Hot Honey Margarita Recipe

I love this Hot Honey Margarita recipe because it’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with the kick of hot honey adding a fun twist to the classic margarita flavor profile. Plus, the ritual of crafting it, from salting the rim to shaking the ingredients into a chilled delight, feels like self-care with an edge, making it my go-to for both chill afternoons and lively evenings.

A cocktail that introduces a distinct twist on classic tastes is one that I truly adore. My Hot Honey Margarita enlivens the traditional recipe with amounts of premium ingredients that churn out showstopping flavors.

It starts with 2 ounces of blanco tequila, whose citrus notes make it a perfect fit for this drink. Then I add the tang of freshly squeezed lime juice.

In tombstone terms, this is the “what” of the Margarita. And then it gets really interesting with what I consider the “umm” part of any great Margarita.

Ingredients

Tequila:
Earthy and sweet notes characterize this distilled spirit, making it ideal for use in cocktails.

Lime Juice:
A freshly squeezed lime adds a zesty, sour flavor punch.

Orange Liqueur:
Delivers sweet and citrusy notes; counteracts cocktail acidity.

Honey Syrup:
Natural sweetness; simple carbohydrates provide immediate energy.

Hot Honey:
Sweet and spicy; adds layers of flavor and richness to the beverage.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 ounces tequila
• 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 1 ounce honey syrup (made with equal parts honey and hot water)
• 1/2 ounce hot honey (spicy honey)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• Coarse sea salt or tajín, for rim (optional)

Instructions

1. Make a glass ready for the drink by taking a lime wedge and running it around the rim of the glass. Then, dip the rim of the glass into coarse sea salt or, if you prefer, tajín. Let the glass sit for a minute so that the salt has time to adhere.

2. In a shaker, blend 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of honey syrup.

3. Include in the shaker 1/2 ounce of hot honey for a spicy kick.

4. Ice cubes should fill the shaker.

5. Ensure the shaker lid is on tight and shake it up for about 15 seconds. When finished, it should be well mixed and well chilled.

6. Fresh ice cubes should fill the prepared glass.

7. Pour the mixture that has been shaken into the glass that has already been prepared.

8. Add a lime wedge to the cocktail as a garnish.

9. You can optionally add some extra hot honey drizzled on top for more heat.

10. Enjoy your responsibly served Hot Honey Margarita any time of day, as it is good morning, afternoon, or evening. The Honeycomb Base adds sweetness to the drink and also contributes to its syrupy texture, which helps to ensure that the heat from the honey doesn’t get too hot. But if you want a drink that packs more heat than sweet, just use less honey last on your spoon and let some of the syrup drip into the glass.

Equipment Needed

1. Glass
2. Lime wedge
3. Shaker
4. Measuring jigger
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Spoon
8. Ice cube tray or ice maker

FAQ

• Q:Is it possible to prepare honey syrup in advance? A: It is indeed possible to prepare honey syrup in advance. It will keep for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Q:What if I lack hot honey? A: Regular honey, when mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce, becomes a perfect substitute for hot honey.
• Q:Is it acceptable to use mezcal in place of tequila? A: Definitely! Opting for mezcal will infuse the cocktail with a smoky flavor, providing a distinct yet delicious deviation.
• Q:Should you salt the rim of the glass? A: It’s advised but not required. And this is why: Salt (or tajín) is a flavor enhancer, and margaritas need this boost because the base is usually such a simple, straightforward mixture of just lime juice and tequila.
• Q:How can I lower the temperature of this margarita? A: Use less hot honey, or switch it out for plain honey, and you’ll get a cool drink.
• Q:Can this recipe be scaled for a party? A: Yes, the ingredients can be multiplied by the number of servings needed and mixed in a pitcher. Just stir well before serving it over ice.

Substitutions and Variations

Tequila: If you want to change it up and give your drink a smoky twist, substitute mezcal.
Lime juice: For a slightly different citrus tang, use lemon juice instead.
Liqueur d’orange : utilisez du Grand Marnier pour un goût plus riche, ou bien un trait d’orange bitter pour un résultat plus léger.
Honey syrup: Agave syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, but it is not as viscous and does not have the same flavor. Use it in recipes that call for honey where the taste of honey is not a central component.
Spicy honey: If you can’t find hot honey, take normal honey and mix it with a bit of cayenne pepper to create a sweet, spicy honey.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Tequila Opt for a high-quality blanco or reposado tequila to enhance the overall flavor of the cocktail. A smoother tequila will contribute to a more refined taste.

2. Chill Your Glass Before preparing your drink, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This will help keep the cocktail cooler for longer and add a refreshing touch.

3. Adjust Spice and Sweetness If you prefer a spicier drink, increase the amount of hot honey slightly. For more sweetness, adjust the honey syrup. You can customize the balance according to your palate.

4. Experiment with Garnishes Add a slice of jalapeño to the garnish for extra spice or a sprig of fresh mint for a contrasting fresh flavor. These garnishes can complement the honey and lime notes of the cocktail.

5. Make Honey Syrup Ahead Prepare the honey syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This will save time when making multiple cocktails and ensure you have it ready for mixing.