Spicy Margarita
Spicy margarita is one of the best variations of a classic margarita because it combines the sweetness of a fresh orange, tang of lime, and spice of a jalapeno. Choose your favorite tequila for this delicious cocktail and it will be the star. Remember, even in the mixed cocktail, a good choice of liquor makes quite a difference.
The key to this margarita is the simple combination of fresh squeezed orange juice, spicy jalapeno juice, tequila, and orange liqueur is absolutely perfect.
I found the BEST way to get the spice into the cocktail (without chinks)! When you muddle the jalapenos or press them through a garlic press, you get chunks of jalapeno in the cocktail. It’s less than pleasant to accidentally bite into the little jalapeno chunk while drinking. So the way I incorporate the jalapeno juice is to press it with the lime juice.
Step by Step Photos, Instructions and Tips To Make Spicy Margarita
- Cut jalapeno into thin rings and place the rings into the lemon juicer (I find that 3-4 jalapeno rings per cocktail is enough but you may like it spicier.) Remember that keeping the seeds will make it MUCH more spicy, so choose to take them out of leave them to adjust spice level.
- Squeeze the lime juice through the jalapenos (combine them in one citrus press) to incorporate the spicy jalapeno juice with the lime juice. Squeeze orange juice as well and add both juices into the cocktail shaker.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, and agave nectar to the shaker. Add some ice into the cocktail shaker. Shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 20 seconds. (Yes, that long!)
- Salt rim: Rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into some salt to create your salt rim. Set aside.
- Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses. You can serve it over ice or straight up.
Should I Use Silver or Reposado Tequila?
- Silver tequila is a very young tequila, it is not aged at all. This tequila is bottled right after the distillation process.
- “Reposado” means “rested” in Spanish, which basically means that this type of tequila is rested/aged anywhere from two months to a year before it’s bottled. The golden color of this tequila comes from the barrels where it’s rested, and it also really takes in that flavor.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating! Let me know how you liked it by leaving the 📝 comment below or share and tag me on social media @willcookforsmiles. DON’T FORGET to subscribe to my newsletter!
Spicy Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- Lime press/juicer
- Jiggers
Ingredients
- 4 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz orange liqueur Triple Sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- 3 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz fresh orange juice
- 3/4-1 oz agave nectar
- 1 jalapeno sliced
Instructions
- Cut jalapeno into thin rings and place the rings into the lemon juicer (I find that 3-4 jalapeno rings per cocktail is enough but you may like it spicier.)
- Squeeze the lime juice through the jalapenos to incorporate the spicy jalapeno juice with the lime juice. Squeeze orange juice as well and add both juices into the cocktail shaker.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, and agave nectar to the shaker. Add some ice into the cocktail shaker. Shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 20 seconds.
- Salt rim: Rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into some salt to create your salt rim. Set aside.
- Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses. You can serve it over ice or straight up.
Notes
- Remember, the best ingredients make the best margaritas. Try to get the best tequila and orange liqueur and squeeze fresh lime.
- Based on personal preference, you can serve margarita over ice or neat.
- Add more or spicier jalapenos to make your margarita more spicy.
- Are margaritas gluten free? Yes. typically, all margaritas are gluten free since tequila is made with agave. Orange liqueur, citrus, chili peppers, and agave are gluten free as well. As always, do check labels of the liquors you choose to be safe!
Nutrition
What Are Good Foods to Serve with a Margarita?
- You can always serve some snacks like salsa, salsa verde, queso dip, or nacho cheese. All those make a great compliment to a spicy margarita.
- For dinner, make some pork carnitas, enchiladas, carne asada tacos, or shrimp tostadas.
Some More Recipes You Might Like
All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
Absolutely my favorite margarita recipe!