This zesty Tropical Tequila Cocktail is made with tequila, fresh pineapple juice, a squeeze of lime, and a hint of orange liqueur, creating a vibrant and refreshing drink. The result is a balanced cocktail with a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and boozy flavors. This recipe is a perfect choice for a summer gathering or a relaxing evening on the patio and makes a single delicious serving.
Tropical Tequila Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila blanco
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec)
- Optional: a lime wedge or pineapple wedge for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of Tajín seasoning for the rim
How To Make Tropical Tequila Cocktail
- Prepare your glass: If you are using a garnish, take a wedge of lime and run it around the rim of a highball glass or a rocks glass. Dip the rim into a small plate of Tajín seasoning or coarse salt if you want a spicy or salty rim.
- Combine the ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur.
- Shake it up: Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the drink and properly combines all the ingredients.
- Strain and serve: Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the chilled cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass. Garnish with a fresh lime or pineapple wedge if desired.

Recipe Tips
- Use fresh juices. Freshly squeezed lime and pineapple juice will make a huge difference in the taste of your cocktail. Bottled juices can be dull and lack the bright flavor of fresh fruit.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves and cooled).
- Shake until chilled. Shaking for the full 15-20 seconds is important. You want to hear the ice rattling against the shaker, which is a good sign that the drink is properly chilled.
- Don’t skip the orange liqueur. The orange liqueur adds a necessary layer of complexity and depth that balances the tequila and tropical juices.
What To Serve Tropical Tequila Cocktail
This bright and refreshing cocktail is the perfect companion for light appetizers and tropical-inspired meals. Serve it with some shrimp ceviche, spicy fish tacos, or a fresh pineapple and mango salsa. It’s also great with grilled chicken skewers or as a simple, standalone happy hour drink.
How To Store Tropical Tequila Cocktail Leftovers
Refrigerate: This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately. The flavors and temperature are at their peak right after shaking. Any leftover mixture will become watered down and lose its vibrancy.
Tropical Tequila Cocktail Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 0g
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good substitute for pineapple juice? If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use mango, passion fruit, or even grapefruit juice for a different, but equally delicious, tropical twist.
- Can I make this as a large batch for a party? Yes, you can! Simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need and mix all the ingredients (minus the ice) in a pitcher. Keep the pitcher chilled in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish each glass individually.
- What kind of tequila should I use? A tequila blanco, or silver tequila, is recommended for this cocktail. Its clean, crisp flavor allows the fruit juices to shine without being overpowered by the smoky or aged notes of a reposado or añejo tequila.
Tropical Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Description
A Tropical Tequila Cocktail is a zesty and refreshing drink made with tequila, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur. This recipe is perfect for a warm day and offers a delicious balance of sweet and tangy tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rim glass: Rub a lime wedge on the rim of a glass and dip into Tajín or salt.
- Shake ingredients: Add tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur to an ice-filled shaker.
Shake and strain: Shake for 15-20 seconds, then strain into a fresh glass with ice.- Garnish: Garnish with a lime or pineapple wedge.
