I can deal with change pretty well. The end of summer, not so much. Granted I live in Southern California–the Valley to be more specific–so “summer” isn’t really over until, like, January (temp wise). However, as we probably all know (and have Pinned), summer is a state of mind, and one that I am very fond of. Abandoning tropical outfits, rosé day + night, endless beach time, that summer glow…yeah, all things I don’t particularly want to live without.
But, like I said, I can deal. I like to do something I call transitioning, which is basically a cross between summer and fall things to make the change less abrupt. To kick off that transitioning process I am starting by swapping one of my favorite summer drinks (the Painkiller) to a more smoky, spicy one that will blend right into the crisper fall nights. Now, I don’t want to get too ahead of myself and wish summer away, so I made this one a spicy pineapple margarita. Still very summer-appropriate but way more toned down.
Something to note: you can swap the mezcal for tequila if you don’t like “smoke” in your cocktails. Tequila makes me a little cray so I love mezcal instead. Also, if you don’t like spicy, simply skip the jalapeno.
Trust me when I say this one is super simple. If you haven’t already caught on, I’m a fan of easy recipes (food or drink). Anything too ingredient-y turns me off. And if it takes more than 30mins I’m likely to pass.
RECIPE + VIDEO BELOW:
SPICY PINEAPPLE MARGARITA
- margarita salt
- jalapeno
- pineapple chunks
- lime
- 2 oz mezcal
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- ice
- Rim a glass with chunky margarita salt.
- Slice half a jalapeno + cut some pineapple chunks.
- Squeeze the juice from 1 lime.
- Add all to the shaker + muddle well.
- Pour 2oz mezcal in shaker.
- Pour 2oz pineapple juice to shaker.
- Add ice to shaker + shake well.
- Strain the liquid into your glass + garnish with a jalapeno slice.
- Cheers!