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Sip your way into paradise with a fruity, fiery Tequila Pineapple Cocktail. Featuring tangy pineapple juice, smooth tequila, sweet mango, a hint of spicy jalapeño, and an iconic grenadine glow, this beautifully layered pineapple tequila sunrise is the perfect combination of sweet, spice, and everything nice! Serve it frozen or on the rocks for the ultimate tropical, sun-kissed summer drink.
“Perfect perfect perfect. Pineapples and tequila should be besties because they are soooo darn tasty. And I love spicy drinks, especially a piquant, salty, sugary rim. I think I’ll be drinking too many by myself!”
– MARY
Update: This recipe was originally published in May 2017. I made updates to the article below to include more information about this recipe for tequila and pineapple juice sunrise cocktails.
Hello, friends! Grab your sombreros, a few tiny cocktail umbrellas, and couple maracas, because today we are tequila-ing—it’s fiesta time, baby.
Table of Contents
About this pineapple tequila drink
Beautifully refreshing and perfectly tropical with the ideal amount of boozy deliciousness, say hello to your new favorite cocktail—pineapple tequila sunset.
Imagine sipping a tall chilled glass filled with layers of tangy pineapple juice, smooth tequila, and tropical mango puree, crowned with a splash of grenadine, and topped with a lime wedge, jalapeño coin, or maraschino cherry. Honestly, it’s not just a drink, it’s an entire holiday celebration in a glass. Beautiful and delicious all on its own, you can take this tequila and pineapple cocktail to the next level of yum by rimming your highball glass or rocks glass with chili-lime or tajin for extra flavor.
Aside from being absolutely everything in the taste department—sweet, citrusy, tropical, tangy, tart, piquant, smooth and 100% delicious—this sunrise drink is so simple to make. You need just 1`0 minutes and 8 ingredients.
Plus, this cocktail recipe is totally flexible and super customizable—use frozen mango to create a frothy frozen cocktail or use fresh mango for an “on the rocks” drink. Regardless of how you serve it, every sip of this sunrise cocktail is like mini vacation of your tastebuds. Just make sure you hide the car keys before imbibing!
If you’re looking for more perfectly refreshing cocktails to sip on this summer, check out these favorites next: Rum Runner, Blackberry Peach Cocktail, Malibu Drink, and Strawberry Cocktail with Vodka.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
TL;DR? No worries, get the details here:
- Deliciously Tropical. The combination of pineapple and mango created a tangy, tropical base that’s accentuated with bold tequila and sweet, rich grenadine.
- Visually Stunning. This layered drink creates a beautiful signature “sunrise” effect that’s as eye catching as it is delicious.
- Easy to Make. With minimal ingredients and a couple simple steps—just blend, shake, and pour—you can whip up this cocktail in just a few minutes.
- Customizable Recipe. Choose your own cocktail adventure by serving your tequila sunset on the rocks, blending it into a frozen drink, or making it a mocktail. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness, try different tequilas, nix the jalapeno, switch up the rim, and more to create a cocktail that’s all your own.
- Versatile, All-Season Appeal. Between the gorgeous sunrise gradient, delightful tropical taste, and ease of preparation, every sip of this pineapple juice tequila sunrise cocktail tastes like a celebration. While it’s especially ideal for hot summer days, it’s perfect for impressing guests anytime of year.
Ingredients for a pinapple tequila sunrise
This tropical tequila cocktail uses a couple fresh ingredients along with a few essential cocktail liquors and pantry staples to create a drink that is smooth and truly refreshing:
- Tequila: I recommend using a 100% agave Blanco or Silver tequila for a crisp, clean flavor. However, you can certainly use a more expensive type of tequila, such as Reposado for a warmer flavor or Anejo for more complexity.
- Mango: You will need half a ripe mango to make the puree. Swap: Fresh pineapple chunks.
- Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice adds a touch of sweet, acidic flavor and helps thin out the mango puree. Make sure you use fresh or 100% juice with no added sugar. Swap: Mango juice or orange juice
- Lime Juice: Purchase limes and squeeze them yourself for the best citrusy flavor.
- Triple Sec: You can use your favorite orange liqueur here or use whatever is in your budget. I tend to use either regular Triple Sec or Cointreau. Triple sec is a generic orange liqueur, while Cointreau is a type of triple sec with a smoother and more complex flavor.
- Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add the perfect amount of earthy heat.
- Agave: While totally optional, a touch of agave syrup adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the fruity, acidic flavors. Swap: Honey or simple syrup
- Grenadine: Non-alcoholic grenadine syrup adds a pop of beautiful red color and a touch of tart and sweet flavor. Swap: Pomegranate liqueur
Recipe variations
- Time Saver: Looking to save a little time on prep and avoid washing your blender? You can use a can of mango nectar instead of fresh mango to make a tequila sunrise drink on the rocks.
- Rim: A combination of coarse salt and chili powder along with a dash of granulated sugar make the perfect blend to rim your cocktail glass.
- Non Spicy: You can easily make this a regular pineapple tequila sunrise by leaving out the jalapeño.
- Smoky Cocktail: For a smoky flavor, try charring your whole jalapeño on the grill before muddling them in your cocktail shaker.
- Make it a Mocktail: Swap out the tequila and use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a non-alcoholic sunrise.
- Frozen Tequila Sunrise: You can easily transform this cocktail into a delicious frozen drink by substituting the fresh mango with frozen mango chunks. Voilà – creamy, smooth tropical slushy cocktails.
Leftover tequila? Put it to good use in this margarita Christmas recipe!
Chef expert tips for perfect results every time!
- Fresh Juice. Using fresh pineapple juice, a whole lime, and fresh mango really makes a difference in flavor.
- Cold Ingredients. If you’re looking for a perfectly refreshing drink, chill the ingredients before mixing.
- Chill Glasses. For a perfectly frosty touch, pop the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring your cocktail.
- Layer Slowly. Make sure to pour the grenadine slowly down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon for that perfectly layered, gradient effect.
- Customize to Taste. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so make sure you prepare the cocktail base and then adjust it to suit your preferences. If your fresh mango is sweet and ripe, you may not need to add agave. And, if you left the ribs in the jalapeño, you may need to tame the heat.
- Garnish Creatively. Cocktail garnishes are the easiest way to add visual interest to your drink. Consider rimming the glass and stacking a pineapple ring, jalapeño slice, and cherry on a cocktail pick for a fun presentation.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
What type of tequila should I use?
I personally recommend using a blanco (white) or silver tequila, but you can also use Reposado or Añejo for a richer, warmer flavor. You just want to make sure to use a tequila that mentions “100% blue agave” on the bottle for the best taste.
However, I don’t recommend using a gold tequila. Gold tequilas, also known as join tequilas, are a blend of different tequilas, which can include additives and give you an unpleasant hangover.
Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
For the best tasting tequila cocktail, I recommend using freshly squeezed juice. However, if you aren’t into juicing, don’t fret, just make sure to use a high-quality 100% juice.
Is the grenadine necessary?
Deep red grenadine syrup is what gives a sunrise cocktail that classic gradient look. However, grenadine is traditionally made from concentrated pomegranate juice and sugar, so you can swap in pomegranate juice or even raspberry juice for a similar look and slightly different flavor.
How do I achieve the perfect sunrise effect?
The gradient sunrise effect may look fancy, but it’s actually ridiculously easy to do. The key is to slowly pour the grenadine into the cocktail and let it naturally settle at the bottom of the glass. You can use the back of a spoon to help control the flow of the grenadine if you’re nervous.
Can I make this drink without alcohol?
You sure can! To make a virgin pineapple sunrise drink, you can simply omit the tequila and triple sec. I like to increase the amount of fresh mango or mango nectar and pineapple juice. However, you can simply top the drink off with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a more refreshing mocktail.
How to make spicy salt for a cocktail rim?
Spicy salt is the perfect way to rim the glass of a fiery margarita! To make spicy margarita salt, mix 3/4 teaspoon of chili powder with 1 1/2 teaspoons of coarse salt. For a well balanced salt, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of granulated sugar to the mix to offset the spice!
What are the best garnishes for a sunrise cocktail?
Edible garnishes are a festive way to take your pineapple juice tequila cocktail up a notch! Feel free to stick with the traditional slice of lime or have fun experimenting and think outside the glass! Below are a few delicious ideas to help get you started!
- Lime: A wheel, wedge or slice of lime is one of the most common drink garnishes.
- Orange: A slice of fresh orange is a wonderful way to mimic the vibrant color in this mixed drink.
- Mango: Fresh mango is an obvious garnish option for this tropical tequila cocktail. Try cutting a mango into bite-size cubes and threading it on a skewer.
- Strawberry: Mangoes and strawberries go hand in hand. Try slicing a whole strawberry into a spiral for a beautiful garnish.
- Cherry: Maraschino cherries are a sweet finishing touch everyone seems to love.
- Chile Pepper: You can really play up the spicy flavor by garnishing your drink with a slice of jalapeño.
- Herbs: Try adding a sprig of fresh basil or cilantro for an herbal touch.
More than just a cocktail, this tequila and pineapple cocktail is a celebration of tropical flavors and sunny vibes in a glass! With its beautifully vibrant colors, delightfully refreshing taste, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become your new go-to drink for any occasion.
So, gather your ingredients, shake things up, and don’t forget to share your sunrise moment in the comments section below. Until next time, cheers—to paradise vibes!
Cheyanne
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More tropical tequila drinks!
Looking for more delicious topical drinks? Try these fan favorites:
Pineapple Juice Tequila Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Blender – for pureeing the mango chunks
- 1 Cocktail Shaker – for shaking the cocktail
- 2 Cocktail Glasses – for serving cocktails
Ingredients
Pineapple Tequila Drink
- ½ large Ripe Mango – skin & pit removed and cubed (about 2/3 cup) (substitute: 2/3 cup mango nectar) (SEE NOTES)
- 3 ounces Pineapple Juice
- 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice (plus lime wedges for garnish)
- ½ whole Jalapeño – sliced
- 3 ounces Triple Sec
- 3 ounces Silver Tequila
- 1 TBS Grenadine
- to taste Agave (OPTIONAL)
For the Rim – Optional
- 1 whole Lime Wedge – for wetting the rim
- ¾ tsp Chili Powder
- 1 ½ tsp Coarse Salt
- 1 ½ tsp Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Optional – Rim the Cocktail Glasses: Dump the chili powder, salt, and sugar out on a small plate. Then use your hands to spread the spices out over the plate. Next, use the lime wedges to moisten the rim of the cocktail glasses. Then, dip the edge of the rim into the mixture and gently shake off any excess before setting the glasses aside.
- Blend the Mango-Pineapple Mixture (yield about 1 cup): Add the chunks of mango, pineapple juice, and lime juice to a blender. Cover the blender and then puree the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Then, set the cocktail base aside.
- Shake the Pineapple Tequila Cocktail: Add 1 to 4 slices of jalapeño to an empty cocktail shaker. Grab a muddler or use the flat end of a wooden spoon to smash the jalapeño to release the juices (SEE NOTES). Next, fill the cocktail shaker with 2/3 full with ice cubes.Then, add pureed pineapple mixture, triple sec, and tequila. Cover and then vigorously shake until the shaker is cold to touch. Fill the rimmed cocktail glasses halfway with ice cubes.Then, strain the cocktail into the glasses.
- Pour in Grenadine, Garnish, and Serve Cocktail: Slowly pour the grenadine into the pineapple juice tequila cocktail and let the syrup settle at the bottom to create a gradient sunrise effect.Garnish the cocktail glasses with the slices of lime, a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, and/or remaining slices of jalapeño. Enjoy immediately!
Video
Notes
- Mango. For the best flavor, use a fresh mango. To save time, you can use mango nectar, just note that your cocktail will lack the same body and freshness – but it’ll still be delicious!
- Frozen Drinks. To make a frozen cocktail, use frozen mango chunks. Add all the ingredients (including the jalapeños) to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for sweetness. If you prefer a thinner, more slushy drink, you can use blend in large handfuls of ice cubes or use fresh mango and ice instead of frozen mango chunks.
- Agave. If you like your cocktail on the sweeter side, add an ounce or two of agave, or honey, to the blender with the mango. Just make sure you taste the mango-pineapple mixture FIRST, and then add the agave if desired. Depending on the ripeness of your mango, the mixture may be sweet enough without any sweetener.
- Jalapeños. If you’re looking for a spicy tequila sunrise, use all four slices of jalapeño. For a milder cocktail, use one slice.
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Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
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Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
Nutrition
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Kate
Wow! These are seriously beautiful and delicious!! Thank you so much for sharing
Kim
This is a fabulous concoction!
Karen
Had a mango to use up and came across this. Amazing. Didn’t have triple sec so used margarita.
Rachelle
Someone please take my car keys because I totally want to go tequila-ing with a few of these! Then I might come singing love songs to you while running down your street! seriously, the is one gorgeous cocktail!
2
my oh my! Beautiful drink for summer nights !!!!!!!!!!
Lori
YUUUUMMMM!!!!
Marissa
What a refreshing cocktail for Cinco de Mayo (or any time!). Love the sweet, tangy, spicy flavors and that spicy rim is perfection!
Kevin
Such a fun tropical cocktail, fantastic!
Dee
Delicious and refreshing. Exactly like a sunrise in a glass 🙂
Jasmine
delicious
Sandy
I’m in love with this cocktail!! Looks good, tastes good!
Geraldine
You make the best drinks, Cheyanne! Wish I could come over and share one – this one is such a pretty color and love that it’s spicy!
Mary
Perfect Perfect Perfect. Pineapples and tequila should be bestie because they are soooo darn tasty. And I love spicy drinks especially a piquant, salty, sugary rim. I think I’ll be drinking too many by myself!
Cara
The stars have certainly aligned for some awesome sauce! lol i love your writing- its so fun, upbeat and friendly!
Jasmine
This is so good! cheers!