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Fresh Pineapple Margaritas

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on March 26, 2012

Time

20 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 to 6 (Makes about 1 quart)

Fresh Pineapple Margaritas

Ingredients

1 small pineapple (about 3 ½ pounds)¼ cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes¼ cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons¼ cup superfine sugar Pinch table salt 2 cups crushed ice 1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably Reposado1 cup Triple Sec

Before You Begin

The pineapple flavor in this variation makes the zest and steeping process in the master Margarita recipe unnecessary.

Instructions

  1. Peel and core pineapple; cut half the pineapple into rough 2-inch chunks, (reserve remaining half for another use). Puree in workbowl of food processor fitted with steel blade until smooth and foamy, about 1 minute. Combine 1/2 cup pureed pineapple with lemon and lime juices and sugar.
  2. Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.
Fresh Pineapple Margaritas

Fresh Pineapple Margaritas

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

20 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 to 6 (Makes about 1 quart)

Ingredients

1 small pineapple (about 3 ½ pounds)
¼ cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
¼ cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
¼ cup superfine sugar
Pinch table salt
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably Reposado
1 cup Triple Sec

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

1 small pineapple (about 3 ½ pounds)
¼ cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
¼ cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
¼ cup superfine sugar
Pinch table salt
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably Reposado
1 cup Triple Sec

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

1 small pineapple (about 3 ½ pounds)
¼ cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
¼ cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
¼ cup superfine sugar
Pinch table salt
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably Reposado
1 cup Triple Sec

Test Kitchen Techniques

Why This Recipe Works

The best margarita recipe would produce a drink with a balanced blend of fresh citrus flavors and tequila. We discovered the correct proportions (equal parts juice, orange liqueur, and tequila) for the best balance. The right alcohol (Triple Sec and a resposado tequila, made from 100 percent blue agave) gave our margarita recipe a mellow, delicate flavor. And the best citrus mix (lemon and lime zest steeped in their juices) gave it a deep, refreshing citrus flavor.

Before You Begin

The pineapple flavor in this variation makes the zest and steeping process in the master Margarita recipe unnecessary.

Instructions

  1. Peel and core pineapple; cut half the pineapple into rough 2-inch chunks, (reserve remaining half for another use). Puree in workbowl of food processor fitted with steel blade until smooth and foamy, about 1 minute. Combine 1/2 cup pureed pineapple with lemon and lime juices and sugar.
  2. Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.

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