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Spicy Margarita Recipe

One of the most popular cocktails derived from the margarita is the spicy margarita. Margaritas are not only easy to make but are incredibly versatile, so their recipes can be altered in many different ways. We thought it would be helpful to guide your efforts on perfecting the best spicy margarita. 
The juices and agave in this recipe pair well with the spiciness of the jalapeños and spicy salt, making it a one-of-a-kind margarita.

Spicy Margarita Ingredients

There are a few specific ingredients that you'll need to complete this Spicy Margarita recipe. 
  • Spicy Salt: Another element of the spicy characteristic is the spicy salt, which we've provided the recipe for below. There are also store-bought spicy salt mixtures available. 
  • Tequila: The recipe mentions silver tequila, but feel free to use whichever tequila you prefer. 
  • Juice: The recipe calls for orange and lime juice. While store-bought juices are options, freshly squeezed taste adds a freshness to the margarita.
  • Jalapenos: Jalapeños are an essential ingredient to get the spicy kick one is looking for. The peppers themselves are fairly mild; the seeds are what give the drink a nice kick. For a milder drink, make sure to deseed the peppers and filter them from the beverage.
spicy margarita

How To Make Spicy Margaritas

This spicy margarita recipe is both delicious and easy, and you can have it ready in less than ten minutes!

Single-Serving - Spicy Margarita Recipe

If you're looking to enjoy this treat by yourself, this recipe is perfect for you!
Ingredients:
  • Spicy Salt (ingredients below)
  • Ice
  • 2 ounces silver tequila
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoon light agave nectar
  • ¼ to ½ jalapeño pepper
  • Lime wedges and extra jalapeno slices
Spicy Salt Ingredients:
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • Finely grated zest of one lime
  • ¼ teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
Start by mixing the spicy salt mixture together because this is what you're going to coat the rim of your margarita glass with. Simply mix the ingredients together on a flat plate. Moisten the rim of the margarita glass with a lime wedge and dip it into the mix. If you want a colder drink, place the margarita glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
best ready to drink margarita
Deseed the jalapeño and slice it into thin circular pieces. Add ice into a cocktail shaker with tequila, lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar, and jalapeño slices. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is icy, which typically takes thirty seconds, and then strain into the margarita glass and garnish.

Pitcher Serving - Spicy Margarita Recipe

This version of the Spicy Margarita recipe provides eight servings, so you can share it with those around you.
Ingredients:
  • Spicy Salt
  • Ice
  • 2 cups silver tequila
  • 3 cups of freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ cup of light agave nectar
  • 4 jalapeño peppers
  • Lime wedges and extra jalapeno slices
Spicy Salt Ingredients:
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • Finely grated zest of two limes
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
First, mix the spicy salt ingredients together on a flat plate. Wet the lip of the margarita glasses with a wedge of lime, then dip the glasses into the mixture. 
Remove the stem and seeds from the jalapeños and slice them into circles. Next, add these slices to the shaker with ice and all the other ingredients.
Shake well, then strain the drink while pouring it into the prepared glasses, and add in the garnishes for a nice tasty drink!

Alternate Margarita Recipes

Looking for a sweeter margarita option? Try these alternatives!
  • Strawberry Margarita
  • Mango Margarita
  • Classic Margarita
  • Pineapple Margarita 

Spicy Margarita FAQ

Can I make a frozen version of the Spicy Margarita?

Of course, you can! The recipe calls for a cocktail shaker, but if you're craving a frozen treat, you can use a blender instead and combine the margarita mix with ice. Keep adding ice until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I freeze any leftovers?

Absolutely! There are a few different ways you can freeze the leftovers. One, you can pour the remainder into a sealed freezer-safe container and store it for another day. 
Or…you can pour what remains of the mixture into popsicle or ice cube molds and freeze them for a delicious treat later!

Is mezcal a good substitute for tequila?

mezcal margarita
Mezcal is actually a great substitute for tequila in this particular recipe. Mezcal is sweet and smoky, which pairs well with the spice.