A classic margarita gets a bold makeover with the addition of spiced rum and a dash of heat.
This Caribbean-inspired cocktail combines silver tequila, spiced rum, fresh lime juice, and jalapeño for a drink that packs both warmth and zest.
The sweet notes from the rum blend with citrus and spice to create perfect balance in the glass.
A sugar and chili powder rim adds an extra kick while complementing the cocktail’s complex flavor profile.
The recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and works great for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less jalapeño based on personal taste.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Citrus juicer
- Rocks glass
- Ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark or spiced rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz agave nectar
- 2 thin slices fresh jalapeño
- TajÃn or chili-lime salt for rim
- Lime wheel for garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Rim a rocks glass with TajÃn or chili-lime salt. Set aside.
- Add jalapeño slices to a cocktail shaker and press gently with a muddler.
- Pour rum, lime juice, triple sec, and agave nectar into the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for 10-12 seconds.
- Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This spicy rum margarita starts with sweet caramel notes from the aged rum. The lime juice adds bright citrus tang that balances the sweetness.
Jalapeño brings a fresh, green pepper heat that builds slowly. The spice level sits at medium – enough to notice but not overwhelming.
The orange liqueur adds depth and rounds out the drink’s edges. Its subtle sweetness helps marry the rum and lime flavors together.
Key Flavor Elements:
- Caramel and vanilla from rum
- Fresh citrus tang
- Building jalapeño warmth
- Sweet orange undertones
The finish leaves a pleasant warmth from the peppers and a clean citrus aftertaste.
Each sip reveals layers of sweet, sour, and spicy notes that complement each other.
The drink’s texture is smooth and well-balanced. Ice dilution helps mellow the heat while keeping the flavors crisp and defined.
For the best taste experience, serve very cold in a salt-rimmed glass. The salt enhances both the sweet and spicy elements.
Substitute
You can swap rum for tequila in this spicy margarita recipe. Any dark or spiced rum works well.
For those who want less heat, replace the jalapeño with a milder pepper like poblano. You can also remove the seeds and membrane from the pepper.
No triple sec? Use orange juice or agave nectar instead. The drink needs something sweet to balance the spicy and sour flavors.
Skip the lime juice? Try lemon juice or a mix of citrus juices. The taste will be different but still tasty.
Non-alcoholic version:Â Mix pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add a splash of spicy ginger beer for kick.
Want it less strong? Use coconut water or club soda to dilute the drink while keeping the flavors balanced.
The rim can change too. Try chili lime salt, tajin, or plain sugar if you don’t like salt. The drink works without a rim garnish.
