Pineapple Serrano Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1 serrano chile: Adjust the amount based on spice preference.
• 1/3 cup fresh, ripe pineapple chunks: Or substitute with 1/4 cup pineapple juice.
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec work well)
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 2 teaspoons honey or sugar: Amount depends on your desired sweetness.
• Ginger beer or seltzer (optional): For topping off your margarita.

Instructions

1. Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the serrano chile, pineapple, and mint leaves.
2. Combine: Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and sweetener to the cocktail shaker.
3. Shake: Fill with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed margarita glass over fresh ice.
5. Top it off (optional): Add a splash of ginger beer or seltzer for a bit of fizz.
6. Garnish: With a lime wedge and a small serrano slice if you like it extra spicy.

Tips & Customization:

• Spice Control: To adjust the heat, remove some or all of the serrano seeds before muddling. For a very mild kick, infuse the tequila with serrano slices for a few hours, then strain before shaking.
• Margarita on the Rocks? Simply skip the optional ginger beer or seltzer.
• Frozen Treats: Blend these ingredients with extra ice for a frozen margarita.