Are You There God? It’s Me, Jalapeno Pineapple Mezcal Margarita:

This week’s Bon Appeteach “Book Club” title comes to you with inspiration from an idea given to me by one of my previous students (ironic I know)! Don’t worry friends, she is definitely over 21 and is also a teacher in her own right. I think I actually find it fitting that she shared this idea with me…. Thanks Amanda!

Let’s talk good ol’ Judy Blume for a hot minute. The book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., was written by Ms. Blume back in 1970. It’s considered a young adult novel that focuses on a young girls early adolescents and explores many life changing moments that occur at this age (why I avoided teaching middle school if I am being truly honest). The book was considered fairly controversial as it discusses things like religion and sexuality.

You know what isn’t controversial? Margaritas…. Mezcal on the other hand may be a tequila many either like or dislike however, based on its smoky and somewhat intense flavor. Today’s recipe dives into this world. I wanted to create a drink that was beautifully sweet, tangy, and oh so smoky. this Mezcal Margarita has caramelized pineapple, fresh lime juice, and pairs great with jalapeno or serrano peppers alike.

The real questions is whether you are a frozen or on the rocks fan!

Let’s dive into to this week’s Bon Appeteach “Book Club” libation. Full recipe for my Mezcal Margarita is below!

The Jalapeno Pineapple Mezcal Margarita:

This recipe is for an entire pitcher of frozen style Margaritas. Because whoever just drinks one…. 

• 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice (fresh or a high quality)
• 1 Pineapple, cored and sliced into chunks
• 1 cup Demerara Sugar (low carb sweetener won’t work for this because we are caramelizing the pineapple)
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 1/2 cup Jalapeno Infused Tequila (I use a reposado)
• 1/2 cup Mezcal (I used Vida)
• 1/2 cup Lime Juice
• Ice (4-6 cups)

Blended and Shaken-

To make this margarita come together you do need to plan ahead. If you want a good infusion for your reposado tequila, make sure you let the raw, diced, jalapeno marinade ahead of time. I place the tequila in a jar with the jalapeno and infuse it overnight in the fridge. Next step is all about the caramelized pineapple juice and pineapples. Dice the pineapple into chunks, get a good quality juice too (I like the canned juice from trader joe’s). Begin by heating the juice and the demerara sugar over medium low heat to dissolve it. Add a whole cinnamon stick (this helps infuse with flavor) then crank up the heat and bring the sugar to a boil. Boiled sugar is HOTTTT so please be careful. Add the pineapple chunks and reduce the temperature. Allow them to brown and caramelize in the mixture for about 20 minutes. The last 2-3 minutes, crank the heat back up and bring the mixture to a low boil. It will foam up and help caramelize the pineapple. Allow it to cool a bit before proceeding (remove the cinnamon stick).

Once the pineapple mixture is cooled, add it to a blender. Add the lime juice and both tequilas. Blend to combine everything first before adding the ice. Finally, add 4-6 cups of ice. Serve over salted rimmed glasses with a few stems from the pineapple and maybe a lime wheel or pineapple wedge. I hope you love this Jalapeno Pineapple Mezcal Margarita!

Food Pairing-

One of my favorite parts each Friday is enjoying my cold summer Bon Appeteach “Book Club” beverage with a delicious snack! This week, I made this delicious (Disney World inspired) Queso Fundido Dip! Melty munster cheese, crispy pork chorizo, char grilled poblanos, and fresh tortillas (or even Keto Tortillas) make this the perfect accompaniment appetizer for date night or hanging out with friends! If you are looking for something a little light, try these amazing Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad Cups! So many great options to choose from! Want something a lot lower in carbs? Try this Low Carb Strawberry & Lime Margarita!

Cheers! Check out all the fun step-by-step how to of this recipe on my Instagram page as well!

Bon Appeteach,

-L