When it comes to cocktails, I have my go-tos, and they’re typically variations of a margarita. The other day I went to make a Strawberry Margarita but blast! No strawberries. So I reached for the Pineapple, and this ridiculously delicious Pineapple Princess was born.
You might be wondering: why on Earth did I name this drink Pineapple Princess?
I didn’t start off calling it that – that came later when I made this recipe into a reel and needed to pick a song – little sidebar: I hate choosing music. Like really, really dislike it. I don’t make playlists, and I don’t mind when music is on in the house but never want to be the one to pick it. The hardest part of making reels for me is choosing the song I pair with it!
Which is why when I search for music on Instagram, I start by putting in a word that has something to do with the recipe. In this case: Pineapple. And up popped a cute, catchy little song called Pineapple Princess, which was perfect for the little video, and even more so, this drink.
This drink is pink and pretty and the name might make it sound low octane but do not be fooled! There’s booze in this here drink. Three kinds, in fact. But don’t run away just yet: They are all good bottles to have in your liquor cabinet: Tequila, orange liqueur, and aperol.
Here’s how you make a pineapple princess:
- Muddle pineapple chunks and lime juice in a cocktail shaker and strain out the solids. (I toss them but if you make smoothies, you can definitely keep it for that)
- Add the strained juice back in, along with tequila, orange liqueur, and aperol.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake it like you mean it. (for about 30 seconds)
- Pour into glasses and garnish with a lime wheel.
- Enjoy! Try to remember to sip it; it’s an easy one to drink too fast.
In terms of what kind of tequila to buy for this, I have been making it with reposado but blanco would work great too. My go-to tequila is Espolon, but any decent quality tequila will work. As for the orange liqueur and Aperol, these two items are ones that will last a long time in your booze cabinet, and make a long list of cocktails better. If you already have Campari, you can use that instead of the Aperol. Campari is a bit less sweet and more bitter than Aperol, and has a higher alcohol content. But the drink will still be delicious.
Pineapple Princess
The summer’s most delicious cocktail. I typically pour it into rocks glasses, but they’d be right at home in a fancy fluted glass with a marishino cherry and paper umbrella too.
- Prep Time: >5 minutes
- Total Time: >5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails
- Category: cocktails
Ingredients
- 5–6 big bite-sized chunks of pineapple
- 3 ounces (2 big shots) lime juice
- 3 ounces (2 big shots) tequila
- 1.5 ounces (1 big shot) orange liqueur
- 1.5 ounces (1 big shot) aperol
- lime wheels for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pineapple chunks and lime juice until it’s broken down.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into one of the glasses you’ll be pouring the cocktails into.Use the muddler to push through as much juice as possible. Discard the solids (or save them for a smoothie)
- Return the juice to the shaker and add the tequila, orange liqueur, and aperol. Fill with ice and shake for a good 30 seconds of so.
- Pour into two rocks glasses and garnish with a lime wheel.
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Suzette says
Creamy and smooth and dangerously drinkable! This was outrageous! We tried it with Tequila, another version with white rum and finally with Venus gin (locally made in Santa Cruz), and all of them were phenomenal in their own right. I wouldn’t turn down any version… it all depends on what you gravitate to the most. Overall, the balance was superb and SO perfect for summer! This is a serious keeper! Cheers!!!
Tarah Grates says
Could you just use regular pineapple juice? If so how much?
zenbelly says
Yes! Use equal parts pineapple juice to tequila.
Deborah says
Terrific cocktail! Used 3 oz fresh squeezed pineapple juice (did not muddle fruit) and followed the recipe as written. Used Aperol but will try with Campari next. Added a “Filthy’ Maraschino Cherry…spot on! Espolon & Cointreau make it perfect. Thank you!
Susan says
We made this per the recipe. We decided to just use fresh pineapple juice next time (from Trader Joe’s). It is delicious and not too sweet like margaritas tend to be. Everyone gave it 2 thumbs up! We will make this our summer cocktail and serve it when guests come over. Good job with this creation.
Samantha says
Where are these glasses from?? They’re gorgeous!
zenbelly says
I believe they came with a bottle of booze!
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What’s great drink to make for summer!
Aimee says
One of my favorite cocktails! Sometimes I muddle a few slices of jalapeno too and call it a “Sassy Princess”.
zenbelly says
Oooooh I love it! Great idea 🙂
Jennifer says
Love the recipe, dislike the light grey font color against the white. Very difficult if you do not have perfect vision.
zenbelly says
Sorry about that Jennifer. I’ll look into increasing the contrast.
Kasey says
Can you provide a pitcher recipe? Looks delish!
Susi Willis says
So far this is our favorite summer cocktail. I’ve made this 2 weekends in a row. Husband is asking we keep the ingredients on hand to be able to make it frequently. I love the freshness of the taste! Cheers