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Flavorful Grilled Pineapple Margarita Recipe with Spicy Jalapeño Syrup

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A smoky-sweet grilled pineapple margarita with a spicy jalapeño syrup that creates a refreshing and flavorful cocktail perfect for summer nights and backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fresh pineapple, cut into rings or chunks
  • 2 oz (60 ml) tequila blanco per serving
  • 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice per serving
  • 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec or orange liqueur per serving
  • Jalapeño syrup: 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar (or honey), 1-2 fresh jalapeños sliced (seeds optional)
  • Coarse salt or Tajín for rimming the glass
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional garnishes: lime wedges, grilled pineapple slices, jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Make the spicy jalapeño syrup: Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add sliced jalapeños, bring to a simmer, and cook gently for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for another 10 minutes. Strain out jalapeño slices and refrigerate syrup until cool.
  2. Prepare the pineapple for grilling: Peel and core the pineapple, then slice into ½-inch thick rings or chunks. Pat dry.
  3. Grill the pineapple: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill pineapple pieces 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and fruit softens slightly.
  4. Mix the margarita: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz tequila blanco, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 oz jalapeño syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
  5. Prepare the glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip into coarse salt or Tajín.
  6. Assemble and serve: Fill the glass with fresh ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glass. Garnish with grilled pineapple slice or jalapeño ring.

Notes

Do not skip straining the margarita to avoid bits of jalapeño or pineapple in the drink. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Make jalapeño syrup ahead and refrigerate for best flavor. Use fresh lime juice for best taste. Grill pineapple just before serving to keep smoky aroma fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pineapple margarita, jalapeño syrup, spicy cocktail, summer drink, tequila cocktail, smoky margarita