If you are looking to add a little excitement to your next gathering, nothing beats the vibrant combination of cool citrus and a lingering peppery heat. This spicy margarita offers the perfect balance of refreshing lime and the zesty kick of fresh jalapeño, making it an ideal companion for a warm afternoon or your favorite taco Tuesday spread.

Recipe Details

Yields: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 oz tequila (blanco preferred)
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
1/2 oz agave syrup
2–3 slices fresh jalapeño
Ice
Kosher salt or chili-lime salt for rim
Lime wheel or jalapeño slice for garnish

Instructions

Prepare your rocks glass by moistening the rim with lime juice and dipping it into a plate of salt or chili-lime seasoning. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice.
Place the jalapeño slices in a cocktail shaker and use a muddler to gently press them, which helps release their natural oils and heat.
Pour the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup into the shaker.
Add ice to the shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the liquid into your salt-rimmed glass over the fresh ice.
Finish the drink by adding a lime wheel or a fresh jalapeño slice as a garnish.

Tips for Success

For those who enjoy a more intense burn, feel free to muddle additional pepper slices or allow the jalapeño to steep in the liquid for an extra minute before shaking. To control the intensity, you can remove the seeds for a milder flavor or leave them in if you want a significant spicy kick.