This is the ultimate jalapeno margarita recipe! Jalapeno tequila, jalapeno simple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly sliced jalapenos create the perfect balance of heat, sweet and tart. Oh, and a salted lime zest rim doesn’t hurt either.
The Ultimate Jalapeno Margarita:
My all time favorite cocktail is the jalapeno margarita and this one is the ultimate! I’ve spent many hours perfecting this recipe, so I hope you appreciate my hard work and dedication. It was all for you!
There are five reasons this is the ultimate jalapeno margarita recipe. First, homemade infused jalapeno tequila. Second, jalapeno simple syrup. Third, freshly squeezed lime juice. Fourth, freshly sliced jalapenos. And fifth, the salted lime zest rim, which is optional, but not really.
The Ingredients:
I love the distinctive fresh peppery flavor of jalapeno peppers. I use them whenever I can, and I’m a sucker for any dish on a menu that includes them. Jalapenos are spicy, but in a medium sort of way. They give this drink just enough heat to feel it in the back of your throat, but not so much that you can’t taste the other ingredients. They perfectly balance the sweetness of the simple syrup and the tartness of the fresh lime.
This cocktail does require some planning ahead, but it’s so worth it. To make sure you get the most jalapeno flavor (since that’s the point here!) you’ll need two easy to make recipes – infused jalapeno tequila and jalapeno simple syrup. In a pinch you can buy jalapeno flavored tequila, but once you see how easy it is to make, you’ll have fun with the homemade version. All you need are jalapenos and tequila! Make it now, so you have it ready to go when you need it. It takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to infuse, depending on how you like it to taste.
The jalapeno simple syrup is another super easy to make ingredient. You’ll simmer granulated sugar with water, then put in a few halved jalapenos to make a sweet, spicy syrup. I usually make a double batch because we really go through this stuff! I also use it to make a simple homemade soda by mixing the jalapeno syrup with club soda – it’s delicious.
You can also slice some fresh jalapenos to garnish your ultimate jalapeno margaritas. This not only looks pretty, but gives a fresh hit of jalapeno flavor and increases the heat as you drink. Finally, you’ll want to have fresh lime juice to get that classic tart margarita flavor.
So, if you want to really make this the ultimate jalapeno margarita, you may want to consider adding a salted lime zest rim on your margarita glasses! You’ll need margarita or kosher salt and the zest from one of your limes. The hit of salt is so good with the tart and sweet ingredients, and adding lime zest to the salt makes it even better.
The Prep Work:
Once your jalapeno tequila is infused and waiting in your bar, and your jalapeno simple syrup chilled and ready to go in the fridge, you are mere minutes away from the ultimate jalapeno margarita whenever the mood strikes.
The first thing you’ll do is zest one of your limes, then juice two or three of them. It’s such a bummer if you forget to zest the lime before you cut it! What is the question you’re always asked when you order a margarita? Salt or no salt, right? I would highly recommend a quick salted lime zest rim with the ultimate jalapeno margarita. You’ll mix the lime zest with some margarita salt or kosher salt. Next you’ll rub a wedge of lime around the rim of your glasses, then dip them into that delicious lime zest salt. The salty citrus flavors play really well with the heat and sweet of the cocktail.
Remember the old school margarita salt containers? The ones with the genius cover that’s a perfect built in tray to hold the salt? I still use mine. But a small plate works too!
Once you have the glasses rimmed, carefully fill them with ice cubes, trying not to knock off any of the salt. Next you’ll fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice, then measure in the jalapeno tequila, simple syrup and lime juice. Shake until it’s cold, then strain into your glasses.
The last thing to do is garnish with 3-4 thin slices of fresh jalapeno!
The Payoff:
Now comes the best part, tasting your creation! You’re going to be proud of yourself for so many reasons. First you made your own infused jalapeno tequila (or bought your own, whatever), and then you made your own jalapeno simple syrup! Those two achievements alone are pretty amazing. But then you went and made the ultimate jalapeno margarita with your homemade ingredients! You’re now a legend in your own kitchen.
I’d also like to dispute for the record that the margarita is a seasonal drink. This is a craft cocktail you will be enjoying year-round!
Disclaimer: any links to products in this post may be affiliate links. This means I would get a small commission if the product was purchased. I only link to products I like and use myself, or are similar to what I use. Thanks for your support!
Here are links to my favorite tools I use to make the ultimate jalapeno margarita:
- The lime zester. This works for any citrus!
- The lime juicer. Basic, and the best. I have one for limes, lemons and oranges.
- Cocktail Shaker. I love the look and function of this mason jar shaker. My friend Kristen says “of course you have a mason jar cocktail shaker”. Word up sister.
- Margarita salt with built in salt rim plate. Old school, but why mess with what works?
The Ultimate Jalapeno Margarita
Description
This is the ultimate jalapeno margarita recipe! Jalapeno tequila, jalapeno simple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly sliced jalapenos create the perfect balance of heat, sweet and tart. Oh, and a salted lime zest rim doesn’t hurt either.
Ingredients
- 4 shots of jalapeno tequila
- 3 shots of jalapeno simple syrup
- 2 shots of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 1/2 to 2 limes
- 1 fresh jalapeno, thinly sliced
- zest of 1 lime
- a few tablespoons of margarita salt (or kosher salt)
Instructions
- Zest 1 of the limes before you halve them for juicing. Chop the zest so there aren’t any really big pieces.
- Add the salt to a small plate or cocktail glass rimming plate. Sprinkle the zest evenly on top of the salt and mix slightly with a fork. Cut a small wedge of lime from one of your limes and rub the flesh around the rim of your two glasses. Turn the glasses over, one at a time, and dip into the lime zest salt mixture until the rim is well coated. Carefully add ice to the glasses, trying not to knock your beautiful lime zest salt off. Set the glasses aside.
- Fill your cocktail shaker 1/2 way with ice.
- Add the tequila, simple syrup and lime juice to the shaker. Shake vigorously, then pour into the two glasses. Top with 2-4 slices of jalapeno, depending on how spicy you want it to get. Bottoms up! You’re going to love these.
Notes
The lime zest salted rim is totally optional! As are the slices of fresh jalapeno.
