Pineapple-Chili Mezcal Smash
A smoky mezcal cocktail balanced with fresh pineapple juice and a touch of chili heat for a lively tropical experience. This cocktails-inspired mexican ready in about 6 minutes pairs Mezcal, Fresh pineapple juice, Fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Mezcal
- 1.5 oz Fresh pineapple juice
- 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 2 thin slices Fresh jalapeño slices
- as needed Crushed ice
- 1 for garnish Pineapple leaf
- pinch for glass rim Chili powder
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Muddle 2 thin jalapeño slices gently in a shaker to release subtle heat.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz mezcal, 1.5 oz fresh pineapple juice, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup along with ice cubes filling the shaker halfway.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Rub the rim of an old-fashioned glass with lime and dip it into a pinch of chili powder to coat.
- Step 5: Fill the glass with crushed ice and double strain the cocktail to remove jalapeño bits.
- Step 6: Garnish by inserting a fresh pineapple leaf vertically into the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pineapple-Chili Mezcal Smash take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pineapple-Chili Mezcal Smash?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezcal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple-Chili Mezcal Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pineapple-Chili Mezcal Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pineapple-Chili Mezcal Smash?
Cocktails mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
