This Simple Spicy Margarita tastes as refreshing as it looks! Take your margarita to the next level with a little jalapeño and Tajín. It doesn’t take much to jazz up a cocktail, but doing so can make the everyday feel a little less ordinary.
What is a Spicy Margarita?
A Spicy Margarita takes a traditional margarita and adds spice through hot peppers, spice mixes, or hot sauce. You can make them with a variety of peppers, like serrano, jalapeno, habanjero, chipotle, and each will add a different spice level and flavor profile. This recipe uses a slice of fresh jalapeno and a seasoned rim to add a medium level of spice.
Ingredients:
- fresh lime
- Tajín- a spice mixture made of dried chilis, lime zest, and salt
- Margarita mix, like On the Rocks (which rocks!)
- fresh jalapeño
- ice
It doesn’t take much to jazz up a cocktail, but doing so can make the everyday feel a little less ordinary. Adding herbs or spices can add a lot of flavor and individuality to your drink with minimal extra effort. As for this Spicy Margarita, you were already going to squeeze some lime into the glass, so why not go the extra inch and add something delicious to the rim? If you’re not one for spicy, stick with kosher salt or sugar if that’s more to your liking, but the possibilities are endless
Instructions for making a Spicy Margarita:
Sometimes you want to concoct your own cocktail masterpiece. But sometimes you just want to jazz up a store bought mix, like this “recipe.” Either way, it’s cocktail hour, so let’s get to it! Here’s how to make a simple Spicy Margarita:
Step 1: Slice a wedge of lime and run it around the rim of your glass to wet it. Some people prefer to just moisten one side of the glass; it’s up to you.
Step 2: Pour a Tablespoon or two of Tajín onto a shallow bowl or plate. It doesn’t take much to coat the rim, so don’t be afraid to use the special spice mixture that you brought home with you from your trip to Mexico!
Step 3: Dip the rim of the glass into the spice mixture. Roll it around a little to coat it evenly.
Step 4: Pour ice and margarita mix into the glass. Portion size and cube quantity are up to you:)
Step 5: Squeeze the lime wedge into the glass and add a slice of jalapeño. Stir and enjoy!
Variations:
My husband likes to shake his margaritas in a cocktail mixer to spread out the spice right away, but I like to let it diffuse through the drink as I sip. Try it both ways!
If you’d like more spice, use a serrano or a slice of habanero pepper. For a smoky flavor, add a slice of chipotle pepper and maybe a mezcal float on top.
Instead of Tajín, dust the rim with salt or sugar, if you’d rather skip the spice.
What to serve with Spicy Margaritas?
Here are a few of our favorite nibbles to have with these spicy margaritas:
- Easy White Cheese Dip Recipe (Authentic Mexican)
- Grilled Chicken with Cucumber-Peach Salsa
- Salad with Watermelon- a Tajín twist!
- Rainbow Fruit Skewers and Dip