Spicy Jalapeno Margarita

The perfect cocktail for Cinco de Mayo! This Spicy Jalapeno Margarita gives you a little heat with a hint of sweetness from a simple pineapple and jalapeno simple syrup. The recipe includes tips for making jalapeno-infused tequila. 

I love a good cocktail - as long as it's not too sweet. That's usually my first question when ordering a cocktail out. "Is ______ sweet?" If the answer is no, I'm good to go. That's why I like this spicy margarita so much. It has a hint of sweetness with spice. Nothing is overpowering. It's the best of both worlds.

How to make a Spicy Jalapeno Margarita

A classic margarita is made with tequila, orange liquor, and lime. It's served frozen {crushed ice} or on the rocks {whole ice cubes}. This recipe takes the classic margarita and kicks it up a notch.

You'll need the following ingredients:

• Good Tequila {see notes below}
• Lime or Pineapple Juice
• Simple Syrup {see below for a recipe for Pineapple and Jalapeno Simple Syrup}
• Ice Cubes
• Coarse Salt

To make a single margarita, I follow a 1.5-1-0.5 ratio. That means 1.5 ounces tequila, 1-ounce lime or other fruit juice, and 0.5 ounces of sweetener. If I'm using a sweet juice, like pineapple, or want a stronger margarita, I'll omit the sweetener and add extra juice in its place.

To make the spicy margarita, add ice to a large jar or glass. Add 1.5 ounces of tequila. Next, squeeze one or two limes to get 1 ounce of juice. Add the juice to a large glass followed by 0.5 ounces of the simple syrup. Shake or stir the mixture.

For a margarita on the rocks, add ice cubes to a cocktail glass and pour in the margarita mixture, straining the liquid from the ice in the shaker.

For a frozen margarita, add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a cocktail glass.

Garnish with extra lime, jalapeno, or fruit.

How to make spicy Tequila

I made a spicy simple syrup for my margaritas, but you can skip that step and add the spice to the tequila - like my spicy jalapeno-infused vodka in the Bloody Mary post.

To start, slice ½-1 jalapeno. Place the slices in a small jar with the tequila. Sit the tequila at room temperature for 15 minutes - the longer it sits and the more pepper you add, the spicier the tequila will be. If you like it mild, start with half or a quarter of the pepper and add more. If you like it spice, add the whole jalapeno and allow it to sit for longer.

Remove the peppers from the tequila once you reach the desired spice level and store in a airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. It's not recommended to leave the peppers in the tequila for more than a few days.

Remeber, always start small and add more spice as needed.

How to make Pineapple and Jalapeno Simple Syrup

This variation on simple syrup is what really kicks this drink up a notch. Simple syrup is made with 1 part water with 1 part sugar. You can use any kind of sugar you like, but each one will have a different taste. Granulated sugar, honey, coconut sugar, agave, or maple syrup will all work in this recipe.

Ingredients Needed:

• Sugar - Honey, coconut, granulated, maple, or agave
• Water
• Sliced Pineapple - fresh is best but you can use canned too (if using fresh, you can use the core of the pineapple)
• Sliced Jalapenos

In a small pot, add all the ingredients and simmer over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Using a spoon, smash the peppers and pineapple to release more flavor. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes until cool. You can remove the jalapenos early if you want a milder syrup.

Once cool, strain the syrup into a jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use. The simple syrup will last a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Best Tequila for Margaritas

When buying tequila for margaritas, look for a silver, blanco, or reposado.

Silver or Blanco - These tequilas are not aged in barrels, so there is no oak or added flavor. The only flavor you'll get is the distilled agave making it a great addition to margaritas.

Reposado - These are stored in oak barrels, so they'll add a richer flavor to your margarita.

Mezcal - While at the liquor store recently, I got a little lesson on tequila. Random fact, all tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila is only made from the blue agave plant and steamed. Mezcal can include different kinds of agave, and it's cooked in pits in the ground. This gives it a smoky flavor.

I like mezcal and used it in the pictured margaritas, but it's not for everyone. If you like strong smoky flavors, definitely give it a try.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make the simple syrup and squeeze the limes ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This can be completed 1-2 days in advance. Once ready to serve, mix the drink and serve with extra lime and jalapeno slices.

You can make the margaritas in a large pitcher before a party if you like, but I prefer to set out all the ingredients and let guest make their own drink.

When making for a group, just multiply the number of drinks you need by the 1.5-1-0.5 ratio.

If you wanted to make 4 margaritas you'd need 6 ounces tequila, 4 ounces lime juice, 2 ounces sweetener.

Other Recipes to Try

Check out our drink page for more recipe ideas.

If you need more recipes for your Cinco de Mayo party or taco Tuesday, this margarita goes great with our Pineapple Salsa, Mango Shrimp Salsa, and Portobello Mushroom Tacos!

Like this recipe? Don't forget to Pin it! Also, check out our Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube Channel for cooking demos and more. Plus you can also see what I am pinning on Pinterest for more Whole30 and Paleo recipe ideas!

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