July is officially National Tequila Day but I’m convinced it should be celebrated all yearlong. Yes, I know there are so many random “holidays” that we make up just for the sake of it celebration but I can promise you, I’ll probably continue to celebrate these random days. I first tried this pineapple pepper margarita on National Tequila Day and it has definitely become one of my favorite margaritas to make at home. Also this post was originally written in celebration of National Tequila day.
Anyway, I love concocting fun cocktails; just the thought of it makes me so happy. Thinking of what flavors compliment each other and just toying around with different spices and herbs is a whole lot of fun for me. Since it’s National Tequila Day, I thought I’d share a margarita. Actually, I’m lying. I had no idea it was National Tequila Day until I randomly saw it on Twitter…two days before this post was to go live. My initial thought was: SCORE! Then I thought: how perfect is this? I just happen to be posting a tequila drink on a tequila day – what are the odds? Luck, I guess. Moving on, I sort of love citrus paired with spicy flavors. Not sure where that came from but I love it. One day I was reminiscing over the delicious pineapples John and I had while in Costa Rica and I thought why not make some fresh pineapple margaritas. Oh wait, better idea: let’s add some black pepper!
Pineapple pepper margarita!
There are so many variations of how to make a margarita. You can literally get overwhelmed from all of the options and suggestions. Usually when I make margaritas, I go with the 3-2-1 method (3 oz juice, 2 oz tequila and 1 ounce of fresh lime). This is pretty recipe is pretty easy to remember so it’s always my go to.
Typically when I order margaritas at a bar or something, I usually get it without salt. There’s something about salt and tequila that’s sometimes too intense for me. Once in a while though, I’ll add salt to my margaritas at home. Just a little though.
There’s some debate on whether to shake or stir margaritas. I believe in the philosophy of ‘do what you want’ BUT I shake my margaritas because that’s what feels right to me. Maybe there are some professionals out there who would disagree with me. I’m open to suggestions.
Ingredients
- 3oz fresh pineapple juice (if you can't make your own pineapple juice, store bought will be fine)
- 2oz tequila (silver/white)
- 1oz fresh lime juice
- coarse black pepper
- kosher salt
Instructions
- In a shallow plate or dish, mix a bit of kosher salt and black pepper together.
- Rub a lime on a small section of the glass' rim. Then roll it around in a mixture of kosher salt and black pepper. This will reinforce the pepper flavor and add the familiar flavor of salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice and black pepper in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until the cocktail shaker is cold and frosty.
- Pour into a glass with ice and sprinkle with more black pepper, if desired.
