Meet my go-to spicy margarita recipe! Like a classic margarita, it’s tart and refreshing, but jalapeño peppers give it an extra kick of heat. This spicy margarita recipe is easy to make. You only need 6 simple ingredients, and it comes together quickly in a cocktail shaker. Enjoy it with tortilla chips, guacamole, and/or salsa at a happy hour, Cinco de Mayo, or summer gathering. Cheers!
Spicy Margarita Ingredients
To make this jalapeño margarita recipe, you need 6 simple ingredients:
Tequila – Use any good-quality blanco tequila (aka silver tequila) in this recipe. We like Espolon tequila, but feel free to use your favorite brand! A jalapeño pepper – You’ll add some to the cocktail shaker and use more for garnish. Serrano peppers work here too, but keep in mind that they’re often spicier than jalapeños. Orange liqueur – Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and triple sec all work well here. Freshly squeezed lime juice – For the brightest, freshest flavor, squeeze your limes right before you make your cocktails. Something sweet – I sweeten my spicy marg with homemade simple syrup or agave nectar. If you like, you could use freshly squeezed orange juice for a fruitier twist. And ice! Because a great margarita is always on the rocks.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to Make a Spicy Margarita
Spicy margaritas are easy to make! Here’s how I do it: Start by prepping the rim of your glass. I love a spicy margarita with a Tajín rim, but you could make a salt rim if you prefer. Fill a small plate with Tajín or kosher salt, and rub the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge. Dip the top of the glass into the Tajín or salt. Fill the glass with ice. Then, muddle the jalapeño at the bottom of your cocktail shaker. You can use a cocktail muddler or the back of a spoon to gently smash the jalapeño slices to release their heat. Next, shake the margarita. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave to the shaker with the jalapeños. Fill with ice, cover, and shake until chilled. Strain into the prepared margarita glass. Taste and adjust, adding more agave for a sweeter flavor, more lime for a tarter one, etc. Garnish with jalapeño slices, and enjoy!
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
If you love this spicy jalapeño margarita recipe, try one of these refreshing cocktails next:
Ranch Water Mojito Paloma Or any of these 20 Easy Summer Cocktails!
