Spicy margaritas add an exciting kick to the classic tequila cocktail.
The blend of fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila gets a fiery boost from jalapeño peppers.
This simple recipe makes a spicy margarita in just 5 minutes with basic ingredients from any grocery store.
You can adjust the heat level by changing how long the jalapeños stay in the drink.
A quick shake with fresh peppers gives a mild warmth.
Letting them sit longer creates an intense burn for spice lovers.
These zesty cocktails work great for parties or Taco Tuesday.
The recipe serves one person but doubles or triples easily for groups.
Spicy Tequila Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Citrus juicer
- Cocktail glass
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 2-3 thin jalapeño slices seeds removed
For the rim:
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Lime wedge for rimming
Instructions
- Mix the salt and chili powder on a small plate for the rim.
- Run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass.
- Dip the glass in the chili-salt mixture.
- Add jalapeño slices to the shaker and muddle gently to release oils.
- Pour in tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave nectar.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Double strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a jalapeño slice and lime wheel if you like.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This spicy tequila margarita delivers a bold mix of flavors that dance across the tongue.
Fresh lime juice brings a bright, zesty punch and balances the warmth of the tequila.
The jalapeño adds a gentle heat that builds with each sip.
Some notice the spice first on the front of their tongue, while others feel it more toward the back.
A touch of orange liqueur adds sweetness and depth.
The agave nectar brings natural sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Citrus: Sharp lime, subtle orange
- Heat: Medium jalapeño spice
- Sweet: Light agave, orange hints
- Spirit: Clean tequila taste
The salt rim creates a nice contrast to the drink’s sweet and spicy elements.
Each sip starts with a salty touch before the other flavors emerge.
The drink keeps its character as the ice melts, though the heat may increase slightly as the jalapeño-infused tequila concentrates.
Substitute
You can make this spicy margarita without tequila.
Mezcal works as a good switch and adds a smoky taste.
Want less heat? Cut the amount of jalapeño in half.
Take out the seeds and white parts of the pepper to lower the spice level even more.
For a non-alcoholic drink, mix lime juice with spicy ginger beer.
Add a splash of orange juice and the jalapeño for kick.
Need a different sweetener? Trade agave nectar for simple syrup, honey, maple syrup, or sugar.
Note: Each sweetener changes the drink’s taste.
Fresh lime juice works best, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.
Just pick a high-quality brand.
No Cointreau? Other orange liqueurs that work well include triple sec, Grand Marnier, or orange curaçao.
A rim of Tajín adds extra spice.
Plain salt or sugar work too if you want less heat.
