Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Cocktail Recipe
This drink walks the line between the heat of fresh jalapeno and the sweet notes from orange liqueur and lime juice. For the best flavor, I stick to simple tools, ripe ingredients, and a bit of care when mixing.
Equipment
- I grab a cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, and a jigger to measure.
- A sharp knife and cutting board are handy for slicing up the jalapeno and lime.
- I always keep a fine mesh strainer close to catch seeds or pulp.
- When it comes to serving, a rocks glass or short tumbler is my go-to.
- Of course, you’ll want plenty of ice for shaking and serving.
- If I’m in the mood for a salted rim, I use a small plate for salt and another for lime juice.
Ingredients
Fresh is best here. I use these:
- 2 oz. tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz. orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup or agave syrup
- 2-3 fresh jalapeno slices seeds out if you want it milder
- Ice cubes
- For the rim I go with coarse salt and a lime wedge.
Want more heat? Just toss in extra jalapeno. I usually taste a slice first, just to keep the spice in check.
Instructions
- First thing, I rim the glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it in salt.
- Then, I drop the jalapeno slices into the shaker and give them a gentle muddle—no need to go overboard, or you’ll get too much heat.
- I pour in the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Next, fill the shaker with ice, snap on the lid, and shake hard for about 15 seconds.
- Strain it into your salted glass over fresh ice.
- Sometimes I’ll add a jalapeno slice or a lime wheel on top for garnish.
- One thing I’ve learned: don’t shake it forever or dump in a ton of jalapeno.
- Too much, and you risk bitterness or a drink that’s just plain spicy instead of tasty.
Notes
I always play around with the number of jalapeno slices, depending on how spicy I’m feeling. For something milder, I ditch the seeds and stick to one slice. If I’m feeling bold, I leave a few seeds in or add another piece.
Good tequila really matters here—pick a bottle you’d actually sip neat. Agave syrup works if you want a softer sweetness instead of simple syrup.
I like to drink this margarita right after I make it. Letting it sit too long with jalapeno slices in the glass? The spice can sneak up on you and get way stronger than you bargained for.