How to make a perfect Spicy Margarita

Heat and refreshment come together in this Spicy Margarita recipe. Elevate the traditional margarita with this zesty and fiery twist.

If you’re looking for a sassy and fiery twist on your classic Margarita, look no further than the Spicy Margarita. This delish cocktail brings together the bold taste of serrano peppers with the zing of fresh lime juice. Made with blanco tequila, it’s perfect for those of us who love a little kick in our drinks. Trust me—the heat from the serrano pepper slices and the zesty vibes from the lime juice make for one invigorating sip.

Of course, the Spicy Margarita isn’t the only cocktail out there that packs a flavorful punch. You might also want to try the Jalapeño Margarita, which swaps in jalapeño peppers for a slightly different level of spice. Or for an even more adventurous twist, the Spicy Paloma mixes grapefruit, tequila, and a dash of chili powder (by the way, don’t forget to check my tasty paloma recipe, delicious with this keto ground beef casserole!). These tasty variations, like the Spicy Margarita, all play with the perfect combo of heat, tang, and boldness, and we just can’t get enough of these exciting flavors. Cheers to trying something new and delicious!

INGREDIENTS

1 sliced serrano pepper
1.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice (around 2 limes)
2 oz blanco tequila
0.5 oz triple sec (I like Cointreau)
splash of Angostura bitters
chili lime seasoning for rimming (I like tajin)
optional 3 sprigs of fresh cilantro and lime wedge for garnish

Equipment Needed

Glass – Typically, a margarita glass or rocks glass is used.
Cocktail shaker – This is essential for combining and chilling the ingredients properly.
A plate – For the spicy seasoning.
A measuring device (like a jigger or measuring spoons) – For the lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and bitters.
A strainer (usually built into the cocktail shaker) – For pouring the drink into the glass.

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Prepare your glass by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim and dipping it into a plate filled with spicy seasoning.

Muddle

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sliced serrano pepper to release its flavors.

Add

Add the lime juice, Blanco tequila, triple sec, and a splash of Angostura bitters to the cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.

Strain

Strain the margarita mixture into your prepared glass filled with ice.

Garnish

If desired, garnish with a lime wedge and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy margarita!

Tips and Tricks for Making A Spicy Margarita

Choose the Right Tequila

High-quality blanco tequilas provide a cleaner, crisper flavor that complements the heat and tanginess of the other ingredients. Look for a blanco tequila aged for a shorter period; it will have a subtle flavor profile, which will let the other ingredients to shine through.

Handling Serrano Peppers

Washing your hands is imperative when dealing with hot peppers. This is because capsaicin (the compound responsible for the heat) can irritate your eyes and sensitive skin if it comes in contact with them.

Fresh Lime Juice is the Key

Freshly squeezed lime juice makes such a big difference. The bottled stuff pales in comparison to the tangy, bright taste of freshly squeezed juice.

How To Make An Non-Alcoholic Spicy Margarita

A non-alcoholic version of the Spicy Margarita is often referred to as a Spicy Virgin Margarita or Spicy Mockarita. To make one, simply substitute the tequila and triple sec with non-alcoholic alternatives, such as sparkling water, ginger ale, or a tequila-flavored syrup like Monin’s Tequila Sunrise.

FAQs

How many calories are in a Spicy Margarita?

On average, a Spicy Margarita contains 150 to 200 calories a serving. It really depends on the type of tequila and brand of triple sec. As well, if you try one of the variations, the calorie count will fluctuate.

Can i adjust the level of spiciness?

Absolutely. Modify the amount of serrano pepper used, or experiment with other chili peppers offering varying heat levels. Also, keep in mind a majority of the heat comes from the pepper’s seeds and veins, so remove them to create a milder version of the cocktail.

where can i find angostura bitters?

Because Angostura Bitters contains alcohol, you’ll find them at your local liquor store (look near the counter or even behind it!).

Variations

Yes, the Spicy Margarita is a showstopper on its own, but don’t stop there! Explore its numerous variations that cater to different taste preferences and dietary desires:

Low-Carb Spicy Margarita

Trying to keep it low-carb? No problem! Swap triple sec for zero-sugar orange liqueur or a splash of fresh OJ. To cut down even more sugar, try using a natural, sugar-free sweetener like stevia to get the perfect sweetness.

Fruit-Infused Spicy Margarita

Looking for a sweeter kick? Throw in fresh fruit, like mango, pineapple, or strawberry, to balance that sweet and spicy goodness. Muddle the fruit with the serrano pepper, then follow the standard Spicy Margarita recipe.

Spicy Mezcal Margarita

If you’re craving something smoky, the Spicy Mezcal Margarita is right up your alley. Swap out tequila for its earthy, smoky cousin, mezcal, and stick to the Spicy Margarita recipe. The bold mezcal flavor pairs amazingly with the spicy peppers and zesty lime.

Cucumber-Jalapeño Margarita

Ready for a cool twist? Switch up serrano peppers for jalapeños and throw in a few cucumber slices. You’ll get that jalapeño heat while the cucumber cools it down—perfect for those hot summer days!

How to Store Spicy Margaritas

If you would like to prep the margaritas beforehand, mix the muddled serrano pepper, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and bitters together, but instead of adding them to the ice, store them in an airtight container or pitcher. This mixture can be stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

The margarita base should last for up to a day in the fridge. If you wait any longer, the ingredients will start to lose their flavor. As well, the potency of the spice may become unbearable, as the peppers will continue to infuse their heat into the mixture.

When you’re ready to serve, stir up the mixture then pour it into your cocktail shaker along with the ice. Follow the recipe as explained above.