Spiced Pineapple Cocktail

This Spiced Pineapple Cocktail is a tequila-based drink packed with fresh pineapple and pineapple juice, a little bit of citrus, and a spicy kick from the spiced rim of the glass.

(This recipe for Spiced Pineapple Cocktails was originally published in August 2012, but has been updated with new photos in 2019).

It’s Friday. We’ve got a long weekend waiting for us on the other side. And it’s going to be 90-something degrees here in Boston. Does it get any better than this? I seriously think not. My biggest problem right now is that my nail polish is out of control chipping and my email is bursting with emails about all the sales at the outlets this weekend (but that’s not really a problem since I am planning on using each and every one of them). Other than that, I’m in an absolute zen-like state dreaming about 3 days of nice weather, freedom, and happiness. And cocktails, too. I might indulge in a little rum punch at Barnacle Billy’s this weekend and I’m sure I’ll whip up a drink or two in my downtime.

But I’m starting off Cocktail Friday with a Martha Stewart original drink. Her Spiced Pineapple Cocktail intrigued me from the start mainly because of it’s frothy, smoothie-like appearance and chili rim. I mean there’s chili powder ON the glass. How could I resist that? I’m glad I didn’t because one sip and I was in love. This tequila-based drink will likely be on regular rotation in my kitchen.

SPICED PINEAPPLE COCKTAIL RECIPE

The best thing about this absolutely refreshing and perfect summer tequila cocktail? It’s so, so easy to make. Literally, you just throw everything into a blender. And rim your glasses in a delightful little spice mixture. That’s how quickly the cocktail is yours. It involves both fresh (or you can use frozen) pineapple and pineapple juice. Double pineapple pleasure! Plus, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and honey for some extra sweetness.

So, where is the spice in this spiced pineapple cocktail you ask? Why, it’s on the rim of the glass! That rim is decorated with chili powder, sugar, and salt. Basically my dream combination.

The one kinda sorta negative to this drink is that it settles quickly. So, I recommend giving it an extra pulse or two on the blender before pouring into glasses. And only pour right before you’re ready to serve.

You want it to be nice and frothy when you pour it into your glasses.

Clearly I’ve caught the Mexican bug this week. OK fine, I have a serious Mexican food addiction that I really don’t see going away any time soon. Of the 10 most recent recipe ideas I’ve jotted down on my must-make list, 8 of them have avocados in them. I’ve always like avocado, but right now I’m pretty sure I’m addicted. I don’t want to enter a 10-step program. I’m too happy this way. Just know, you’re very lucky this drink does not contain an avocado.

But Mexican is an incredibly versatile cuisine and this drink is solid proof. Tequila, chili powder, and pineapple? Such an amazing and unexpected combination.

I would describe this as a kind of pineapple daiquiri. A pineapple tequila daiquiri. Nothing wrong with that. I mean, really, there’s everything RIGHT with that!

But my favorite part of this tequila pineapple cocktail is the spicy, salty, sweet rim of the glass. Every single sip I took gave a spicy kick; but not in an overwhelming way at all. It was a fantastic contrast to the cool fruity drink. I want to put this spice mixture on all my drinks from now on.

Maybe even my water? Well, probably not my water. But it’s definitely a good excuse to make this drink as much as I possibly can until the weather turns cold again.

You should definitely be enjoying a spiced pineapple cocktail on the last official weekend of summer. Whether you’re on a mini vacation, at your home pool, or simply inside for the weekend getting some fall cleaning done, this will make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise.

Do you get three days off this weekend? What are you up to? And more importantly, what will you be sipping on?

If you’re a fan of this spiced pineapple cocktail, be sure to check out my Blueberry Vodka Lemonade or my Grilled Pineapple Coconut Margarita. I also can’t wait to try this Rum Punch from Sugar and Soul!