This Pineapple Mezcal Margarita just might be the only cocktail you will need this summer. When it comes to margaritas there are 3 things you should always look for; balanced sweetness, fresh limes, and a quality Tequila or Mezcal. This one checks all the boxes and some! For starters, the fresh pineapple simple syrup adds an incredible sweetness that compliments the agave in the Tequila and Mezcal while infusing the cocktail with a delicious pineapple flavor. The second star of this margarita is the Mezcal and for this cocktail, I used Montelobos Mezcal which adds a bit of smokiness that works well with the pineapple.
If you’re unfamiliar with Mezcal just think of it as Tequila’s smoky cousin. It’s similar to tequila because they are both made from agave plants and Tequila is a type of Mezcal. The cooking process is what creates a point of difference between the two. Tequila is produced by steaming agave inside ovens before distilling in copper pots. Mezcal is cooked inside earthen pits that are lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal before distilling in clay pots which is where the unique smoky flavor is developed. It’s also a little sweeter and richer than Tequila but when used together in a cocktail the agave and smokiness create a nice balance.
How to Make a Pineapple Mezcal Margarita
The Pineapple Simple Syrup
Step 1
Cut the pineapple into small 1 inch chunks and place them in a medium saucepan. Pour in the sugar and water, mix well then bring everything to a boil over medium heat. Once the pineapples start to soften, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to press down on the pineapples to release all of the juice. Once the liquid begins to boil reduce the heat and let simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2
Remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly before straining. Use a large mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the syrup into a jar or bottle and discard the pineapple. Store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Pineapple Mezcal Margarita
Add the Tequila, Mezcal, pineapple simple syrup, Cointreau, lime juice, and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake for 7 seconds until the shaker is chilled. Pour the cocktail over ice into a margarita or old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a pineapple leaf and Tajin.
Pineapple Mezcal Margarita
- Prep Time: 35 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 Cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
Description
A classic margarita with sweet fresh pineapple simple syrup and sweet smokey Mezcal. Perfect for warm evenings!
Ingredients
Pineapple Simple Syrup
- 1 and 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Pineapple Mezcal Margarita
- 1 oz Tequila Silver
- 1 oz Mezcal
- 1.5 oz pineapple simple syrup
- .5 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Pineapple leaf for garnish (optional)
- Tajin seasoning for garnish (optional)
Instructions
The Pineapple Simple Syrup
- Cut the pineapple into small 1 inch chunks and place them in a medium saucepan. Pour in the sugar and water, mix well then bring everything to a boil over medium heat. Once the pineapples start to soften, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to press down on the pineapples to release all of the juice. Once the liquid begins to boil reduce the heat and let simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly before straining. Use a large mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the syrup into a jar or bottle and discard the pineapple. Store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Pineapple Mezcal Margarita
- Add the Tequila, Mezcal, pineapple simple syrup, Cointreau, lime juice, and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake for 7 seconds until the shaker is chilled. Pour the cocktail over ice into a margarita or old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a pineapple leaf and Tajin.
Notes
You can make this with only tequila by using 2 oz. of tequila
Keywords: Pineapple Mezcal Margarita, Pineapple Margarita