Pineapple Mint Margarita – Cinco de Mayo

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With fresh cut pineapple, mint and fresh-squeezed lime juice, this made-from-scratch Pineapple Mint Margarita is a tantalizing tropical twist on the classic! Using only the freshest ingredients (no syrupy-mixers here), this recipe makes for a delicious and refreshing treat perfect for a hot summer’s day!

The Margarita has got to be one of the most popular cocktail recipes to ever come out of Mexico. They’ve been popular for decades. So much so that you can find these tasty concoction in pretty much any restaurant or bar — regardless of the type food they serve.

While here in the United States the margarita has always been associated with Cinco de Mayo and Mexican food, this particular margarita recipe is so good you’ll enjoy it anytime.

If you’re looking for something other than your average margarita, look no further than this delicious recipe for a frozen pineapple, mint and lime margarita. You won’t find bottled syrupy mixer here, just an easy recipe to make from scratch with fresh cut pineapple, mint, and home-squeezed lime juice. You’ll never drink another machine-frozen margarita again!

What’s the best tequila for margaritas?

One of the most common questions I get on this post is what’s the best kind of tequila to use. Really you can use any type of tequila in this margarita recipe. However, my rule of thumb is to always buy at least a mid-price range bottle. As is true with pretty much anything, the price usually corresponds to the quality!

You can also use either reposado or blanco tequila here. Not familiar with the difference? It has to do with age:

• Tequila reposado (which means “rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, usually from 2 to 12 months. It has a more subtle or refined flavor, with notes of vanilla and oak.
• Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a much stronger, more straightforward flavor.

How to Make a Pineapple Mint Margarita

This pineapple margarita is a classic margarita you mix up in a blender. And while the salt rim is optional, it really does add just the right amount of saltiness to each sip. I share some tips near the end of this post on how to make a salt rim. But if you prefer to pass, it’s just as tasty without!

You’ll find the complete recipe in the free printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Bartender’s Tools You May Find Helpful

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links for products or services I think you’ll like. If you make a purchase from one of these links, Bullock’s Buzz will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, I only recommend products that I use and love.

• margarita glasses
• paring knife
• blender 

This delicious frozen margarita is already festive, but when you add a colorful paper straw or paper umbrella it becomes even more fun!

Pineapple Mint Margarita Ingredients

As I mentioned above, you won’t find any “processed” ingredients, mixes, or syrups in this particular margarita recipe. Instead, you will use fresh ingredients including:

Fresh pineapple – choose one that is perfectly ripe and ready to go

Fresh mint – at first glance, the combination of pineapple and mint may sound unappetizing. However, the fresh mint lends such a light flavor, it compliments the pineapple and alcohol perfectly! Plus it looks good doing it, too.

Fresh-squeezed lime juice – this takes about 4 limes. Fresh always works best, although you can use the bottled type in a pinch.

Granulated white sugar (optional) – to add the barest amount of sweetness to the tartness of pineapple and lime, and sooths the bite of the alcohol.

Pineapple juice – be sure to use a high quality juice

Tequila – I prefer Tequila Cazadores, which is known for its taste, smoothness, and versatility Plus, it’s a reasonably-priced tequila. .

Cointreau – an orange-flavored liqueur that blends beautifully with the pineapple, and whose bright, citrus flavor is the perfect finishing touch to this margarita.

Salt – to rim the glasses

Pineapple Mint Margarita Instructions

Making this pineapple mint margarita is a cinch!

Prep Work: Freeze the Pineapple

Before getting started, cut ½ a pineapple into cubes and then freeze.

Then, when you are ready to prepare your margaritas, pull the pineapple cubes from freezer and allow to soften a little. 

Step One: Juice the Limes

Using a juicer, squeeze all four limes and strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.

Step Two: Add the Sugar

This step is optional, but I find it helps lessen the tartness of the lime juice and pineapple. Add the sugar (to taste) to the fresh-squeezed lime juice and stir until it has completely dissolved.

Step Three: Blend

Place the pineapple cubes and the mint in a blender in alternating layers. Then pour the pineapple juice, tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau over the layers.

Blend on high until you get a ‘creamy’ consistency.

Step Four: Prep the Glasses

If you choose to salt (or sugar) the rims, simply rub lime wedges over glass rims and then dip in salt or sugar. I recommend a salt rim for alcoholic margaritas and a sugar rim for the non-alcoholic option (see below).

Step Five: Pour and Garnish

Now pour your margaritas into salted/sugared glasses (see my tips below on getting the perfectly salt-rimmed glass).

I like to garnish with some fresh mint, too, but that’s just for looks. I just thin that the festive green from the mint perfectly complements the greenish-yellow hue of this pineapple mint margarita! You could also use a wedge of pineapple!

How to Make a Salt Rim

If you do decide to go for a salt rim or a sugar rim (best with the non-alcoholic version, see below), here are a few tips for getting it just right.

• Cut a notch in the lime and use it to wet the rim. It’s much easier than trying to do it with your fingers.
• Turn the glass so just the outside rim is covered in salt. To do this, place some salt on a plate and tilt the glass at an angle so just the outside of the rim gets covered.

How to Make A Non-Alcoholic Pineapple Mint Margarita

If you wish to make this drink non-alcoholic, simply replace the liquor with an additional 6 ounces of pineapple juice, and you’ll be good to go!

More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love!

If you like this margarita recipe, you’ll love these cocktails!

• Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
• Berry Smash Lemonade
• Alabama Slammer

Like It? Tried It? Share It!

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your take on my recipes. So if you make this Scarlett O’Hara cocktail, tag me at @bullocksbuzz (Instagram and Facebook) or @alainabullock (on Twitter) and use the #BullocksBuzz so I can see your creation and share it!

Do you have a favorite Cinco de Mayo drink recipe? Share with us below!