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.
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A tried-and-true fave, with a kick!
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!
- We keep it simple by 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.)
- 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!
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 —
My Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Spicy Marg
- Know Your 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.
- Rim with Tajin. For a gourmet twist, serve your spicy margarita with a 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. Of course, a classic salted rim is classic for a reason. You can’t go wrong.
- Make Sure the Juice Is FRESH. Bottled lime juice will give you a stale-tasting marg.
- 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.
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 making this spicy margarita recipe with vodka instead.
Spicy Margarita Recipe
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink (multiply as needed)
This spicy margarita recipe is for when you’re feeling a little feisty! Made with tequila, lime and orange juice, and sassy jalapeño.
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Ingredients
- Kosher salt and a lime wedge to rim the glass
- Ice
- 2 ounces silver tequila about 3 tablespoons
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 large or 1 1/2 small limes; do not use bottled lime juice, as it will have a very off flavor
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice about 1/2 small/medium orange
- 1 ½ teaspoons light agave nectar add 2 if you prefer a sweeter margarita
- ¼ to ½ jalapeño pepper cut into thin, round slices (use more for more spice)
- Lime wedges additional jalapeño slices for serving
Instructions
- Rim the glass: Pour a thin layer of salt onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the top edge of your glass to moisten it, then dip the glass into the salt so that it sticks, tapping all the way around. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
- Fill a small cocktail shaker with additional ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, agave, and jalapeño slices.
- Tightly close and shake vigorously for 30 seconds (it's longer than you think). Strain into the rimmed glass. Enjoy immediately, garnished with lime wedges and additional jalapeño slices.
Notes
- TO STORE: This drink is best enjoyed right after it is made, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
Serving: 1drinkCalories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gPotassium: 97mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 94IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg
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Sign Me UpWhat 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.
I would make this recipe again