Juicy pineapple and bright lime up front, then the green, peppery heat of fresh jalapeño creeps in. Agave syrup ties it to the tequila, and a hard shake gives it a light, frothy top.
2 oz
gold tequila or a reposadoe.g. Jose Cuervo · Sierra · Olmeca · Sauza
1 oz
pineapple juice
½ oz
lime juice
½ oz
agave syrup
2 slice
jalapeño
Garnish: Pineapple wedge and mint sprig · Ice: Served up, no ice
Island Spice
Sweet and tangy pineapple with lime and a fresh, gentle chile heat that builds slowly. Medium to strong, with a light froth.
The Island Spice is a modern tequila sour from the spicy margarita family, the style that spread through bars in the 2000s and 2010s when muddled fresh chiles became a common way to add heat to agave drinks. It is associated with brand recipe collections for Jose Cuervo gold tequila rather than with a particular bar or bartender, and no creator or date is documented.
Structurally it is a tequila sour with pineapple for tropical sweetness and body, agave syrup to echo the spirit, and jalapeño for a fresh, green heat. Relatives include the Spicy Margarita and the Tommy's Margarita.
Mildly spicy: two jalapeño slices give warmth rather than burn, especially without seeds.
Yes. Blanco makes it brighter and more peppery; gold or reposado adds a rounder, vanilla note.
Yes. Strain it over fresh ice in a rocks glass for a longer, cooler drink.
The perfect sound
Spicy warmth with island rhythm.
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