Pineapple Jalapeo Margaritas Recipe

Cinco de mayo, tgif, kicking back on a relaxing summer daythese are just a few thoughts that come to mind when we think about mixing up a batch of margaritas. While you cant go wrong with the standard combination of sour mix, tequila, and orange liqueur, there are plenty of ways to take this classic cocktail to a whole new level. Lets start with the base ingredient: sour mix. Store-bought sour mix works in a pinch, but when you want to pull out all the stops, homemade sour mix is the way to go, and well worth the advance planning. Its super easy to make, and can be done ahead of time. Making your own sour mix also means you can get creative with the overall flavor of your margarita, infusing it with fresh herbs, spices, or even swapping out some of the lime juice for something more special-event worthy, like blood oranges. In this version, we stayed true with lime juice, but jazzed things up by infusing the sour mix with fresh jalapeos. The mix can be prepared up to one week in advance, then stored in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge (skip straight to step 2 if making the sour mix ahead of time). Instead of the usual salty rimmed glasses, a combination of sugar, salt, and smoked paprika ensures your margarita stands out amongst a sea of overcrowded cocktails. Chili pepper can be substituted for an extra kick. And dont forget the finishing touchthe garnish. A pineapple jalapeo margarita wouldnt be complete without a pineapple wedge, but weve also included a twist with candied jalapeos. You might want to double up on that part of the recipe, as theyre a pretty addictive, albeit spicy, snack, and great add in for salads. If youre pressed for time, sliced, fresh jalapeo work well, too, but the candied ones are a fun accessory to a sweet, smoky cocktail sure to impress friends and family at your next gathering.