Charred Pineapple and Jalapeno Mezcal Smash! Basically my cocktail love language. This cocktail is filled with fresh smashed pineapple chunks, jalapeno slices, tart lime juice, agave nectar and smoky mezcal. If you’re new to mezcal cocktails this is a great way to start! There is a great balance of smoky and sweet and the mezcal flavor won’t overwhelm you if you’ve never tried it! A few of my girlfriends were new to this type of smoky tequila and it was a great way to open up their palette. Plus, this drink is so freaking summery, you’ll think you’re on the yucutan peninsula for the weekend.
I know Tuesday might seem like a weird day for a cocktail but in my head it feels like Thursday, which means it’s tooootally time for a cocktail. We are leaving super early on Thursday morning for a family weekend in Colorado. I’m headed to a cabin in the mountains to photograph and attend my cousin’s wedding. She is getting married in a cute little barn on a hillside. This is the first trip I have taken with my Dad in a few years and I’m so excited! We used to take tons of trips together when I was in college and high school. This time we will be traveling with Jared (I think by now you all know who Jared is) my Dad and my grandpa! I think the four of us will have a great trip and really live it up in the mountains for the weekend.
I only have a day and half left until we leave so naturally I’m scrambling to get my personal life (pack my suit case, get a pedicure, find a few outfits) and my work life (finish fourth of July content and a few client assignments!) before heading off super early Thursday morning. I seriously am the weakest link when it comes to early AM flights, but I’ll make it through. I’ve got my three most important men in my life, so I know they will have my back. I’m photographing the wedding so I’m hoping the days leading up to Saturday will have lots of R&R and tasty cocktails. Have you ever had a cocktail high up in the mountains?! One cocktail actually equals two cocktails lolz. It’s a blessing and a curse.
Seeing as my two loads of laundry and sink full of dishes aren’t going to Cinderella themselves away I’m going to cut right to the chase with these epic cocktails.
This charred pineapple and jalapeno mezcal smashes are…. smashing. Yeah, I went there.
The first time I tried mezcal was last year at a work cinco de mayo get together. I was still rocking the corporate world and we all went out for margaritas. Everyone ordered a pretty standard ‘rocks with salt’ but my cool boss ordered a mezcal marg. I was kind of known for being in the ‘food world’ and in my head I was like ‘Crap, I’ve never had a freaking mezcal marg what’s wrong with me’. Peer pressure did me in and of course I ordered one like I was cooler than cool. My first sip I was like whoaaaa smooooky! I think I just needed to get used to it. I naturally love tequila so for the most part it was right up my alley.
This year I’ve got through a few bottles of mezcal and I’ve realized that I really like mezcal cocktails a little on the sweeter side! I don’t normally care for a sweet cocktail but these just need it. It’s a ying, yang thing and just works really well together.
This cocktail if smashed together with fresh chunks of pineapple (use fresh okay, this time of year pineapples are so cheap! and it’s worth it!) jalapeno chunks (you can add as much or as little as you like!). This recipe was made for a ‘medium’ spiced cocktail. If you’re always sort of hesitant to order the spicy cocktail on the menu (I used to be too!) give this a try. It won’t leave your throat burning or begging for a glass of milk. It’s sort of an enhancer to the overall beverage. Then we added in some orange liquer, mezcal of course!, and fresh lime juice!
The overall vibe is very ‘margarita’ meets mezcalrita. Basically a tequila love affair.
Scroll down to make these the next time you need a good one on the patio. If there’s one thing I know about cocktails, it’s tequila.
Charred Pineapple and Jalapeno Mezcal Smash
ingredients
- 1 Jalapeno diced
- 1 Pineapple diced (save a few rings for garnish!)
- 2-3 Tablespoons of agave nectar
- ¼ Cup of orange liquer
- ¼ Cup of mezcal
- 1 Cup of pineapple juice
- Juice of two limes
- Small handful of mint
instructions
- On a hot grill (we used a grill pan) cook a few pineapple slices on each side for 1-2 minutes. You want the slices to be just charred and not burnt. Reserve these for garnish!
- In a large shaker or cocktail beater (seen in photos) add in pineapple chunks, jalapeno chunks, agave, and mint. Muddle together for a minute until pineapple has been smashed and released juices. Add in orange liqueur, mezcal, pineapple juice and lime juice. Stir will (30-60 seconds).
- Strain cocktail into a glass filled with crushed ice. We strained 3/4 of the cocktail and left the rest unstrained for more pineapple and jalapeno flavors. If you want the drink less spicy, strain the whole cocktail.
- Garnish with charred pineapple slices, jalapeno slices, and mint.
Other pineapple drinks:
Don’t forget to pin this cocktail!
Love this!!!!! But also in love with that wooden stand!!! Where is it from????
Thank you! It is a stand from World Market from last summer!
Love this! Where are the glasses from???