Description
This vibrant Cilantro Pineapple Margarita blends the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple and orange with the zesty freshness of cilantro. Perfectly balanced with homemade orange simple syrup and a good pour of tequila, this refreshing cocktail is ideal for warm weather gatherings or a festive night in. Garnished with fresh citrus slices and pineapple chunks, it offers a bright and flavorful twist on the classic margarita.
Ingredients
Scale
Orange Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups fresh orange juice
Margarita
- 3 pineapple rounds (1/2 inch thick, edges and center removed, chopped into large pieces)
- 1 1/2 cups white or silver tequila (or more to taste)
- 1/2 – 1 cup orange simple syrup (to taste)
- Salt or sugar (for rimming glasses)
- Orange and lime slices (for garnish)
- Pineapple chunks (for garnish)
- Sparkling water (for topping off drink, optional)
- Crushed ice
- A handful of fresh cilantro leaves (for muddling)
Instructions
- Make the Orange Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes while stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in the fresh orange juice, mix well, and transfer the syrup to a sterilized bottle. Refrigerate until ready to use. The syrup can be stored indefinitely if sealed properly.
- Prepare the Muddled Pineapple Mixture: In a large container suitable for muddling, add the chopped pineapple pieces, fresh cilantro leaves, and a few slices of both orange and lime. Gently muddle the ingredients until the pineapple is crushed and the cilantro and citrus flavors are well combined, creating a fragrant and flavorful base for the margarita.
- Mix Tequila and Syrup: In a separate container, combine the white or silver tequila with the desired amount of orange simple syrup. Stir the mixture well to ensure the flavors blend harmoniously. Adjust the syrup quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Assemble the Margarita: Rim your serving glasses with salt or sugar as preferred. Into each glass, add a generous amount of crushed ice. Spoon in a few tablespoons of the muddled pineapple, cilantro, and citrus mixture. Pour the tequila and syrup mix over the ice and muddled fruit, then optionally top off the drink with a splash of sparkling water for added fizz and lightness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each glass with fresh orange and lime slices along with pineapple chunks to enhance the presentation and add fresh bursts of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy a refreshing, tropical cilantro pineapple margarita.
Notes
- The homemade orange simple syrup can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to several weeks.
- Adjust the amount of orange simple syrup depending on your sweetness preference.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, add more orange and lime slices to the muddle or as garnish.
- Salt or sugar rimming can be chosen based on your taste preference; try mixing in some chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Sparkling water is optional but adds a nice effervescent finish to the margarita.
- Use fresh pineapple and orange juice for the best vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: cilantro pineapple margarita, pineapple cocktail, citrus margarita, tropical margarita, homemade orange simple syrup, tequila cocktail, refreshing summer drinks
