How to Make a Damn Good Spicy Margarita
How to Make a DAMN GOOD Spicy Margarita
A margarita that's so good, it will change your life!
The best DAMN GOOD spicy jalapeno margarita is like a fiesta in your mouth. The best part? You don't need to be an experienced bartender or mixologist to throw one together! This spicy marg is perfect for any occasion: from happy hour with friends after work to a summer barbecue in the backyard, girls' night, and beyond!
About This Spicy Margarita Recipe
The key ingredient here starts with a good quality tequila --a must-have in every damn good margarita. This perfect spicy margarita recipe also has fresh ingredients and includes triple sec orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, fresh orange juice, and fresh jalapenos. Don't forget the salt, a beautiful margarita glass, and some lime wedges and cilantro to finish!
Throw away all of your margarita mixes because you don't need them anymore. I'm going to teach you how to make the best damn good jalapeño margarita around!
Looking for more margarita recipes? Be sure to try The Best Tequila Cocktails to Make, Spicy Jalapeno Margarita, Watermelon Margarita, and Blueberry Basil Margarita too!
But first, let's talk about tequila. . .
Let's Talk Tequila
What Type of Tequila is Best For Spicy Margaritas?
As for the tequila, Blanco tequila (or "Silver") and Reposado tequila are both good choices because they are slightly sweet and light in flavor and mix well.
What's the Difference Between Blanco and Reposado Tequila?
When it comes to margaritas, Blanco (or "Silver" or "White") tequila is the perfect choice for its light flavor and maximum versatility. It mixes well with other ingredients and doesn't overpower the drink. Aged for 45 days, it has a hint of vanilla.
For a stronger, spicier flavor, choose a Reposado tequila. Amber in color, aged for 11 months, and with notes of butter and vanilla, it'll upgrade your classic margarita in a heartbeat.
Tell Me, What Are the Best Brands of Tequila to Shake Up With These Spicy Margaritas?
Well, that all depends on your personal preference. But if you're looking for a quality tequila that will make your spicy margaritas taste great, here are a few brands I recommend trying:
Herradura Silver
Don Julio Blanco
Patron Silver
Jose Cuervo Traditional
Espolon Blanco
Casa Noble Crystal
Tools You'll Need to Make This Recipe
Here are a few essential tools you'll need to make these DAMN GOOD spicy margs
As a former bartender, I wholeheartedly recommend this Mixology and Craft Cocktail Starter Kit. This 4-piece set includes a stainless steel Boston cocktail shaker, a strainer, and a 2-sided jigger for precise 1 ounce and 2 ounce pours.
Citrus Juicer - has become a staple in my kitchen for making my favorite cocktail recipes. This handy little gadget makes squeezing fresh lime juice and orange juice easy breezy. And it also comes in handy for making fresh guacamole to go with your margaritas too!
You'll need a set of Rocks Glasses. Or if you want to be fancy, serve your absolutely delicious margaritas in these Blue Rim Traditional Margarita Glasses or Hand-Blown Tumblers.
I love this Bar Tool Set. It's not only sleek and looks good displayed on a bar cart, but it also has a 2-sided jigger, strainer, bottle opener, and garnishing knife too.
Don't forget to add to cart this pretty and functional Salt + Sugar Rimmer.
Thank You
So there you have it - the recipe for how to make a spicy marg aka “the best DAMN GOOD spicy jalapeno margarita.” If you're looking for a fun drink for Cinco de Mayo or if you want to host an event and your guests will enjoy something with a bit of spice in it, this is the perfect cocktail recipe for you. I hope that you'll enjoy this tasty beverage as much as I do when I make them at home! Promise me you'll NEVER EVER buy margarita mix again. Because you can make your own homemade spicy margarita mix at home like a pro. Now go forth and create some delicious memories in your kitchen!
And don't forget to tag me on social media - @thisismeldrake so I can see how yours turned out ;)
-XOXO (as always)
Mel D.
Photography by Melissa “Mel” Drake
“Now let’s get to mixing, so we can get to sipping!”
A Few More Margarita Recipes
If you liked this spicy jalapeño margarita recipe, then you'll love these margaritas and happy hour recipes too!
The DAMN GOOD Spicy Margarita Recipe
Servings: 1 Cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Ice cubes
2 ounces (good quality) Blanco Tequila or Silver Tequila
1 ounce Triple Sec (for this recipe, I used Cointreau Orange Liqueur)
1/2 Lime - Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
1/2 Tablespoon Agave Nectar
1 Jalapeño Pepper - cut into thin round slices (use additional jalapeño slices to bring a bit more heat and spice to your margarita)
Splash Fresh Orange Juice
Optional:
Kosher salt (to rim the glass)
Lime Wedge (garnish)
Cilantro (garnish)
Instructions:
How to Rim the Glass: Pour a thin layer of salt onto a small plate. Take a lime wedge and run it along the rim of the margarita glass or rocks glass to moisten it. Then dip the rim of the glass in the salt at a 45-degree angle, rotating until coated. Chill the prepared glass in the freezer while mixing your drink.
Here's How to Make the Best Spicy Jalapeno Margarita
Shake and Serve: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, Silver or Blanco tequila, triple sec, fresh-squeezed lime juice, agave nectar, jalapeño slices, and a splash of orange juice. Close tightly and shake vigorously until the outside becomes frosty. Strain into an iced salted rim prepared glass. Garnish with lime wedges and a few sprigs of cilantro.
Cheers!
DAMN GOOD Spicy Margarita
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 2 ounces Silver Tequila
- 1 ounce Triple Sec (I used Cointreau Orange Liqueur)
- 1/2 Lime - Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 1/2 Tablespoon Agave Nectar
- 1 Jalapeño Pepper - cut into thin round slices (use additional jalapeño slices to bring a bit more heat and spice to your margarita)
- Splash Fresh Orange Juice
- Kosher salt
- Lime Wedge (garnish)
- Cilantro (garnish)
Instructions
- Pour a thin layer of salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge along the rim of the margarita glass or rocks glass. Turn the glass upside down and dip in salt at a 45-degree angle, rotating until coated. Chill the glass in the freezer while preparing your margarita.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, jalapeño slices, and a splash of orange juice. Close tightly and shake until the outside becomes frosty.
- Strain onto chilled iced salted-rimmed glass. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
244.39Fat
0.19Sat. Fat
0.02Carbs
19.90Fiber
1.38Net carbs
18.52Sugar
15.56Protein
0.48Sodium
317.47Cholesterol
0.00*Nutrition content is calculated from a food database and should be regarded as an estimate
Where You Can Find Me on Social Media
Same place; same bat channel
@ThisIsMelDrake
THE ‘GRAM (the pretty pictures): https://www.instagram.com/thisismeldrake
PINTEREST (the inspiration): https://www.pinterest.com/thisismeldrake
FACEBOOK (a little this + a little that): https://www.facebook.com/thisismeldrake
TWITTER (the sass + musings): https://twitter.com/thisismeldrake
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*Originally published in May 2018, this post has been updated by Mel Drake to add the new "Tools You'll Need to Make This Recipe" and "Let’s Talk Tequila" “Here's How to Make the Best Spicy Jalapeño Margarita” sections that weren't included in the original post. The recipe and photography have been updated along with structural and grammatical changes as well.
Pour yourself a glass of vino and let’s dive into the world of fermented grapes juice!