Spicy Margarita Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Spicy Margarita with this easy cocktail recipe. The perfect balance of premium tequila, fresh lime juice, and spicy jalapeño creates a craft cocktail that's both refreshing and exciting. Master the salt rim technique for a restaurant-quality drink at home.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml blanco tequila (100% agave)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml agave nectar (or simple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 fresh jalapeño, sliced (seeds included for extra heat)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 drops hot sauce (optional for extra kick)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Sea salt or Tajin seasoning for rimming</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel and jalapeño slice for garnish</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 165 calories

🥑 Fat: 2 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 0.3 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 38 g

🍭 Sugar: 22 g

🍗 Protein: 3 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg

🧂 Sodium: 45 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small plate for rim salt</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your glass by running a lime wedge around the rim to moisten it. Pour sea salt or Tajin seasoning onto a small plate and gently roll the moistened rim in the salt mixture. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add jalapeño slices to your cocktail shaker and muddle gently to release the oils and heat. Don't over-muddle as this can release bitter compounds - just press 3-4 times until you smell the jalapeño's aromatic oils.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour in the tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. The acidity of the lime juice will balance the sweetness of the agave and highlight the earthy flavors of the tequila.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill your shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This not only chills the cocktail but also creates the perfect dilution and incorporates air, giving your margarita a silky texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Double-strain the mixture into your prepared rocks glass over fresh ice to ensure no jalapeño seeds or pulp make it into the final cocktail (unless you prefer maximum heat).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh jalapeño slice. These garnishes aren't just decorative - they add aromatics that enhance the drinking experience with every sip.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>For best results, serve immediately while the cocktail is perfectly chilled. The spiciness will develop slightly as you drink, creating an evolving flavor experience.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Spicy Margarita Recipe?

A Spicy Margarita requires blanco tequila (100% agave), fresh lime juice, agave nectar, jalapeño slices, ice cubes, and salt or Tajin for the rim. Optional additions include a few drops of hot sauce for extra heat and garnishes of lime wheel and jalapeño slice.

How to make Spicy Margarita Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Spicy Margarita Recipe by first rimming a glass with salt or Tajin. Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker, add tequila, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Shake vigorously with ice, strain into your prepared glass, and garnish with lime and jalapeño. The perfect balance of citrus, sweetness and heat creates a restaurant-quality cocktail experience.

What's the best type of tequila for a spicy cocktail?

Blanco (silver) tequila is ideal for spicy cocktails as its clean, unaged profile allows the heat and citrus flavours to shine through. Choose a 100% agave tequila for the smoothest taste and fewer hangover effects. Reposado can work too if you prefer subtle oak notes with your spice.

How can I control the spice level in my margarita?

Control spice by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and whether you include seeds (spicier) or remove them (milder). Muddle more gently for subtle heat or more firmly for intensity. You can also pre-taste by adding a small piece of muddled jalapeño to a drop of the mixture before committing.

Why should I double-strain a cocktail with muddled ingredients?

Double-straining removes small bits of muddled ingredients like jalapeño seeds that could affect texture and potentially increase bitterness or excessive heat. This technique creates a smoother, more refined cocktail while still preserving the infused flavours. It also prevents bits getting stuck in teeth!

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