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Another day, another Kauai-inspired recipe! But this time, it’s our go-to cocktail while we’re on the island. Fresh, slightly smoky, The Kauai Margarita (Smoky Pineapple Margarita) is beyond delicious, with just the right balance of sweet and heat.
Y’all know that my husband, Clayton, is the resident mixologist in our house, and that definitely continues on vacation! The Kauai Margarita (Smoky Pineapple Margarita) is his go-to cocktail whenever we’re in Kauai, and I knew it deserved a permanent place on the blog so y’all can enjoy it on your own vacations—or anytime you want to bring those vacation vibes home.
Now, let’s talk flavor! The pineapple brings the perfect tropical sweetness, while Ancho Reyes, a poblano-infused liqueur, adds a subtle smoky heat. The final result is almost like a skinny, tropical margarita with just the right amount of spice. An absolute winner all around!
Ingredients:
- Blanco Tequila
- Ancho Reyes
- Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- Pineapple Juice
- Agave Nectar
Recipe step-by-step:
Step One: Combine Ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake until very well combined.
Step Two: Serve and Enjoy
Strain over two glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of pineapple, if desired.
Recipe FAQ:
This is a Mexican chile liqueur made from ancho (dried poblano) peppers! It adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that works beautifully in this cocktail. I wouldn’t say it makes the drink super spicy, but it does add a little heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a little less, then taste and add more as desired.
I prefer a blanco tequila, and LALO is our go-to! But if you prefer a reposado, it will work beautifully—it’ll just give the cocktail a richer, slightly oakier flavor.
Yes! You can easily scale up this recipe and make it ahead of time. Simply combine all of the ingredients except the ice, then store the mixture in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, shake with ice and strain in glasses over fresh ice.
I can’t wait for y’all to shake these up! Comment below once you try this drink — and be sure to tag me in your “cheers” on Instagram!
For more cocktail recipes:
The Kauai Margarita (Smoky Pineapple Margarita)
Ingredients
- 3 oz blanco tequila
- 1.5 oz Ancho Reyes
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz agave nectar
- Sliced pineapple, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake until very well combined.
- Strain over two glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of pineapple, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.
We love this margarita, especially the Ancho Reyes! the smokiness takes it to a different level! .. definitely a keeper!
Thanks for giving this one a try!! Glad you loved it!
Wahoo to a new cocktail recipe! I’ve been sitting on a bottle of Ancho Reyes for awhile, so happy to have another use for it!
Used slightly less agave since I don’t like my cocktails too sweet, and garnished with tajin-dipped pineapple 🙂
Hot tip: another use for ancho reyes is in a spritz: prosecco, lime juice, ancho reyes, cucumber, and a little sparkling water to top it off. Very refreshing!
I wonder how this would Slushi?!? 🙂
Omg I need to try this when home for SURE. But, if you want to try sooner, you’d have to increase the ingredients and add water! You’d probably need about 1½ cups blanco tequila, ½ cup Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, 1 cup pineapple juice, ½ cup fresh lime juice, ¼ cup agave nectar (or to taste), and 1¼ cups cold water. You’d possibly need a little more water but the machine usually tells you if you do. Let us know if you make this!