness and a cool, sun-dried aesthetic that works especially well in cocktails served over ice. You can make your own in a low oven or food dehydrator, or grab some from a specialty garnish supplier.

For an even easier way to bring in some pineapple flair, freeze pineapple juice or small chunks of fruit into ice cube trays. These cubes look great in a glass and slowly release their flavor as they melt, giving your drink a little evolution with every sip. It’s a fun way to add character to everything from a classic Tequila Sunrise to a big-batch punch.

Turn Up the Heat: 8 Spicy Margarita Variations You Need to Try

Best tequilas to pair with pineapple

Pineapple plays well with all types of tequila, but picking the right style can really dial in the vibe of your cocktail. It’s about matching mood to flavor: crisp and citrusy, warm and spicy, or smooth and rich.

Blanco tequila is bright, clean, and full of pure agave character, with notes of citrus and pepper. It’s the go-to for most pineapple cocktails, especially those that lean zesty or tropical. Think Pineapple Margarita, Pineapple Ranch Water, Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz, or the bittersweet Pineapple Princess. Blanco cuts through sweetness and lifts fruit-forward ingredients with just the right amount of edge.

Reposado tequila brings a little more warmth to the mix. Aged in oak, it has mellow hints of vanilla and spice that make it perfect for cocktails with deeper or spicier elements. It’s a natural fit for the Desert Diablo, where ginger beer and pineapple juice get a boost from the reposado’s smooth, woody backbone.

Añejo tequila, with its longer ageing time, shows up with rich layers of toasted agave, subtle caramel, and dried fruit. It’s best suited to cocktails that have some structure—like the Rosemary Pineapple Tequila Cocktail, where herbal notes and fruit chunks mingle with just enough earthiness to hold their own. Añejo isn’t often paired with pineapple, but when it works, it really works.

So, which should you choose? Go blanco for clean and punchy, reposado for a touch of spice and body, and añejo when you’re aiming for something a little more unexpected and complex. Pineapple’s bold flavor doesn’t back down, and that’s what makes these combos sing.

Mocktail ideas with pineapple and tequila alternatives

Designated driver? Taking a booze break? No problem! The bold flavor and tropical sweetness of pineapple bring plenty of personality to a glass, even without the tequila. The trick is using mixers and non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the depth and zing you’d normally get from agave-based liquor.

Start with a No-Tequila Pineapple Margarita by shaking together 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, 1 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz orange juice, and a splash of agave syrup. Add a drop or two of liquid smoke if you’re missing that earthy edge. Shake it up with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. It’s sunny, sour, and totally sip-worthy.

Feeling something fizzy? A Pineapple Ranch Fizz brings the sparkle. Mix 2 oz pineapple juice with 1 oz lime juice and top it off with chilled club soda or tonic. Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of chili salt for that spicy spritz moment.

If you want the full cocktail experience without the booze, swap in a non-alcoholic tequila alternative like Lyre’s Agave Blanco or Fluère Smoked Agave (depending on availability in your region). These options add complexity and aroma, perfect for recreating drinks like the Mr. Prado or Spicy Pineapple Spritz without losing the vibe.

There you have it – 11 lush pineapple and tequila recipes to try at home. Let us know which one is your favorite! Tag us in your Instagram pictures and remember to sign up for our newsletter to get the juiciest cocktail inspiration straight from the source. Visit the Espolòn website in the meantime to stock up on premium tequila to shake up stunning tequila pineapple juice cocktails every time.

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