Pineapple and Mint Margarita
It isn’t Happy Hour without a great drink…and margaritas are always a good idea. I mean, who doesn’t like margaritas?!? Whenever the weather starts to get slightly warmer, I begin to crave all the flavors of summer. Pineapple is one of those summery, tropical flavors that is so refreshing on warm day, and making margaritas is one of my favorite ways to enjoy pineapple.
I hate…hate…HATE the gross sweet and sour mix that most restaurants use in their margaritas. Blah! It coats your entire mouth, and tastes like fake sugar. I like to make my own (who is surprised?) by starting with my very own homemade simple syrup. This actually allows me to infuse really cool flavors into a drink. I have made a homemade basil simple syrup before, and paired it with strawberries for a Strawberry and Basil Margarita. So for this Pineapple and Mint Margarita, I use a refreshing Homemade Mint Simple Syrup. The “sour” that I like to use to balance the sweet simple syrup is fresh lime juice. It HAS to be fresh! No fake green bottle here! The combination of the simple syrup (which is super easy to make by the way) and the fresh acidic juice is a million times better than store-bought sweet and sour mix. It is also much better for you, because you control how much sugar goes into the drink, and you avoid additives that your body just doesn’t need….ok I will get off of my soapbox now.
Tropical pineapple, refreshing mint, and fresh lime juice all mixed up with some tequila sounds like the perfect way to start out a Happy Hour! (scroll down for recipe)
This drink can be blended or simply served over ice! The choice is yours.
Pineapple and Mint Margaritas
Pineapple and Mint Margarita
Recipe Type
:
Cocktail
Author:
Maria Provenzano
Serves:
2-3 drinks
The measurements don’t have to be precise. You can adjust the flavor of the drink to your liking! This can also be served over ice instead of blended.
Ingredients
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For about 2-3 margaritas
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2 6oz cans unsweetened pineapple juice; plus more if needed
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large scoop of ice; this can be adjusted depending on how thick you like your drink
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4 oz tequila; optional; you can add more or less if you like
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3-4 tablespoons fresh lime juice’ plus more if needed
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3-4 tablespoons homemade mint simple syrup; plus more if needed
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mint for garnish
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Mint Simple Syrup
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1 cup water
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1 cup sugar
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a handful of mint leaves; about 1/2 a cup
Instructions
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Place the ice, 1 can of the pineapple juice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup into a blender
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Turn the blender on high and process until well mixed
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Add more pineapple juice if it is too thick, and more ice if it is too thin
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Adjust to your taste!
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**This can also be served over ice instead of blended if desired.
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Homemade Mint Simple Syrup
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Combine the sugar and water sauce pan over medium heat
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Stir until the sugar dissolves and it comes to a simmer
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Stir in the mint leaves
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Simmer on low for about 8-10 minutes; stirring occasionally
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Allow to cool and remove the mint leaves
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You can store this in a sealed container and refrigerate