Smoked Pineapple and Cilantro Margarita on the Rocks
A bright and smoky margarita combining grilled pineapple puree and fresh cilantro for a vibrant flavor with a hint of char. This mexican-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 18 minutes brings together fresh pineapple chunks, tequila blanco, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 175 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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
- 3/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 6 leaves fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- as needed ice cubes
- for rimming glass coarse salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place 3/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear and pineapple is slightly caramelized and smoky.
- Step 2: Transfer grilled pineapple to a blender and add 2 oz tequila blanco, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1/2 oz agave syrup, and 6 fresh cilantro leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Step 3: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip into coarse salt to coat.
- Step 4: Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour the pineapple cilantro margarita over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a small pineapple wedge.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Pineapple and Cilantro Margarita on the Rocks take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Smoked Pineapple and Cilantro Margarita on the Rocks?
Refrigerate any leftover smoked pineapple and cilantro margarita on the rocks in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Pineapple and Cilantro Margarita on the Rocks?
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 Smoked Pineapple and Cilantro Margarita on the Rocks 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 Smoked Pineapple and Cilantro Margarita on the Rocks?
Mexican cocktails & drinks 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.
