Smoky Pineapple Margarita

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Cocktail History

The Smoky Pineapple Margarita is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a pineapple-flavored variation of the classic Margarita. It uses the original’s template of tequila, triple sec, and lime but adds mezcal for smokiness, a pineapple syrup made using the sous vide method for fruit flavor, and a Tajín rim for savoriness.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Tequila Blanco: This is a type of tequila made in Mexico with fermented blue agave and yeast, which are distilled and then left unaged to develop a bright, agave-forward flavor.

Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with fermented agave and yeast, which are distilled after roasting agave hearts in underground pits to develop a smoky, complex flavor.

Triple Sec: This is a liqueur made with bitter orange peels, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, bright citrus flavor.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.

Pineapple Gum Syrup: This is a sweetener made with pineapple juice, gum arabic powder, citric acid, white sugar, and water, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a tangy, tropical flavor.

Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.

Tajín: This is a seasoning made with ground chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and salt that has a tangy, mildly spicy flavor.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Pale green-yellow color

• Aroma: Spices and smoked pineapple

• Taste: Savory Tajín and sweet agave-forward flavor that harmonizes pineapple, lime, and tequila

• Finish: Earthy and smoky mezcal and tangy citrus

Kendall’s Take: “Pretty much every time I’ve made a fruity mezcal drink I’ve said the recipe would be a good gateway to liking mezcal for those who can’t take its taste like me, but seriously, this one really would be! The hint of smokiness in an already beloved classic like the Margarita is delightful, especially when paired with the sweetness of pineapple. Just thinking about the Smoky Pineapple Margarita again has me craving another taste.”

Recipe