Name: Spicy Margarita
Prep time: 5 min
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila Blanco; 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice; 0.5 oz Orange Liqueur; 2 Thin Slices Fresh Jalapeño; 0.25 oz Simple Syrup; Lime Wedge and Tajín Clásico, for rim; Lime Wheel, for garnish

Everything You Need to Know About the Spicy Margarita

Ignite your taste buds with the Spicy Margarita, a fiery twist on the beloved classic that brings a kick to every sip. While the traditional Margarita is a beloved Mexican classic, the spicy variation has gained immense popularity in modern cocktail culture, offering an exciting balance of sweet, sour, and heat. It shares the same basic DNA (tequila blanco, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup) but adds muddled jalapeños for a new kind of kick. It's the perfect concoction for those who crave a vibrant, adventurous cocktail experience.

Spicy Margarita

Prep Time5 min

Yield1 Cocktail

Base SpiritTequila

Ingredients

2 oz Tequila Blanco
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 oz Orange Liqueur
2 Thin Slices Fresh Jalapeño
0.25 oz Simple Syrup
Lime Wedge and Tajín Clásico, for rim
Lime Wheel, for garnish

Heat Up Your Cocktail Game With The Spicy Margarita

Instructions

Rim a chilled coupe or Old Fashioned glass with Tajín, a Mexican spice mix made from lime, chili peppers and salt.
Gently muddle the jalapeño slices with the fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice.
Add the tequila, orange liqueur, and agave syrup to the shaker.
Shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
Double strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a fresh jalapeño slice or a lime wheel.

Pro Tip

For more control over the spice, remove the seeds and white pith from the jalapeño slices before muddling, as these contain most of the capsaicin, wherein a pepper's heat lies. Be careful not to over-muddle, which can release too much bitterness.

Spicy Margarita Riff

Customize your Spicy Margarita by experimenting with different chili peppers, such as serrano for more heat, or a slice of habanero for a fruity, intense spice. You can also infuse your tequila directly with sliced jalapeños for a more consistent spicy base. For a smoky edge, try using a small amount of mezcal in place of some of the tequila.