If you’re like me, you can’t think about a spicy margarita without humming, “you’re my spicy margarita, babe!” (You know the song, right?). I’ve been craving a spicy margarita with jalapeno for a while now, and instead of buying jalapeno-infused tequila, I decided to make my own using fresh jalapenos. But how do you do that? Well, I wasn’t exactly sure, but I was determined to figure it out.
I had a great idea: What if I made a jalapeño simple syrup, inspired by the basil simple syrup we often make? It came out really well, and it’s been my go-to simple syrup!
My Love for Spicy Margaritas
One of the best spicy margaritas I’ve had was on Martha’s Vineyard. Did it pair perfectly with a lobster roll? Not really, but I didn’t care, it was so good. When I drink a spicy margarita, I want to:
- Taste the tequila.
- Get a nice kick of heat.
- Enjoy the subtle flavor of jalapeño.
That drink checked off all those boxes and was surprisingly refreshing. While I loved it, I’ve since realized that spicy margaritas with tacos or fajitas are my go-to pairing. There’s just something magical about the combo of spicy cocktails and spicy food.
How to Make a Spicy Margarita with Jalapeños: The Simple Method
You’ve got a few ways to make a spicy margarita with jalapeno. One method is muddling fresh jalapeños. Just take ¼ of a jalapeño with seeds, muddle it in your cocktail shaker, add your tequila and lime juice, and shake it up. Strain it into your glass, and you’ve got a margarita with a crisp, fresh kick.
While this method gives you that fresh jalapeño flavor, it doesn’t give you the full spicy margarita experience. That’s why I turned to making jalapeño simple syrup. It’s the perfect way to add heat and flavor without overpowering the drink.
Making Jalapeño Simple Syrup for Your Margarita
Making jalapeño simple syrup is easier than you might think, and it’s a game changer when making your spicy margarita at home.
- Combine 1 part sugar and 1 part water in a small saucepan. Boil for about 10 minutes.
- At the same time, add chopped jalapeños, lime zest, and the juice from half a lime (throw in the rind too).
- Remove from heat, let the syrup cool, then strain it into a mason jar and store in the fridge.
Now you’ve got the base for a killer spicy margarita! You’ll only need about ½ to 1 shot of jalapeño simple syrup per glass, depending on how spicy you like it.
How to Make the Perfect Spicy Margarita with Jalapeño Simple Syrup
Now that you’ve got your jalapeño simple syrup, here’s my quick recipe:
- Add ½ to 1 shot of jalapeño simple syrup to a cocktail shaker
- Throw in a few slices of fresh jalapeños (optional, if you want more spice)
- Add 2 shots of tequila (I recommend Espolon), and 1 shot of triple sec
- Add 1/2 shot of lime juice, shake well, and strain into an ice-filled glass
For an extra kick, you can rim your glass with Tajin spice, though I didn’t like it myself. If you’re a salt and spice fan, go for it!
Spicy Jalapeño Margarita on the Rocks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 15 minutes + Simple Syrup
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 jalapeños sliced with the seeds
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
Margarita
- 1 shot of jalapeño simple syrup
- 1 shot triple sec
- 2 shots tequila
- Juice from 1 lime
- Jalapeño slices for shaker and garnish
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- Combine sugar and water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add in the jalapeño slices, lime juice, and zest. Continue boiling for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the pot sit until completely cooled.
- Strain the pot of simple syrup into a jar. Store in the fridge until needed.
Spicy Margarita
- Fill a glass and cocktail shaker with fresh ice.
- Add shots of simple syrup, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice into the cocktail shaker.
- Drop in about 2-3 slices of jalapeño.
- Cover and shake until the glass is frosted.
- Strain and pour into your drinking glass.
- Garnish with a fresh slice of jalapeño and enjoy.
Final Thoughts on the Best Spicy Margarita
I’m thrilled to have added this spicy margarita recipe to my collection. If you’re a fan of heat, tequila, and the refreshing bite of jalapeños, this recipe is a must-try.
Do you enjoy spicy margaritas with tajin or do you have your own favorite way to make them? Let me know in the comments!