Spicy Frozen Pineapple Margaritas

by Yvette Marquez on August 10, 2023 (updated April 25, 2024)

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If you’re looking for a cocktail recipe that is equal parts sweet, tart, and frosty, look no further than my Frozen Pineapple Margaritas. Made with just 5 simple ingredients in about 5 minutes, this slightly spicy pineapple margarita recipe is essentially a boozy version of Dole Whip. 🍍

two stemless wine glasses rimmed with tajin and filled with frozen pineapple margaritas.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Frozen Pineapple Margarita Recipe

Have y’all been surviving these record heat waves?? 🥵 Even here in normally-temperate Colorodo, we’re feeling the burn. Since I can’t stand to turn the oven on when the AC is running, we’ve been eating mostly outdoor-grilled or no-cook meals like Easy Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor, Grilled Corn, Avocado, and Stone Fruit Salad, and Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce.

We’ve also been enjoying all kinds of cool treats like Paletas, Creamy Mango Strawberry Gelatin, and, of course, this grown-up frozen pineapple drink. Now all we need is a pool to dip our toes in while we sip these frosty cocktails. 🏖️ This, my friends, is how you do summer!

Aside from being a brain-freeze-worthy glass of slushy sunshine that’ll make you feel like a kid again, this frozen pineapple margarita recipe is also:

Quick & Easy – If you have a blender and 5 minutes, you’re ready to go!
Bright & Refreshing – This pineapple frozen margarita is buzzing with boozy, fruity goodness. Plus, I can basically guarantee that it’s chilly enough to cool you down on even the hottest summer nights. 🌡️
Easily Customizable – This delectable frozen pineapple cocktail is like a frosty chameleon. Add other fruits like berries, mango, or papaya to double down on the tropical vibes; add jalapeño peppers for some spice; or even make a virgin version that your teens and designated drivers can enjoy. Read on below for more ideas!
Budget-Friendly – Last time I ordered a margarita at a restaurant I almost choked after learning it was a whopping $15. For ONE drink!! Save yourself a boatload of money by making these zippy cocktails at home.

ingredients needed to make frozen pineapple margaritas on a white table.

Ingredients & Substitutions

As I mentioned earlier, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this jalapeño pineapple margarita recipe. Here’s what to grab:

Pineapple Chunks – You’re welcome to use fresh pineapple, frozen pineapple, or even canned pineapple packed in pineapple juice.
Fresh Lime Juice – When it comes to lemon and lime juice, the bottled kind can’t hold a candle to the taste of fresh. To get the most juice from your fruit, firmly roll it on the counter for 10-15 seconds before slicing it open.
Tequila Blanco – I used Rancho La Gloria Jalapeño Lime Tequila for a hint of spice, but any tequila blanco can be used.
Pineapple Juice – You don’t need a ton — just enough to help the blades of the blender spin. You’re also welcome to swap in any other tropical fruit juice you prefer.
Ice – If possible, use ice made from filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
Tajin – I love using this spicy-tangy chili-lime seasoning salt as a margarita rimmer. You’re also welcome to use plain coarse salt instead.
Agave Nectar – Lately I’ve taken to using a bit of sweet agave to rim my glasses instead of the normal lime wedge — it’s such a nice contrast to the salty, spicy Tajin! Honey is another great option.

closeup shot of cubed pineapple in an earthenware bowl next to a whole pineapple and whole lime.

How To Make A Pineapple Margarita, Frozen-Style

This fresh pineapple margaritas recipe comes together in a flash! Here’s how:

Step 1: Blend pineapple, lime juice, tequila, pineapple juice, and ice until smooth and frothy.

Step 2: Rim Glasses. Scatter Tajin onto a plate and rim two glasses with agave nectar or honey. Dip the sticky rim of the glasses into the Tajin until the edge is covered.

Step 3: Serve. Pour the frothy margarita mixture into each glass. Garnish with fresh pineapple and/or lime wedges sprinkled with Tajin. ¡Salud!

closeup shot of a bottle of jalapeño lime tequila on a wooden cutting board with rings of fresh pineapple and a halved lime in the foreground.

Optional Variations

One of my favorite things about this frosty pineapple margarita recipe is that there are tons of ways to customize it to your exact specifications. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Add a Floater of Grand Marnier like my Skinny Cadillac Margarita.
Combine Fruits – Doesn’t a frozen pineapple mango margarita or frozen strawberry pineapple margarita sound like a dream? Feel free to get creative with other fun fruit add-ins to customize your libations.
Go Virgin – Swap out the tequila for pineapple juice for a fresh and fruity mocktail everyone will love.
Get Smoky – Try making a grilled pineapple margarita by grilling your fruit and letting it cool before adding it to the blender. You can also make a pineapple mezcal margarita for a similar smoky profile.
Fire & Ice – Make a pineapple jalapeño margarita so your frozen cocktail has a little extra tongue-tingling spice. Simply add a few slices (or all!) of a fresh jalapeño to the blender in addition to using jalapeño-infused tequila. YUM.
Pineapple Margarita on the Rocks – Not in the mood for a Dole Whip margarita? Simply mix ¼ cup each of tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, and pineapple juice, then pour over some beautiful floral rocks in two Tajin-rimmed glasses. Feel free to add a splash of lemon-lime soda for an extra touch of sweetness!

Expert Tips

Want to know how to pick a good pineapple at the store? Lucky for you, I write a blog post all about it.
If you’ve been wondering what the best way to cut a fresh pineapple is, this magical tool is IT.
When layering things into a blender, add liquids first, then add the ice and fruit on top — this helps the blades turn more effortlessly.
If you have any leftovers, consider freezing them in popsicle molds for a boozy paleta.

colorful table with a multicolored runner and multicolored poof ball garland with two frozen pineapple margaritas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a frozen margarita not runny? How do you make frozen margaritas thicker?

The trick is getting your proportions right. If your pineapple margaritas seem too thin, add a few more chunks of (preferably frozen) pineapple to the mix and reblend. Using fruit instead of ice means that even as the drink melts, the fiber will keep the texture nice and thick.

Do frozen margaritas have more alcohol than on the rocks?

I can’t speak to all recipes, but this frozen margarita recipe has just 2 ounces of alcohol per serving, which is pretty standard for a cocktail.

Can pineapple leaves be used for anything?

While they’re not really edible, they do make a pretty garnish for these frozen pineapple margaritas!

More Frozen Margarita Recipes

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #muybuenocooking.