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This Spicy Margarita is for when you need a little kick. It’s made with fresh jalapenos, fresh citrus juices, Blanco tequila, Triple sec, and agave nectar for a little balanced flavor.
No one is knocking the OG Classic Margarita, but sometimes you’re just feelin’ a little spicy. This spicy margarita, paired with some salty chips and a bowl of fresh creamy guacamole, will put a spicy new spin on cocktail hour.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Spicy Margarita Recipe
I made 3 different versions of this fiery cocktail, and this final recipe that I’m about to share with you was hands down the winner. The muddled fresh jalapeno was spicy but fresh and played very well against the fresh-squeezed citrus flavors.
I added a bit of fresh orange juice in addition to the Triple Sec. I wasn’t sure this would make a huge difference, but it was definitely preferred among my guests.
I listed Tajin (a tangy, spicy seasoning) as optional, but I highly recommend it. I even added a couple of shakes IN my glass; it’s that yummy.
Ingredients
- Tajin Seasoning – A Mexican seasoning blend made with dehydrated lime, salt, and chile powder. It’s tangy, salty, and spicy, and it perfectly echoes the flavors of this spicy jalapeno margarita.
- Jalapeno Pepper – Fresh jalapeno is necessary for this recipe. Do not use canned.
- Ice – Clear, purified ice is best. You can get this at most grocery stores or even gas stations. Cubed ice is also best. Crushed or nugget ice melts too fast in the cocktail and can water it down.
- Tequila Blanco – Blanco Tequila sourced from 100% agave is best for margaritas.
- Triple Sec
- Orange Juice – 100% fresh squeezed juice is best, but you can use prepared 100% juice instead.
- Lime Juice – Also fresh.
- Agave Nectar – If you don’t want to use agave nectar in your margarita, you can use simple syrup or honey as well. However, the flavor will vary depending on what you use to sweeten the drink.
- Limes – For garnishing the glasses.
How To Make A Spicy Margarita
See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Run a lime wedge around the edge of a rocks glass and dip it into Tajin.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Muddle jalapenos in a shaker to release the juices.
- Add ice, tequila, triple sec, orange juice, lime juice, and agave nectar to the shaker.
- Shake for 10 seconds, then strain into the glass.
- Garnish with lime wedges and enjoy!
What Is The Best Tequila For Margaritas?
The type of tequila used can also make a big difference in the flavor of your drink. The best tequila for this particular margarita would be a high-quality, 100% agave tequila. It’s generally recommended to use either a blanco or reposado tequila for Margaritas.
Blanco, also known as silver or white tequila, is unaged, allowing the pure flavors of the agave to shine through, which can complement the spiciness and citrus elements in the Jalapeno Margarita.
However, reposado or añejo tequila can also be used for a more complex and robust flavor profile.
Pineapple Margarita
A classic cocktail with a sweet and tangy tropical twist.
Recipe FAQs
The heat level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer jalapenos. Removing the seeds and veins of the pepper will also reduce the heat.
Margaritas pair well with Mexican cuisine, especially dishes like tacos or enchiladas.
The heat comes from fresh jalapeños, muddled prior to adding any liquid. Using two jalapeño slices with the seeds removed provides a moderate spice, but add more for an intense fiery kick.
Triple sec, also known as curaçao, is an orange liqueur offering fruitiness, sweetness, and bitterness – vital for a well balanced Margarita.
Variations
More Heat: You can increase the heat by adding more fresh jalapeno when muddling. I found 3 slices to be the perfect amount for a glass, but obviously each pepper has its own level of spice so this may vary.
Less Heat: Decrease the amount of fresh jalapeno to 1 or 2.
Non-Alcoholic: By substituting the tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit or sparkling water, you can create a virgin margarita.
Storage
Margaritas in advance: You can make it in advance by preparing WITHOUT ice. Store in the fridge in an airtight container, then pour over ice when ready to serve.
Margaritas for a crowd: Make for a crowd by multiplying by desired serving. Serve in a pitcher, without ice. Chill the pitcher in the fridge or by surrounding the pitcher with ice.
Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh lime and orange juices for the best flavor. If you must use prepared juice, make sure that it is 100% juice.
- Muddle the jalapeno well to release the oils and infuse the heat.
- Use high-quality tequila to enhance the drink’s overall flavor.
- Add ice last to prevent dilution while you’re prepping other ingredients.
- Rim the glass with Tajin for an extra kick.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapenos.
- Always taste before serving to adjust the sweetness, sourness, or spiciness.
- Garnish with a slice of jalapeno or lime for visual appeal.
- Don’t forget to chill your glass in advance for the best experience.
- True margaritas are shaken, not stirred. Shake for about 20 seconds for a properly mixed and chilled cocktail.
More Cocktail Recipes
- Pineapple Margarita
- Cadillac Margarita
- Skinny Margarita
- Classic Aperol Spritz
- 30 Cocktails for Summer Sipping
Spicy Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Tajin seasoning Optional but highly recommended, for rim of glass
- 3 slices fresh jalapeno pepper
- Ice
- 2 ounces tequila blanco
- 1 ounces Triple Sec
- 1 ounces fresh orange juice
- 1 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar
- Lime
Instructions
- Use a lime wedge around the edge of a rocks glass and dip into Tajin. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
- In a shaker, muddle the jalapenos until juices are released.
- Add ice to the shaker, followed by the tequila, triple sec, orange juice, lime juice and agave nectar.
- Shake for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the margarita into the rocks glass.
- Garnish with lime wedges and additional jalapeno slices.
- Enjoy your delicious and spicy margarita!
Notes
- True margaritas are shaken, not stirred. Shake for about 20 seconds for a properly mixed and chilled cocktail.
- Always use fresh lime and orange juices when you can for the best flavor. If you must use a prepared juice, make sure that it is 100% juice.
