Spicy Margarita
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Grab the tortilla chips, salsa and a Spicy Margarita this summer. This drink is easy to make in a cocktail shaker and is perfect for happy hour, Cinco de Mayo and summer entertaining. It’s the perfect blend of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, agave and jalapenos.

Is it happy hour yet? Because you are going to want to make a batch of these spicy margaritas! A little sweet, a little sour, with a kick of heat – this jalapeno margarita is divine. It’s cold, easy to drink, and goes perfectly with chips, salsa, and fresh guacamole. The good news? You don’t even have to leave your house – this is a really easy drink to make at home!
Spicy margaritas are a delicious summer drink because they’re served ice cold. Pair it with appetizers for happy hour or with your favorite Mexican-style dinners like crock pot chicken tacos and enchiladas. Whatever you serve it with I know it will be a hit!
Why You’ll Love this Spicy Margarita Recipe
- This quick and easy recipe only takes 10 minutes to make. That way, you can get back to your party more quickly and enjoy your delicious drink!
- There are loads of different spicy margarita variations. Feel free to mix in some of your favorite margarita add-ins and customize it to your tastes.
- Margaritas are the perfect party drink! You can make a large pitcher of spicy margaritas to serve at your next party.
What is a spicy margarita?
The perfect spicy margarita like a traditional margarita but with a jalapeno twist! Fresh jalapeno slices add flavor to it and give it a spicy kick when you shake it up.
We love to make margaritas during the summer and this spicy one is one of our favorites. So, if you love a little heat you’re going to want to give it try. I have a skinny spicy margarita, too, if you want a lighter version!
Ingredients for a Spicy Margarita
- Good quality tequila – Use a good quality blanco tequila for the best results. Since there’s not a lot of ingredients in the drink a high-quality one will give this cocktail the best flavor.
- Triple sec – This orange liqueur is a classic ingredient in many margarita recipes.
- Fresh lime juice – Skip the bottled lime juice and squeeze a fresh lime, it will make all the difference.
- Fresh jalapeño slices – Give this spicy margarita extra kick with some fresh jalapeño.
- Agave nectar – You can substitute simple syrup to sweeten the drink if you prefer.
Helpful Tools
How to Make a Spicy Margarita
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, jalapeno, and agave nectar.
- Then secure the lid and shake the shaker for 30 seconds, or until the outside is cold. Strain the drink into cocktail glasses filled with ice and serve!
- We love a margarita served on the rocks and using a cocktail shaker makes the drink ice cold – it’s the perfect summer cocktail!
What to Serve with Spicy Margaritas
This spicy jalapeño margarita recipe pairs beautifully with dips like pico de gallo, tortilla pinwheels or layered taco dip! It’s also so tasty with crunchy snacks like taco chex mix or ranch pretzels!
Of course, you can never go wrong with a 7-layer dip or my cheesy corn dip!
Serve a spicy margarita on taco Tuesday with shrimp tacos too! Or whip up ground beef taco meat with my homemade taco seasoning.
Garnishes for a Spicy Margarita
A simple lime wheel or lime wedge is the perfect garnish! However, you can also rim the glass with margarita salt or margarita sugar. A tajin rim would also give extra kick and be so super tasty.
Fresh fruit like strawberries and citrus are always tasty garnishes and can add extra flavor your drink. You can even slice up more jalapeno pepper to use as a garnish.
Is jalapeno tequila spicy?
Jalapeño tequila actually has a mild heat and slow burn. While it is not what I use in this recipe, you can add extra heat to your drink by using jalapeno tequila instead of blanco tequila!
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Margarita
- To ensure a smooth drink, make sure to remove all of the jalapeño seeds before adding them to your drink.
- Rim your glasses before you mix up the margarita. This way, your margarita won’t be sitting in the cocktail shaker while you rush to add salt or sugar to a glass rim.
- Serve your drink immediately after making it! You want it cold cold cold for the best flavor.
This spicy twist on a classic margarita never gets old! If you’re in the mood for something extra fun, then this is just the cocktail to throw together.
More Cocktail Recipes
Want more easy cocktail recipes? Here are some more we love to make:
- If you like margaritas you have to try a Paloma which is another tequila-based drink popular in Mexico!
- An Aperol Spritz is a refreshing summer cocktail that you only need three ingredients to make!
- We love to make Mojitos on a hot summer night – the combination of rum, mint, and lime juice is always a hit!
- A Tequila Sunrise is a really pretty drink that is layered with ingredients to create a beachy, boozy drink that looks like a sunrise in a glass.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Spicy Margarita
Ingredients
- 3 ounces good quality tequila
- 2 ounces triple sec
- 1 lime juiced
- 6-8 jalapeno slices or more if you want it extra hot
- 1 Tablespoon agave nectar
- Margarita salt optional
- limes for salt rim and garnish
Instructions
- Prepare two cocktail glasses by running a lime around the rims and then dipping rim into a margarita salt, set aside.
- In a cocktail mixer, fill halfway with ice and tequila, triple sec, juice from 1 lime, jalapeno slices, and agave nectar.
- Shake for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the outside of the shaker is chilled.
- Strain the drink evenly between the two prepared glasses.
- Top with fresh jalapeno slices and lime.
Tips
- The best tequila to use in a margarita is a clear (or silver) one so pick your favorite! Since there’s not a lot of ingredients in the drink a high-quality one is best.
- Skip the bottled lime juice and squeeze a fresh lime, it will make all the difference.
- You can substitute simple syrup to sweeten the drink instead of agave.
Gina says
This spicy marg was DELICIOUS!
Julie says
I’m so glad you loved it!
Suzy says
This is the best drink! It’s so tasty with a little kick! Love it!
Julie says
I’m so glad you loved it!