Savor the flavors of fall with this Smoky Pineapple recipe! The blend of pineapple juice, mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup and a sprinkle of chili creates an exciting cocktail experience.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
229
Ingredients
- 2 oz Mezcal
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- Tajin or chili salt - to rim the glass, optional
- Pineapple slice - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prepare Rim (optional): Use a lime wedge, to slightly wet the rim of the glass. Then, delicately press the edge of the glass into the surface of a plate filled with Tajin or chili salt.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
- Add Agave Syrup: Take the shaker and pour in ½ ounce of agave syrup.
- Add Lime Juice: Add 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Add Pineapple Juice: Measure and pour 3 ounces of pineapple juice into the shaker as well.
- Add Mezcal: Finally, add 2 ounces of Mezcal to the mix.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Take the Highball glass and use the cocktail strainer to remove any excess water inside. Then, use the cocktail strainer to strain the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a pineapple slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Mezcal: If you don't have Mezcal on hand, you can use tequila instead for a less smoky flavor. I've also used rum for a tropical twist.
- Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice or mango juice can be an alternative if you're out of pineapple juice. It changes the flavor profile but still gives a refreshing taste.
- Agave Syrup: Honey or simple syrup can be used as a substitute for agave syrup if needed. Just remember that honey has a stronger flavor, which might slightly alter the taste of your cocktail.
- Fresh Lime Juice: You can use bottled lime juice in a pinch, but the flavor will be less bright and fresh. Another option is to use fresh lemon juice for a slightly different citrus kick.
Making a Pitcher of Smoky Pineapple:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Mezcal, 24 oz of pineapple juice, 8 oz of lime juice, and 4 oz of agave syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave syrup. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled highball glasses, and garnish with pineapple slices. If you have some leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for about 2 days.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Mezcal Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit that has a smoky flavor profile, or a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. You can also try making your own substitute by mixing together water, a pinch of smoked salt, a splash of tonic, and a bit of agave syrup (to taste).
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular Mezcal, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Smoky Pineapple?
A Smoky Pineapple is a mezcal-based tropical cocktail made of fresh pineapple, lime, agave nectar, and Mezcal. This drink offers an intriguing balance between sweet and sour flavors with the unique addition of a smoky undertone.
Making this cocktail is relatively easy but does require some precision in balancing the ingredients to achieve its distinctive taste profile. The key lies in using high-quality Mezcal that provides a distinct smokiness without overpowering the other components.
What is a Smoky Pineapple made of – The ingredients
If you want to make a Smoky Pineapple, here’s what you’ll need:
- Pineapple: This tropical fruit is the show’s star, providing a sweet and tangy base for the cocktail. It also lends its name to the drink.
- Mezcal: A smoky Mexican spirit made from agave. It gives the cocktail its distinctive smoky flavor.
- Lime Juice: Adds a sharp, citrusy tang that balances out the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Agave Nectar: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant. It enhances the sweetness of the pineapple while complementing the Mezcal’s flavor.
- Tajin or chili salt: Used to rim the glass, it gives the drink an extra layer of flavor & spiciness and brings a nice pop of color to the glass.
- Ice Cubes: Used to chill the cocktail and dilute it slightly, ensuring it’s not too strong or overpowering.
