Hawaiian Margarita is the ultimate tropical twist on a classic cocktail, bursting with pineapple, coconut, and lime flavors. This refreshing drink is quick to make—ready in just 5 minutes—and perfect for your next sunny gathering. You’ll love how this Hawaiian Margarita captures the laid-back island vibe in every sip, making it a crowd favorite at barbecues, beach days, or relaxing afternoons on the patio.
Growing up in a big Italian-American family in New York, our kitchen was always filled with laughter, stories, and plenty of food and drink. One summer, I surprised everyone at our backyard cookout with this Hawaiian Margarita—and it instantly became a family favorite. If you’re planning a summer party, pair it with my Grilled Pineapple Salsa for a tropical combo that’ll transport you straight to the islands.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Hawaiian Margaritas
Light and Refreshing: With the perfect blend of sweet pineapple, tangy citrus, and a splash of creamy coconut, this tropical cocktail is as smooth as it is satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: Bursting with island flavor and eye-catching color, Hawaiian Margaritas are always the life of the party—whether you’re hosting a BBQ, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a sunset on the patio.
Easy to Make: You don’t need any bartending skills to mix this drink! A handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to shake up something delicious in just minutes—ideal for last-minute get-togeth
PrintHawaiian Margarita
This Hawaiian Margarita is the perfect blend of island flavors, making it the ultimate summer cocktail. Made with pineapple juice and coconut water, this tropical cocktail is a refreshing twist on a classic margarita.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 1
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 ounces Tequila silver
1 ounce Triple Sec
1/2 ounce Lime Juice
2 ounces Pineapple Juice
1 ounce Coconut Water
Fresh pineapple wedges or lime slices garnish
Margarita salt for the rim
Instructions
- Rim your glass. Use a lime wedge to wet the glass rim, and dip into the margarita salt.
- Add a handful of ice to your cocktail shaker, followed by pineapple juice, coconut water, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
- Shake until the outside of your shaker becomes frosty to combine and chill.
- Pour into your prepared glass, and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or lime wedge.
Notes
See recipe post for fun variations. Drink Responsibly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 244kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
Ingredients
Tequila: Use silver (blanco) tequila for a bold, clean agave flavor. For a smoother, slightly oaky taste, go with Reposado—aged just enough to soften the bite.
Orange Liqueur: Add a splash of triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier to bring a bright citrus twist that lifts the tropical flavors.
Pineapple Juice: This is the heart of your Hawaiian Margarita—sweet, fruity, and full of island vibes.
Coconut Water: Light, refreshing, and slightly nutty, it adds a beachy touch that keeps the drink smooth and hydrating.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime brings just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness and add a zesty kick.
Garnishes: Dress it up with a pineapple wedge or a lime slice, and don’t forget the salted rim for that classic margarita flair.
How to Make a Hawaiian Margarita
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
Begin by grabbing your favorite margarita glass. Take a lime wedge and gently rub it around the rim to moisten the edge. Next, dip the rim into a shallow plate of margarita salt, twisting slightly so the salt sticks evenly. This adds a nice contrast of flavor with every sip.
Step 2: Build the Drink in the Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, toss in a generous handful of ice. Then pour in the pineapple juice for tropical sweetness, coconut water for a light and refreshing base, silver or Reposado tequila depending on your taste, your choice of orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau), and freshly squeezed lime juice for a citrusy balance.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Secure the lid tightly on your shaker and give it a good shake for about 15 to 20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels frosty and cold—that means everything inside is perfectly mixed and nicely chilled.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Strain the cocktail into your salt-rimmed glass, either over fresh ice or neat—your choice. For that perfect island presentation, garnish with a juicy wedge of pineapple or a slice of lime. Now sit back, sip, and enjoy your homemade Hawaiian Margarita!
Variations
Make It a Frozen Hawaiian Margarita
Craving something extra cold and slushy? Just toss all the ingredients into a high-powered blender along with 1½ cups of ice. Blend until smooth and frosty. I personally love using my Ninja blender—it handles ice like a pro and gives you that perfect frozen texture every time. Great for hot summer days or when you want to impress guests with a tropical twist!
Make It Blue
Want a fun, eye-catching twist? Swap out your usual orange liqueur for Blue Curacao. It still delivers that citrusy orange flavor but adds a stunning blue hue to your drink. It’s a great conversation starter and reminds me of the vibrant look in my Blue Margarita recipe—perfect for beach-themed parties or poolside sipping.
Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat with your sweet, try turning this into a spicy pineapple margarita! Just add a few slices of fresh jalapeño to the shaker before mixing. The spice blends beautifully with the fruity flavors, giving your Hawaiian Margarita a bold and fiery edge. Adjust the heat to your liking—just one slice makes a big difference!
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply daydreaming of a tropical escape, the Hawaiian Margarita is the perfect drink to transport you to paradise—one sip at a time. Its balance of sweet pineapple, zesty lime, and refreshing coconut makes it an easy favorite, and the fun variations mean there’s a version for every mood and occasion.
And if you’re in the mood for something just as vibrant but with a tangy, playful twist, be sure to try my Pink Lemon Drop Martini. It’s a gorgeous, citrusy cocktail that pairs beautifully with tropical bites or a girls’ night in. Cheers to flavor, color, and creativity in every glass!