Tequila Pineapple Juice

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

If simple, strong, and delicious is the kind of cocktail you’re craving, then you’ll love the Tequila Pineapple Juice.

The truck came to a halt and the driver jumped out, machete in hand. There was no danger on this safari. Only cocktails.

They knelt down at a row of pineapples growing out of the ground. One of the tourists beside me gasped in shock and expressed out loud how they always thought pineapples grew on trees, then marveled at how never seeing any pineapple trees suddenly made sense. As I sat and listened, I craved a drink more than ever.

With a thwack or two of the blade, a pineapple the size of a basketball was presented to us with the declaration that all of our beverages that day would be made with it. Right out of the ground and fresh as could be. When I tell you that you’ve never really had a pineapple until you’ve had it this way, I mean it.

And then we were at our first stop, a little gazebo tucked away amongst giant banyan trees. In the shade of these behemoths sat a little bar, where our driver began mixing drinks with that impressive pineapple. After a few moments, tall icy glasses were passed around, filled with fresh pineapple juice, some triple sec and a smooth, agave-forward white tequila.

The Tequila Pineapple Juice was simple enough, but one of the most unforgettable and heavenly moments from our excursion that day.

What is the best tequila to use in a Tequila Pineapple Juice?

Our recipe calls for a clear and unaged blanco tequila. This is an excellent choice, as both the color and flavor of the spirit will mix perfectly with the other ingredients, resulting in a fruity, tart and wonderfully biting tipple. The blanco tequila will also lend earthy, peppery notes to each sip, joining with the pineapple juice and orange-flavored triple sec, offering a lovely balance.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Fill a highball glass with ice, stir your drink’s ingredients gently together within and garnish with a lime wedge on top.

Is this the same as a Matador Cocktail?

It’s very close, but not quite the same. That drink consists of tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice and lime juice, and is often served “up” and not on the rocks. It is also considered a Tiki drink, as it was first mentioned in Trader Vic’s Bartender’s Guide in 1972.

Similar drinks to the Tequila Pineapple Juice

The tangy and tart goodness of fresh pineapple juice is a fantastic partner when mingled with a fine and potent spirit. The Tequila Pineapple Juice cocktail is a great ambassador for the combo, and if you’re thinking of exploring more of this kind of concoction, try out some of these recipes found right here at Twist & Toast.

• Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita – Add some heat to your next ice-cold ‘Rita.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Vanilla vodka adds some extra sweetness to this dessert-like concoction.
• Pineapple Mimosa – Have a tangy brunch with this fruity and fizzy favorite.
• Pineapple Martini – A tropically tinged ‘Tini that will tantalize your taste buds.