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Spicy Margarita

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glasses of Spicy Margarita garnished with slices of lime and jalapeños
Our spicy margarita is an irresistible cocktail that balances the bold heat of jalapenos with the refreshing zest of lime, perfect for happy hour.
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Table of Contents
  1. Spicy Margarita Ingredients
  2. Substitutions and Additions
  3. How To Make This Spicy Margarita Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Why We Love This Recipe
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Spice up your cocktail game with our bold spicy margarita recipe. This zesty concoction brings the heat and packs a punch of flavor, making it a perfect choice for those who like it hot.

a glass of Spicy Margarita garnished with slices of lime and jalapeños

Spicy Margarita Ingredients

Spicy Margarita raw ingredients that are labeled
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The tequila in this spicy margarita sets the flavor tone, while the jalapeno pepper adds a fiery kick.

Grand Marnier adds a subtle citrusy sweetness, with freshly squeezed lime juice providing a zesty tang and the simple syrup balancing the spice of the drink. 

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup of your favorite tequila
  • ¼ to ½ jalapeno pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup of Grand Marnier
  • ½ cup of lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup of simple syrup
  • Ice
  • 1 to 2 jalapenos for garnish
  • 2 to 3 limes for garnish
  • Optional: salt for glass rims

Substitutions and Additions

TEQUILA: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different tequila varieties to discover your favorite flavor profile.

JALAPENO PEPPER: For a milder option, try using green bell pepper slices instead. Or, if you want to crank up the heat, consider habanero peppers for a fiery twist.

GRAND MARNIER: If you don’t have Grand Marnier on hand, triple sec is a suitable alternative in this easy spicy margarita recipe.

LIME JUICE: While fresh lime juice is optimal, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lime juice without any added sugars.

SIMPLE SYRUP: Swap out simple syrup with agave nectar or honey for a unique twist on sweetness.

GARNISH: Get creative with garnishes by adding cucumber slices, mint leaves, or even a chili-salt rim for a little extra kick.

How To Make This Spicy Margarita Recipe

It will only take you a few minutes to whip up this ​spicy jalapeno margarita recipe before it is ready to enjoy. Let’s get started.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Place your margarita glasses in the freezer for a while before serving. A frosty glass adds an extra layer of refreshment to your drink.

To Salt The Rims: 

STEP ONE: Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your glass.

STEP TWO: Add coarse salt to a bowl or small plate that is slightly larger than the glass.

STEP THREE: Lightly press the glass rim into the salt.

To Make The Margarita: 

STEP ONE: Measure one cup of tequila of your choice into a mixing glass or small pitcher. Add the sliced jalapeno to soak for 15 minutes prior to serving time.

PRO TIP:

To intensify the jalapeno flavor, let the sliced peppers soak in the tequila for an extended period before making your margarita. This extra infusion time enhances the spice level.

tequila and jalapeño added to a glass

STEP TWO: After 15 minutes, add the Grand Marnier, lime juice, and simple syrup; stir.

PRO TIP:

Adjust the simple syrup to find your preferred balance between sweetness and tartness. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you like it sweeter.

STEP THREE: Pour over a margarita glass with ice in it.

STEP FOUR: Add a couple of jalapeno slices and sliced lime for garnish.

a glass of Spicy Margarita garnished with slices of lime and jalapeños

How To Serve

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply winding down after a long day, our spicy margarita can be served in various delightful ways:

Pair it with spicy Mexican dishes like sheet pan tacos or bundt pan nachos to complement the heat. 

Serve as a refreshing aperitif before a Mexican-themed dinner party to kick off the fiesta. Add our Spanish rice, elote corn salad, and beef enchilada recipe.

Enjoy it poolside with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a taste of paradise. 

Create a margarita night with a variety of margarita flavors for a fun tasting experience. Try our mint margarita, peach margarita, and prickly pear margarita recipes.

For more cocktails that we love, try our screwdriver drink and creamsicle drink.

Storage

We’ve got a few handy tips for storing the components of this tasty cocktail.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the jalapeno-infused tequila in advance, ensuring it’s ready to go whenever you’re in the mood for a spicy nargarita. 

Simply strain out the jalapenos before storing them in a sealed container.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftover spicy margarita, store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving again.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing is not recommended for this spicy cocktail as it can alter the texture and flavor. Freshly made is best!

Why We Love This Recipe

BOLD AND SPICY FLAVOR: Our spicy margarita isn’t afraid to bring the heat, making it a thrilling taste adventure.

EASY TO MAKE: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, anyone can whip up this flavorful cocktail.

CUSTOMIZABLE: Adjust the spice level, garnishes, and even the tequila to suit your taste.

glasses of Spicy Margarita garnished with slices of lime and jalapeños

Our spicy margarita is a captivating cocktail that combines the heat of jalapenos with the zesty freshness of lime juice. Whether you like it mild or fiery, this recipe offers a thrilling flavor that will keep you coming back for more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the seeds from the jalapeño peppers?

That is up to you. The spice does not come from the seeds; in most cases, the seeds will remain intact with the slice. 

Is it okay to skip the salt rim? 

Of course, the salt rim is optional and can be omitted if you prefer.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail? 

Substitute tequila with a non-alcoholic margarita mix for a flavorful mocktail.

How spicy is this spicy margarita? 

The heat level is adjustable. Use more or fewer jalapeno slices to control the spiciness.

What kind of glass can I use?

Unless you’re a margarita connoisseur, you may not have restaurant-style glasses. A lowball glass, stemless margarita-type glass, or even a highball will work fine.

How do I make it spicier?

Soak the jalapenos in the tequila for up to five hours before serving.

How many limes will I need for half a cup of freshly squeezed lime juice?

Approximately four limes will be needed.

Do I have to use freshly squeezed lime juice in this spicy jalapeño margarita recipe?

No, fresh is always going to be best. However, if limes are not in season or easily accessible, store-bought squeezed lime juice will be fine. A couple of limes for garnish will be great. 

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glasses of Spicy Margarita garnished with slices of lime and jalapeños

Spicy Margarita

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Our spicy margarita is an irresistible cocktail that balances the bold heat of jalapenos with the refreshing zest of lime, perfect for happy hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup your favorite tequila
  • ¼ to ½ jalapeno pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup Grand Marnier
  • ½ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup simple syrup
  • Ice
  • 1 to 2 jalapenos, for garnish
  • 2 to 3 limes, for garnish

Optional

  • salt, for glass rims

Instructions
 

To Salt The Rims

  • Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim.
  • Add coarse salt to a bowl or small plate that is slightly larger than the glass.
  • Lightly press the glass rim into the salt.

To Make The Margarita

  • Measure 1 cup of tequila of your choice to a mixing glass or small pitcher. Add the sliced jalapeno to soak for 15 minutes prior to serving time.
  • After 15 minutes, add the Grand Marnier, lime juice, and simple syrup; stir.
  • Pour over a glass with ice in it.
  • Add a couple of jalapeno slices and sliced lime for garnish.

Notes

  • Place your margarita glasses in the freezer for a while before serving. A frosty glass adds an extra layer of refreshment to your drink.
  • To intensify the jalapeno flavor, let the sliced peppers soak in the tequila for an extended period before making your margarita. This extra infusion time enhances the spice level.
  • Adjust the simple syrup to find your preferred balance between sweetness and tartness. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you like it sweeter.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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