Jalapeno Margaritas Recipe

The Jalapeno Margarita is a refreshing take on the classic margarita with a hint of spicy heat. The drink is well-balanced, with the cool, tangy flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice and the warming kick of fresh jalapeños.

The base of the drink is 1 cup silver tequila. Silver tequila has a clean and smooth flavor, which makes it an ideal choice for this cocktail.

Another ingredient in the drink is Cointreau, which is an orange-flavored liqueur. Cointreau has citrusy notes that blend seamlessly with the lime, and they both work together to enhance the brightness of the drink.

I like to use about 2 tablespoons of simple syrup, but you can use as much or as little as you like to adjust the sweetness. Two fresh jalapeños, sliced and seeded (remember, you can leave the seeds in for an extra kick; just be careful while handling these spicy peppers), are an exciting addition.

The result is a drink that is so dangerously refreshing on a hot day. If you add ice, be sure to use ice cubes instead of crushed ice, which dilutes drinks too quickly.

A salt-rimmed glass is optional (you know how much I love a good watermelon margarita!), but it does provide a nice contrast to the sweetness and spiciness of the drink. And even though this drink looks pretty with its lime wedge and jalapeño slice garnish, it is also a healthy cocktail because it’s essentially a lime juice shot with extra flavor.

So you are welcome.

Ingredients

Silver Tequila:
A clear spirit with a smooth, crisp taste.

Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice:
Chock-full of vitamin C and has a revitalizing tang.

Cointreau or Triple Sec:
Imparts a touch of sweetness with the scent of orange.

Simple Syrup:
Achieves a harmonious balance of flavors thanks to its understated sweetness.

Fresh Jalapeños:
Offers a capsaicin-rich punch and a spicy, sizzling kick.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup silver tequila
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
• 1/4 cup Cointreau or triple sec
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup (or to taste)
• 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• Ice cubes
• Salt for rimming glasses (optional)
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Jalapeño slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Start by readying the glasses. If you want to, you can run a lime wedge around the rims and then dip the rims in a small plate of salt so that you coat the edges. This is called making a salted rim, and it is very nice. Set the glasses aside after you have done this.

2. In a cocktail shaker, mix the freshly squeezed lime juice with the sliced jalapeños.

3. Chop the jalapeños and muddle them with the lime juice in the shaker. This will release the heat and flavor from the jalapeños into the juice.

4. Pour silver tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, and simple syrup into the shaker.

5. Ice cubes fill the shaker, and the lid is secured tightly.

6. Vigorously shake the blend for approximately 15-20 seconds, or until it is well chilled.

7. Fill the glasses that have been prepared with ice cubes.

8. Pour the margarita mixture into the glasses filled with ice.

9. Each glass should be garnished with a wedge of lime and a slice of jalapeño to ramp up the flavor.

10. Enjoy your spicy Jalapeño Margaritas right after you’ve served them!

Equipment Needed

1. Serving glasses
Lime wedge (for rimming)
3. Plate, small (for salt)
4. Cocktail shaker
5. Slicing jalapeños and cutting lime wedges call for a knife.
6. Board for cutting
7. A muddler (or a similar tool to muddle).
8. Cup for measurement or jigger
9. Tray for Ice Cubes or Bag (to contain ice cubes)
10. (optional) Stirring spoon

FAQ

• Can I make this margarita less spicy?Absolutely, if you want to cut down on the spiciness of the jalapeños, take out the seeds and membranes.
• What is the best type of tequila to use?Preferred for its fresh and clean taste that complements the flavors of lime and jalapeño, silver tequila is also known as blanco.
• Can I prepare this drink in advance?Tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup can be mixed ahead of time. To keep the flavors fresh, add the jalapeños and ice just before serving.
• How do I make simple syrup?Mix together equal amounts of sugar and water, heat until the sugar has completely dissolved, and cool before utilizing the solution.
• What can I use instead of Cointreau?You can use substitute triple sec for Cointreau, as both are orange liqueurs.
• Is it necessary to rim the glasses with salt?Rimming is not required; it is optional. Enhancing the flavor of a margarita can be achieved through rimming. A sweet-and-spicy contrast is the goal when using this technique on the glass in which the margarita is served.
• How can I adjust the sweetness?If you want your drink sweeter, then add more simple syrup. If you want your drink to be more tart, then add less simple syrup.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup of mezcal, in place of silver tequila, for a smoky flavor
1/2 cup of bottled lime juice, if you don’t have fresh limes available (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup Grand Marnier works as a substitute for Cointreau or triple sec.
2 tablespoons agave nectar instead of simple syrup for a naturally sweet option.
2 fresh serrano peppers instead of jalapeños for a different type of heat