All the flavors of a classic margarita with a little heat! This Spicy Jalapeno Margarita recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tart, and refreshing. Only a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps.

Spicy Margarita in a glass on a tray garnished with lime and jalapeno slices.

This is my sixth margarita recipe and easily my favorite. I absolutely love the balance of heat and sweet in this refreshing cocktail. If you’re fan of jalapenos, this margarita is for you! Rather skip the heat? Try my Frozen Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Blackberry Margarita, or Coconut Margarita.

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Jalapeno margarita recipe overview
Jalapeno simple syrup
Recipe tips
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Recipe

Jalapeno margarita recipe overview

Jalapeno simple syrup
Tequila
Lime juice
Cointreau or triple sec

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker then pour into an ice filled glass.

Ingredients for a spicy margarita: tequila, liqueur, limes, jalapeno syrup.

Jalapeno simple syrup

This is where the heat comes in. The flavor of fresh jalapeno is infused into simple syrup.

Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan along with one sliced jalapeno. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved.

Use the sweet and spicy syrup in the margarita and use the “candied” jalapenos as a garnish in your drink.

Jalapeno simple syrup in a white bowl next to an orange and white napkin.

Recipe tips

Use cold ingredients so that when you pour your cocktail over ice the ice won’t melt as quickly.
Adjust the serving size as needed. This recipe is written to make 1 cocktail, but you can easily scale it up to make more.
Taste and adjust ingredients as necessary. This is the beauty of making your own cocktails – you can get it just how you like it.
Garnish your margaritas with sliced jalapenos and lime.

Overhead shot of two spicy margaritas garnished with lime and jalapeno.

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Recipe

Spicy Margarita Recipe

All the flavors of a classic margarita with a little heat! This Spicy Jalapeno Margarita is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tart, and refreshing.

5 from 4 votes

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Course: Beverages

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 236kcal

Author: Allison Mattina

Ingredients

Jalapeno simple syrup:

▢ 1 fresh jalapeno*, sliced
▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
▢ 1 cup water

Margarita:

▢ 1 ½ oz blanco/silver tequila
▢ ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
▢ 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
▢ 1 oz jalapeno simple syrup
▢ coarse salt, if desired, for the rim of your glass

Instructions

Jalapeno simple syrup:

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature then transfer to the refrigerator. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Margarita:

Coat the rim of your glass in jalapeno syrup (I lightly brush it on) then dip it into coarse salt. Fill the glass with ice. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake vigorously, then pour into the glass.

Notes

*If you’d like more heat you can increase to two jalapenos. You can also muddle a couple slices of fresh jalapeno into the bottom of the cocktail shaker before assembling the drink.

Adjust ingredient quantities to suit your taste.