Homemade Spicy Margarita with Limes and Jalapenos

Step by Step Guide: How to Make Spicy Margaritas

There’s nothing quite like a good spicy margarita. The addition of spiciness to the normally tart margarita makes this a craveable beverage suited to anyone who likes to turn up the heat from time to time. And if you know how to make spicy margaritas at home, you can satisfy your cravings without turning the heat up on your wallet, as well.

There are many ways to make a homemade spicy margarita, but the best spicy margarita recipe is the one you’ll actually use. That’s why we’ll focus on keeping things simple without sacrificing any of the flavor you love. So, get your cocktail shaker ready—it’s spicy margarita time!

1. Choose Your Spice Method

The thing that sets the spicy margarita apart from the classic margarita is the spice. Since this recipe is meant to be as easy as possible, we’ll explore the least labor-intensive way to add spice, but there are other methods you can try:

  • Infusions – If you’ve got the time, you may just choose to infuse your tequila with heat. To do this, simply take two jalapeno peppers, slice them into thin strips, and put them into your tequila (you can use the tequila bottle, a mason jar, or any other type of vessel). Give it a quick shake, and let the mixture sit overnight. Then, strain out the peppers and seeds, and you’ll have yourself a ready-to-use spicy tequila.1
  • Spicy tequilas – Some brands sell jalapeno margarita tequila. You can also look for a chili liqueur (Ancho Reyes is a popular brand) that you can add to the recipe to kick up the spice level. This is an easy way to add spice without much work, but it’ll be a bit more expensive than simply using a pepper.2

In addition to these methods, you can change your spice profile by simply using a pepper other than the jalapeno. Habaneros are a popular option, but beware: the spicier the pepper, the less you’ll need to use to feel its effects.

2. Gather Your Ingredients

What will you need to make a spicy margarita? Thankfully, the drink is pretty straightforward. To start, you’ll need:3

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 1 ounce triple sec
  • 1 ounce lime juice (if using fresh lime juice, this is about what you’ll get out of one lime) 
  • ½ ounce agave nectar (you can substitute another sweetener, like simple syrup, or go without for a “skinny spicy margarita” variety – read our post about how to make a skinny margarita or low calorie tequila drink recipes for more info!)
  • 1 SLIQ Spirited Ice Agave Classic Margarita Pop
  • ½ jalapeno pepper, diced
  • Ice
  • Salt (optional)

SLIQ CALL TO ACTION

3. Check Your Tools

Again, you won’t need much, but having a few bar tools will make the process much easier. These include:

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Strainer
  • Muddler (optional)
  • Citrus juicer (optional, but helpful if you’re using fresh limes)
  • Secondary strainer (optional; if you haven’t seeded your jalapenos, a secondary strainer can be useful to make sure there are no chunks in your drink)

4. Prepare the Glass

If you want a salted rim, simply place lime juice along the rim of your glass, then cover this area with salt (using a plate to hold the salt is advisable). 

Then, take out your SLIQ frozen cocktail pop and place it into the glass. This addition will ensure that as you drink your margarita, it won’t get watered down by melting ice. Instead, the flavor will be enhanced by your SLIQ pop.

5. Concoct the Drink

Once you have all your ingredients and tools ready, making the actual drink should be a breeze. The entire process should only take about one minute:

  • Put your diced jalapenos in the cocktail shaker and muddle them. If you choose, you can skip this step, as the jalapenos will naturally be muddled when you shake the drink. However, if you want to ensure you get all the spice possible, start here.
  • Add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave to the shaker.
  • Add the ice to the shaker.
  • Be sure you seal the shaker, then shake vigorously. (Pro tip: if you shake close to your ear, you’ll be able to hear the ice as it breaks down, which is a sign you’ve shaken enough).
  • Strain your drink into your waiting glass.

6. Add a Garnish

No drink is truly complete until you’ve added the visual element of a garnish. While the salt rim is one element of garnish, you can also garnish your glass with:

  • Lime wedge
  • Lime wheel
  • Jalapeno wheel
  • Jalapeno strip
  • Orange peel (to accentuate the flavor of the triple sec)

7. Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy

No explanation is needed for this step, though pairing your drink with some chips and salsa (or guac) often helps maximize the enjoyment factor.

Enjoy Delicious Cocktails At Home with SLIQ

With this easy spicy margarita recipe, you’re set to bring the heat to the comfort of your own home. And, by using SLIQ Spirited Ice Agave Margarita Pops, you can take your time and savor your creation without it getting watered down by melting ice. Also, check out our post on how to create other easy tequila drinks at home.

Need to cool down after all that spice? Thankfully, SLIQ frozen cocktail pops are just as good on their own as they are in a cocktail. Our collection of offerings also includes rum ice pops, whiskey ice pops, and vodka ice pops to appeal to all tastes. So, spice it up or cool it down—either way, SLIQ has you covered.  

 

Sources: 

  1. Food and Wine. How to Make Spicy Tequila and What to Do with It. https://www.foodandwine.com/drinks/how-make-spicy-tequila-and-what-do-it 
  2. Liquor.com. 6 Spicy Bottles to Heat Up Your Drinks. https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/spicy-liquor-bottles/ 
  3. Allrecipes. Jalapeno Margaritas. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/218313/jalapeno-margaritas/