Jalapeños give this spicy margarita recipe a delicious kick. Tart and refreshing, it’s perfect for a happy hour or summer entertaining.
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.
- For an extra-spicy margarita, add the tequila to the cocktail shaker and let it sit for 15 minutes. The jalapeño will infuse the tequila with heat.
- For less spice, skip the infusing step. The jalapeño will still add some heat to the cocktail when you shake it.
Next, shake the margarita. Add the tequila (if you haven’t already), 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!
Jalapeño Margarita Recipe Tips
- Taste and adjust. Whenever you make a cocktail at home, taste and adjust to find a balance of flavors you love. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add an extra drop of simple syrup or agave. For more tartness, squeeze in extra lime. If you want it spicier, add extra jalapeño slices and let it sit and infuse for a few minutes.
- If it’s too strong, let the ice begin to melt. If your jalapeño margarita tastes too strong when you first try it, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. As the ice melts, it will dilute the drink. If it’s still stiffer than you’d like it to be, top your glass with sparkling water.
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
If you love this spicy jalapeño margarita recipe, try one of these refreshing cocktails next:
Spicy Margarita Recipe
Serves 4
- ¼ jalapeño pepper, sliced, plus more slices for garnish
- 1 ounce blanco tequila
- 1 ounce orange liqueur, like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or triple sec
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice, plus a lime wedge for the glass rim
- ½ ounce agave nectar, simple syrup, or freshly squeezed orange juice, plus more to taste
- Ice
- Tajín or kosher salt, optional, for the glass rim
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Prep the rim of the glass (optional): Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass. Fill a small plate with Tajín or kosher salt. Dip the glass into the Tajín or salt to coat the rim. Fill with ice.
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Muddle the jalapeño in a cocktail shaker. Add the tequila. For an extra-spicy margarita, set aside for 15 minutes to allow the jalapeño to infuse.
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Add the orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Cover and shake until chilled.
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Strain into the prepared glass. Taste and stir in more agave nectar, if desired. Garnish with jalapeño slices and serve.
