Jalapeño Margarita | Spicy and Delicious
The jalapeño margarita is beloved by those who adore spicy food. This spicy cocktail features homemade premium jalapeño-infused tequila, perfectly complementing the orange liqueur and homemade sweet and sour mix. Consider making this on Cinco de Mayo.
It took me a while to hop on the jalapeño margarita train. But once I did, I let the conductor punch my ticket for a trip that would take hours. Our niece Elizabeth loves these margaritas and cajoled me into making the infused tequila and the margarita.
Why was I hesitant? Because margaritas are sacrosanct to me. I like them unsullied with things I don’t think should go into a margarita – like orange juice or even lemon juice, for that matter. And I did not think I would like the infusion of jalapeños into tequila.
The kick you get from the spice of the jalapeño is satisfying, and the flavor is out of this world. I LOVE this spicy margarita recipe.
And if you are into spicy things, you will too!
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Helpful tips
- It only takes 4 days to infuse tequila with jalapeños. What are you waiting for?
- Infuse a premium tequila like Patron Silver, which makes a difference in flavor and taste. But you can use a good quality tequila blanco.
- As always, make your own sweet & sour mix. I tend to like a more sour mixture than sweet, so I go with a 2:1 ratio. I strongly suggest you go with this ratio because if you are used to the sickening sweetness of store brands, you will be pleasantly surprised by how delicious homemade can be.
- I use simple syrup in most of my margaritas, but you can substitute it with agave nectar.
- I chose not to dip the rim of the glass in kosher salt or coarse sea salt because I wanted my first jalapeño margarita to be a pure experience without salt changing the taste. That said, we all know tequila loves salt.
- I always say to use the best liquor you can afford and Cointreau is delicious, but if Cointreau is not in your budget, then triple sec will work fine.
- Want to make your own orange liqueur? My friend Laura Tobin has a wonderful recipe.
- I am garnishing this with slices of jalapeno pepper, but you can also add a lime wedge.
- If you need ideas of what to serve with this drink, try some tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, or burritos.
How to make the jalapeño margarita
Pre-step
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and slice several wheels from a fresh jalapeño. Gather a measuring glass and glassware. I chose a big bowl margarita glass and a double old fashioned glass that I love.
Slice eight jalapeno slices out of the pepper and set aside.
After measuring out each ingredient, pour it into the cocktail shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients: jalapeño infused tequila, orange liqueur, fresh limes, and simple syrup.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of jalapeño infused tequila. (A)
Step three
Measure 2 ounces of orange liqueur. (B)
Step four
Measure 4 ounces fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes). (C)
Step five
Measure 2 ounces simple syrup. (D)
Step six
Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Add fresh ice cubes to both glasses. Pour, strain, and divide the liquid between the two glasses.
Place four fresh jalapeño slices in each drink.
And the vertical view of the jalapeño margarita.
All that is left to do is take a sip! Yum.
I hope you enjoyed this spicy jalapeño margarita recipe as much as I enjoyed it.
Other popular margaritas
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Jalapeño Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 ounces jalapeño infused tequila
- 2 ounces Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
- 4 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 ounces simple syrup
Garnish
- 8 wheels jalapeño
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice
- Add jalapeño infused tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and simple syrup4 ounces jalapeño infused tequila, 2 ounces Cointreau, 4 ounces lime juice, 2 ounces simple syrup
- Add ice to the margarita glasses, cap shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain and divide the liquid between the two glasses.
- Add 4 jalapeno wheels to each glass8 wheels jalapeño
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- It only takes 4 days to infuse tequila with jalapeños.
- Infuse a premium tequila like Patron Silver, which makes a difference to flavor and taste.
- As always, make your own sweet & sour mix. I tend to like a more sour mixture than sweet, so I go with a 2:1 ratio. I strongly suggest you go with this ratio because if you are used to the sickening sweetness of store brands, you will be pleasantly surprised by how delicious homemade can be.
- I chose not to salt the rim of the glass because I wanted my first jalapeño margarita to be a pure experience without salt changing the taste. That said, we all know tequila loves salt.
- I always say to use the best liquor you can afford and Cointreau is delish, but if Cointreau is not in your budget, then triple sec will work fine.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Love your presentation. I am totally refreshed with the flavors. Best for the season too.
Indeed! Thank you Veena!
I’m the same! I’m always a little hesitant to try the flavoured margarita. But this looks so good I’m just going to have to try it. I love your peach margarita too by the way x
Thanks so much Michelle! I really appreciate it! 🙂
I have difficulty finding restaurants who make a good one.. Thank you for the recipe, Elaine!
Thanks Gabi! 🙂 I agree about the restaurants, even Mexican.
This is my favorite margarita ever I always order this one when we go out now I know how to make it at home, cheers!
Yay! Thanks Adriana! It’s becoming my favorite. I have to save the rest of my jalapeño tequila for when my niece comes over. Hmmm. Maybe I’ll make more 🙂
I love the spicy twist to a classic margarita! Looks so delicious!
Thank you Natalie!