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If you’re anything like me, you love discovering fresh twists on classic cocktails especially when they bring a little sunshine to your glass. That’s why I’m obsessed with the Cutwater Pineapple Margarita. With its perfect balance of sweet pineapple and citrusy lime, this drink instantly transports you to beachside bliss with every sip.
Table of Contents
What Is Cutwater Pineapple Margarita?
Cutwater Pineapple Margarita is a ready-to-drink canned cocktail from Cutwater Spirits. It’s made with their tequila, triple sec, and pineapple juice for a tart-tropical margarita.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cutwater Tequila (Silver or Reposado works best)
- 1 oz triple sec (or orange liqueur, like Cointreau)
- 2 oz pineapple juice (fresh or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
- ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Pineapple wedge and lime wheel (for garnish)
- Kosher salt or Tajín (for rimming your glass, optional)
- Ice.
Instructions:
- Prep the Glass: Start by rimming your glass with salt or Tajín for that extra flavor pop. Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into your chosen seasoning.
- Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker, combine Cutwater Tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake: Give everything a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds until the mixture is nicely chilled.
- Serve: Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add a pineapple wedge and lime wheel to the rim for a festive touch.
Tips For A Pro Cutwater Pineapple Margarita:
- Tequila Matters: The core of a great margarita is the tequila. Cutwater’s silver tequila brings a smooth, clean flavor, but feel free to experiment with their reposado for a slightly richer taste.
- Fresh is Best: Fresh pineapple and lime juice elevate the drink with brighter, cleaner flavors. If you have the time, juice your pineapple!
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the simple syrup to your liking. Pineapple can be sweet on its own, so taste before you pour!
- Make it Spicy: If you love a kick, muddle a slice of jalapeño in your cocktail shaker before adding other ingredients, or use Tajín for rimming.
- Batch It: Hosting friends? This recipe easily multiplies, mix in a pitcher and serve over ice.
What To Serve Cutwater Pineapple Margarita With
Classic Mexican Favorites:
- Tacos: The tang and sweetness of pineapple work wonderfully alongside tacos. Try serving with grilled fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or even classic carne asada tacos. Add toppings like shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado.
- Guacamole & Chips: Simple but unbeatable fresh guacamole with corn tortilla chips is a crowd-pleaser and complements the tropical notes of the margarita.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime is smoky, creamy, and the perfect match for your bright margarita.
Fresh Seafood Dishes:
- Ceviche: The zesty flavors of lime-marinated seafood (like shrimp or fish) echo the citrus in your Cutwater pineapple margarita and make for a refreshing appetizer.
- Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled shrimp with tangy cocktail sauce is light and lets the cocktail’s pineapple flavor shine.
Spicy Appetizers:
- Jalapeño Poppers: The creamy, spicy bite pairs nicely with the sweetness of the Cutwater pineapple margarita.
- Spicy Salsas: Serve a trio of salsas—mango salsa, pico de gallo, and roasted tomato salsa—with tortilla chips.
Tropical-Inspired Dishes:
- Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Double down on the pineapple theme with sweet, caramelized pineapple skewers.
- Caribbean Jerk Chicken: This spicy, smoky chicken plays off the Cutwater pineapple margarita’s fruity sweetness and mild heat.
Light, Crunchy Salads:
- Black Bean and Corn Salad: Toss black beans, corn, red onion, lime, and avocado for a festive side.
- Jicama Slaw: Crisp jicama, citrus, and a touch of cilantro will brighten up the table.
Ingredient Substitutes
Tequila Substitutes:
- Mezcal: Swap Cutwater tequila for mezcal to get a smoky depth. This creates a Pineapple Mezcalita with a unique, complex flavor.
- Other Tequilas: Any reputable silver (blanco) or reposado tequila works well. Choose what you have on your bar cart.
- Rum: For a punchy piña colada twist, try white rum instead of tequila.
- Non-Alcoholic “Tequila” Spirits: For a mocktail, use a non-alcoholic tequila alternative (like Ritual Zero Proof).
Triple Sec/Orange Liqueur Substitutes:
- Cointreau or Grand Marnier: These are classic orange liqueurs that add a touch more complexity than standard triple sec.
- Orange Juice & Simple Syrup: Use 1 oz fresh orange juice with 1/4 oz simple syrup for a non-alcoholic swap.
- A Dash of Orange Bitters: If you want to keep it boozy but are missing triple sec, a few dashes of orange bitters will echo the citrus notes.
Pineapple Juice Substitutes:
- Fresh Pineapple: Blend fresh pineapple chunks and strain to use as juice, this makes your margarita extra vibrant.
- Pineapple Nectar: If you can’t find juice, nectar is usually thicker and sweeter, so reduce your simple syrup a touch.
- Mango Juice: Mango offers a similar tropical sweetness. If you like, mix half and half with pineapple for a fun tropical blend.
Lime Juice Substitutes:
- Lemon Juice: Lemon has a different, but still bright, acidity. If using, consider adding a splash of orange for balanced flavor.
- Citrus Blends: Bottled “citrus juice blends” can work in a pinch, but always taste and adjust for sweetness or tartness.
- Vinegar Splash: If you’re in total need, a splash of apple cider vinegar cuts sweetness, but use sparingly.
Simple Syrup Substitutes:
- Agave Syrup: This liquid sweetener is classic in margaritas and complements tequila beautifully.
- Honey Syrup: Mix equal parts honey and warm water. This swap adds floral notes.
- Maple Syrup: For a subtle, earthy sweetness, maple syrup works, but start with less and adjust to taste.
Rim and Garnish Substitutes:
- Sugar Rim: Use sugar or a sugar-salt blend for a sweeter spin.
- Chili Powder & Salt: For a spicy kick, rim your glass with a blend of chili powder and salt.
- Lime, Orange, or Mango Garnish: If you don’t have pineapple wedges, try a wheel of lime, a strip of orange peel, or even a mango slice.
Final Thoughts
For me, the Cutwater Pineapple Margarita is more than just a drink it’s a mini vacation in a glass, perfect for warm evenings, memorable gatherings, or simply treating yourself at the end of a long week. If you try this recipe at home, let me know your favorite pairings or any fun twists you add I’d love to hear how you make this tropical classic your own. Until next time, happy sipping!
More Drink Recipes:
- Homemade Cutwater Pink Lemonade Recipe
- Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut Zero Sugar
- Homemade Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam Ice Cream Recipe
- Copycat Smoothie King Ketchup Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cutwater Tequila (Silver or Reposado works best)
- 1 oz triple sec (or orange liqueur, like Cointreau)
- 2 oz pineapple juice (fresh or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
- ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Pineapple wedge and lime wheel (for garnish)
- Kosher salt or Tajín (for rimming your glass, optional)
- Ice.
Instructions
- Prep the Glass: Start by rimming your glass with salt or Tajín for that extra flavor pop. Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into your chosen seasoning.
- Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker, combine Cutwater Tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake: Give everything a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds until the mixture is nicely chilled.
- Serve: Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add a pineapple wedge and lime wheel to the rim for a festive touch.
