Spicy Margarita Recipe

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This jalapeño Spicy Margarita Recipe is for when you’re feeling a little feisty. Made with tequila, fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a sassy slice of jalapeño, this kicked-up version of a classic marg will transport you to a sunny, beachy place.

Spicy Margarita with fresh lime and jalapeno

Why You’ll Love This Skinny Spicy Margarita Recipe

A Tried-and-True Fave. Margaritas taste of fun times, warm sunshine, and no worries. This easy spicy margarita is based on my master Skinny Margarita recipe. It has become a signature drink for many of you and led to an array of thirst-quenching spinoffs, from Peach Margaritas, to Blackberry Margaritas, to Grapefruit Margaritas.
Easy to Make. Spicing up a margarita is as simple as adding 1 to 2 thin slices of jalapeño to the shaker with the other ingredients. (While you can make a spicy marg by infusing tequila with jalapeño slices, this process takes time and planning, neither of which I usually have when a margarita craving strikes.)
Absolutely Delicious. This jalapeño margarita recipe has brightness and bite, a refreshing hit of citrus, subtle smoothness of spirits, all with a slight kiss of fire. Once you start sipping, it’s hard to stop!

A drink in a glass with jalapenos and lime

5 Star Review

“Literally the BEST, freshest margarita! I adore this recipe–it’s my summertime go-to. If you like margaritas, this one is a MUST!”
— Lauren —

How to Make a Spicy Margarita

The Ingredients

Tequila. Country songs have been written about it for a reason. Tequila helps the margarita taste refreshing and crisp. Use blanco (silver) tequila for a mild flavor, reposada (rested) for a stronger flavor, and anjeo (aged) for the strongest flavor.
Lime Juice. USE FRESH! Bottled lime juice will give you a stale-tasting marg.
Orange Juice. A special addition to this skinny spicy margarita recipe that adds bright, citrusy flavor.
Agave. A touch of sweetness to balance the spicy and smooth out the tequila. I prefer my margaritas on the tart/less sweet side, so if you like your sweeter, feel free to add a little more.
Jalapeño. The secret to this margarita’s signature spice. It gives the drink the kick it needs without requiring you to call the fire department after every sip.
Salt + Lime Wedge. Salting the rims creates a beautiful (and tasty!) presentation. If you’d like to serve your margaritas with salted rims, make sure to use kosher salt, sea salt, or margarita salt. Do NOT use table salt, as it will taste too salty and slightly metallic.

The Directions

Rim It. Rim the glass and fill it with ice (you also can serve your margarita up. Warning: it will be STRONG).
Shake It. Add the spicy margarita recipe ingredients and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into the glass. ENJOY!

cocktail glass with a spicy jalapeno margarita

Recipe Variations

Spicy Margarita Without Alcohol. While the alcohol is a major component of the margarita, you could try swapping the tequila for unflavored sparkling water or soda.
Frozen Spicy Margarita. Craving a frozen jalapeño margarita instead? Instead of shaking the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, combine the mixture into a blender with a handful of ice. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!
Jalapeño Margarita With Vodka. Not a fan of tequila? Try this spicy margarita recipe with vodka instead.

Storage Tips

To Store. This spicy margarita recipe is best enjoyed right after it is made, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day.

Leftover Ideas

If you end up with more spicy margarita than you can drink, pour the leftovers into popsicle molds and freeze. Future you will thank you for the spicy, boozy treat on a hot day to come!

What to Serve with Spicy Margaritas

Tacos. Obviously the best possible pairing with this spicy margarita recipe! Choose from Tempeh Tacos, Salmon Tacos, Steak Tacos, or your favorite version.
Enchiladas. Another excellent choice! My Vegetarian Enchiladas, Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, and Butternut Squash Spinach Enchiladas would all be fabulous with a jalapeño margarita.
Appetizers. If your making margs for a party, serve them with Guacamole (or Shrimp Guacamole Bites!) or 7 Layer Taco Dip.
More Tex-Mex Faves. You can’t go wrong with Chicken Quesadillas, a Burrito Bowl, or Crockpot Mexican Casserole either.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Cocktail Shaker. This elegant stainless steel cocktail shaker is worthy of a spot on your bar.
Jigger. For perfect margarita measurements.
Pitcher. Ideal for serving multiple spicy margaritas.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Rim with Tajin. For a gourmet twist right out of Mexico, serve your spicy margarita recipe with Tajin rim. Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning blend made with dried chilis, salt, and lime zest. It’s not too spicy and tastes fantastic. You can find it in more and more grocery stores or online. Of course, a classic salted rim is classic for a reason. You can’t go wrong.
Scale Up as Needed. Below, you’ll find spicy margaritas for one, two, or a spicy margarita pitcher for a crowd. I like making a pitcher for parties so I don’t have to spend all night playing bartender!
Use a Citrus Juicer. If you want to be extra speedy or are making this spicy margarita recipe for a crowd, a citrus juicer is super helpful. With enough motivation, however, you can skip the juicer and squeeze the limes the old-fashioned way.

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