This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase a product I recommend.
Fire up a round of spicy jalapeno margaritas! If you’re a tequila lover and you like spicy food—then this spicy margarita recipe will not disappoint.
Patty and I went to one of my favorite cocktail bars in Boston called ‘Drink.’ The allure is they don’t have a cocktail menu. Instead, you tell the bartender what flavors you like or what you’re in the mood for, and they will surprise you with a cocktail using the elements you describe.
Anyway, I told the bartender I wanted something with tequila, to which he replied with “how do you feel about spicy?” And of course, I said let’s rock and roll. The drink was a jalapeno-infused tequila cocktail served straight up in a martini glass. From that moment on, I found myself craving spicy cocktails.
How to Make a Spicy Margarita
This is a classic margarita recipe, made with honey syrup in place of simple syrup (sugar) and elderflower liquor in place of triple sec. It’s garnished with fresh jalapeno slices for a kick of spice.
If you simply use jalapeno as a garnish alone, the overall spice will be subtle and the jalapenos will slowly add heat to the drink as you sip it. If you prefer more pronounced heat (LIKE ME), shake the jalapenos slices with the cocktails in the shaker to fully infuse the cocktail with more jalapeno spice.
How to Make Your Own Jalapeno-Infused Tequila
Now, if you’re addicted to spicy tequila and want to make your own homemade infused jalapeno tequila (ME), you can soak 4-5 jalapeno slices (or more) in a fifth of tequila overnight. Taste in the morning and steep longer if you prefer hotter. Be sure to remove all the jalapeno before storing long term. The jalapeno won’t hold up forever in the tequila.
Test Your Jalapenos
A quick note, not all jalapenos are created equal. Some are duds and some are hotter. I recommend you pick up 2-3 jalapenos and try a small bite to gauge the heat before you burn your house down or are left wondering why you just taste vegetables in your margarita.
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
Cuisine:
Print
PinDescription
A spicy spin on the classic margarita made with elderflower, honey, and fresh jalepeño.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup (or simple syrup)
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liquor
- 1–2 slices jalapeno
Instructions
- For the salted rim, take a lime wedge and coat the rim of a rocks glass. Dip in margarita salt, rotating until coated.
- Combine honey and a tablespoon of hot water in a cup. Stir until honey is mixed well.
- Combine all ingredients (except for the ice) in a cocktail shaker. Stir until honey syrup fully dissolves into the cocktail.
- Add a cup of ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour straight into the old fashioned glass with the (now crushed) ice from the shaker. Garnish with a lime wedge. (for less heat, don’t shake the jalapeno into the cocktail, only add as garnish and stir).
Keywords: spicy margarita, jalapeno infused margarita
This recipe is THE BOMB!! Seriously my husband and I have been making this marg for a while now and haven’t found one better yet! Thank you so much for this yummy drink!
Thanks for sharing! Can I make any part of it ahead of time?
You could mix all ingredients a few days ahead in a pitcher and then add ice and shake them up as you serve.
Love it! Used patron silver with the elderflower and 2 jalapeño slices. So good !
Our local mexican restaurant adds a bit of cayenne mixed in with the salt on the rim. If you lick the salt/cayenne with your tongue you get some nice burn. If you let the salt/cayenne wash into your mouth and into the back of your throat, it adds a delicious heat to the drink.
Totally yummy, love the heat! Great change from the same old same old
★★★★★