Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Recipe
on Feb 22, 2022
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How many margarita variations have you tried? From mango to strawberry to coconut, this classic cocktail comes in so many flavorful options. The most unique one we’ve come across has got to be the spicy margarita, made with jalapeño peppers.
If you’ve never tried this fiery cocktail, you may be a bit skeptical. But we guarantee that one sip will make you a believer! Somehow, the subtle spiciness of the jalapeño adds another dimension of deliciousness to this sweet-and-sour drink.
Don’t worry – this cocktail isn’t spicy enough to burn your tongue. It’s more of a subtle kick. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’ll be your go-to on Margarita Monday or any time you need a pick-me-up. Ten minutes is all it takes to prepare this refreshing summertime beverage, so ahead and treat yourself!
What Does Margarita Mean?
A margarita is a popular cocktail consisting of tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur. A sweetener (such as simple syrup or agave nectar) can be added to balance out the sourness of the limes. Margaritas come in a wide variety of flavors and are a staple at Mexican restaurants.
How Are Margaritas Traditionally Served?
Margaritas are traditionally served in margarita glasses. These fancy-looking glasses have a wide bowl atop a long, thin stem. Margaritas are also popularly served in lowball glasses. Regardless of the glass used, the rim must be salted if you’re making a proper margarita. Finally, a traditional margarita is garnished with a lime slice or wedge and served on the rocks.
What is National Margarita Day?
National Margarita Day is celebrated on February 22 each year. On this day, margarita lovers all across the world gather to celebrate their favorite mixed drink. Be sure to mark your calendars and pay homage to this timeless concoction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tequila: Silver tequila (tequila blanco) is an essential ingredient for your margarita. Popular brands include Don Julio and Patrón.
- Jalapeno: This is what makes the margarita spicy! Cut your jalapeño into thin slices and remove the seeds.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice will always give you the best cocktail. If you prefer, you can also use store-bought lime juice – just as long as it’s 100% natural.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is the most popular brand of orange liqueur and is said to have been used in the very first margarita. Any other brand of orange liqueur should do the trick. You can also use triple sec.
- Sweetener: Sweeten your margarita with simple syrup or agave nectar. You can even make your own simple syrup by dissolving sugar into room temperature water.
- Ice: Keep your drink cold and refreshing by adding lots of ice to the cocktail shaker.
- Salt, Chili Powder & Lime Wedges: For garnish.
No margarita is complete without a salt-rimmed glass and a fresh lime wedge as a garnish. Gather these ingredients before you’re ready to begin.
How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Margarita
1. Rub a piece of lemon slice around the rim of the serving glass and immediately dip it into a plate with the mixture of salt and chili powder before setting it aside.
2. Cut jalapeno into thin slices, remove the seeds and place them into the serving glass.
3. Squeeze some lemon juice in a juicer.
4. Into a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, syrup and jalapeno slices.
5. Shake for about 20 seconds, and give it a taste before adding any ingredient you feel isn’t enough.
6. Pour the mixture into the rimmed glass and garnish with lime wedges and jalapeno slices before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Before you begin, slice the jalapeño into thin slices and discard the seeds. Prepare your glasses by rubbing the rims with lime, then dipping them into salt. Get your cocktail shaker and add ice, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, sweetener and the jalapeño slices. Shake shake shake!
Before pouring the mix into your glasses, be sure to do a taste test and make any adjustments that you need.
Variations
- Skinny Spicy Margarita: This keto-friendly variation has less calories and sugar, without skimping on flavor. Simply replace the orange liqueur with orange juice and voila! This simple swap makes it so much easier for you to stick to your diet.
- Spicy Mango Margarita: Add some fruity tropical flavor to your spicy margarita! If you prefer a frozen margarita, just blend all your ingredients along with frozen mango chunks. For a spicy mango margarita on the rocks, add mango juice to your cocktail shaker.
- Spicy Cucumber Margarita: This unexpected combo is surprisingly refreshing and tasty. Add a few cucumber and jalapeño slices to your cocktail shaker and muddle together until the juices are released. Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and sweetener. Shake, pour and enjoy.
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- Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
- Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade {Starbucks Refresher Copycat}
- 20 Great Cocktails to Make at Home or Order at Restaurants
Spicy Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila, (also known as blanco tequila)
- 1/2 jalapeno
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, (from 1 lime)
- 1 oz orange liqueur, (you can use Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1/2 oz sweetener, (or to taste, you can use simple syrup or agave nectar)
- ice cubes
- salt, chili powder, and lime wedges, for rimming the class
Instructions
- Salt the rim: Fill a small plate with salt. Rub a piece of lemon slice around the rim of the serving glass and immediately dip into the mixture of salt and chili powder. Set aside.
- Slice the jalapeno: Cut it into thin slices. Then remove the seeds.
- Make the spicy margarita mix: In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, syrup and jalapeno slices. Shake for about 20 seconds. Give it a taste and add more syrup or other ingredients if needed.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into the rimmed glass. Garnish with lime wedges and jalapeno slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Dip the rim in the salt immediately after rubbing with lemon to help it stick to the glass.
- You can customize the level of sweetness by starting with less syrup and slowly adding more to taste.
- Add more jalapeno for a spicier drink.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
