Spicy Margarita

• Tequila blanco
  60 ml (2 oz)

  Choose a smooth, high-quality blanco tequila.
• Fresh lime juice
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
• Orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  25 ml (0.75 oz)

  Adds a hint of sweetness and citrus.
• Simple syrup
  15 ml (0.5 oz)

  Adjust to taste for sweetness.
• Fresh jalapeño slices
  90 ml (3 oz)

  About 3 thin slices; adjust for preferred spice level.
• Salt
  30 ml (1 oz)

  For rimming the glass; optional: add chili powder for extra kick.
• Lime wedge
  30 ml (1 oz)

  For rimming and garnish.

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Citrus juicer
• Knife & cutting board

1. 1

   Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in a mixture of salt and chili powder (if using) to coat the rim.

2. 2

   Add fresh jalapeño slices to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release their spice.

3. 3

   Add tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker with the muddled jalapeño.

4. 4

   Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.

5. 5

   Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice.

6. 6

   Garnish with a lime wheel and a jalapeño slice for extra flair.

• Balances tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly.
• Customizable heat—make it as mild or wild as you like!
• Pairs amazingly well with Mexican food and grilled dishes.
• Eye-catching and vibrant, it’s always a conversation starter.
• A refreshing way to enjoy tequila with a bold twist.

The Spicy Margarita is a relatively recent addition to the world of cocktails, emerging in the early 2000s as bartenders and home mixologists sought to put a modern twist on the iconic margarita. Inspired by the popularity of spicy foods and the love for traditional Mexican flavors, jalapeños and other chili peppers began making their way into margarita recipes. This inventive upgrade quickly caught on, especially in trendy bars and Mexican restaurants across the United States, turning the Spicy Margarita into a staple for those who enjoy a little heat with their tequila.