Spicy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe (Easy + Fresh!)
Published May 05, 2023 Updated Jul 09, 2025
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This spicy jalapeño margarita recipe brings together everything you love about a classic margarita – with a bold, zesty twist. It’s the perfect mix of fresh lime juice, orange, good quality tequila, and just the right amount of heat from jalapeño slices and pickled juice. Whether you’re hosting taco night, planning a Cinco de Mayo spread, or looking for a fun drink to shake up your next happy hour, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cocktail Recipe
Spicy margaritas are always a hit around here, and this version with a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass and frothy egg white topper takes it to the next level! It’s bright, balanced, and so easy to make.
Every hostess needs a reliable cocktail (or mocktail!) recipe for spring and summer get-togethers. So next time you’re searching for one, look no further than this jalapeño margarita cocktail. It’s one of my favorite spicy cocktails to serve with fresh fruit or small bites. This jalapeño margarita is:
- Sweet and citrusy with just the right jalapeño flavor
- Totally customizable based on personal preference and spice level
- Naturally sweetened with your choice of agave nectar or sugar-free simple syrup
- Served in individual glasses or made in a big pitcher for easy entertaining
We keep fresh jalapeño slices and lime wedges on hand, and honestly? The whole thing just feels like summer in a glass.
If you love fun drink ideas with a little kick, be sure to try my Spicy Pickle Margarita or this Spicy Pineapple Margarita too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients for this jalapeno margarita recipe! Be sure to check the recipe card below for the full recipe and exact measurements.
- Blanco (Silver) Tequila: Use a good quality tequila like Lunazul or Casa Noble for the smoothest flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Room temperature citrus is easiest to juice and gives you that signature tartness.
- Orange Juice: I prefer it over triple sec or orange liqueur. It’s fresh, lower in sugar, and still delivers the right citrus balance.
- Pickled Jalapeño Juice: Adds depth and consistent heat.
- Fresh Jalapeño Pepper: Adjust the number to match your heat tolerance.
- Simple Syrup: I use a sugar-free version made with allulose, but regular simple syrup or agave syrup work just as well.
- Egg White (Optional): For a frothy, silky finish that elevates the presentation.
- Tajín Seasoning: For rimming the glass. It adds color, flavor, and just a little extra spice.
- Ice & Garnishes: Jalapeño slices, lime wedges, and a rocks glass.
Mocktail Version
Swap the tequila for lime-flavored sparkling water (Topo Chico is a fave!). Same bold flavors, zero alcohol!
How to Make This Jalapeño Margarita
Step 1: Combine fresh lime juice, orange juice, jalapeño juice, simple syrup, and tequila in a cocktail shaker. Shake well (10-15 seconds).
Step 2: Add the egg white, then shake again, vigorously, for another 20 seconds to get that beautiful foamy top.
Step 3: Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip into a small plate of Tajín seasoning to coat the rim of the glass.
Step 4: Fill the glass with ice and strain the margarita mixture over it.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.
Mocktail & Pitcher Variations
Mocktail: Skip the tequila and use sparkling water. Same great spicy jalapeño flavor but perfect for a dry happy hour.
Pitcher (Serves 8):
- 16 oz Blanco tequila
- 12 oz fresh lime juice (about 12 limes)
- 12 oz orange juice
- 16 jalapeño slices
- 2.5 tbsp jalapeño juice
- 2.5 tbsp simple syrup
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. Serve over ice in individual glasses. For foam, shake a single serving with egg white just before pouring.
Mac’s Pro TipS
Expert Tips & Serving Suggestions
- No pickled jalapeños? Muddle a slice of fresh jalapeño in the shaker.
- Want less heat? Remove the seeds from the jalapeño slices before using.
- For a salted rim instead, dip in coarse sea salt or kosher salt.
- Top the egg white foam with a sprinkle of Tajín for color and flavor.
- Pair it with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos or Spicy Smoked Queso Dip for a full on fiesta!
Recipe FAQs
It creates a gorgeous frothy top when shaken properly. It’s optional, but so worth it.
Fresh lime juice is best. Bottled juice or powdered alternatives like TrueLime can work in a pinch, but nothing beats fresh.
It’s skinny-ish! Using sugar-free syrup and fresh juice keeps it light: ~173 calories and 3g sugar per serving.
Blanco or Silver tequila is ideal for this recipe. Reposado is fine too, but Anejo may overpower the fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re sipping on the porch or planning a Cinco de Mayo party, this spicy jalapeño margarita is always a good idea. Let me know if you try it and let me know your favorite tequila pick!
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Spicy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe (Easy + Fresh!)
Ingredients
Margarita
- 2 ounces Blanco Tequila
- 1 1/2 lime juiced
- 1.5 oz orange juice or triple sec
- 2-3 jalapeno slices
- 1 tsp jalapeno juice from a jar of pickled jalapenos
- 2 tsp sugar-free simple syrup more or less to taste. Sub agave syrup if preferred.
- 1 egg white optional
- Tajin Seasoning
- Ice
- Lime wedges for garnish
Mocktail
- Same as above but replace the tequila with sparkling water I like lime Topo Chico
Sugar-Free Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup allulose
Instructions
Margarita
- Combine the fresh squeezed lime juice, orange juice (filling in for triple sec!), spicy jalapeno juice, sugar-free simple syrup, and Blanco tequila in a cocktail shaker and shake. Shake 10-15 seconds. Add the egg white and shake vigorously again for 20 more seconds.
- Rim your glass with lime juice and rub it into the Tajin seasoning until the rim is completely coated.
- Strain the mixture over ice after rimming your glass.
- Add two slices of jalapeno and a lime wedge for garnishing.
- Enjoy!
Sugar-Free Simple Syrup
- Add the water to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the allulose. Stir until combined. Whisk the mixture until the sweetener dissolves.
- Store in an airtight, food-safe container in the fridge.
Notes
Expert Tips & Serving Suggestions
- No pickled jalapeños? Muddle a slice of fresh jalapeño in the shaker.
- Want less heat? Remove the seeds from the jalapeño slices before using.
- For a salted rim instead, dip in coarse sea salt or kosher salt.
- Top the egg white foam with a sprinkle of Tajín for color and flavor.
- Pair it with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos or Spicy Smoked Queso Dip for a full-on fiesta!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Are we able to use the egg whites in the carton? Or should they be fresh?
I’ve clicked on the 2x and 3x and the recipe is the same as the 1x.
So good! For all my backyard summer parties, I’ll be making this to impressive the family and friends 😉
So happy to hear it was a hit. Thank you!
Will agave work instead of simple syrup? Want to make for Cinco de Mayo!
For sure!
What are the jalapeño slices for in the pitcher recipe?!
I made the pitcher recipe. The recipe was so easy to make and the directions were straight forward. I prefer orange juice over triple sec but I would put less orange juice than 12oz. And probably add some type of sparking water Judy to balance out.
Love these recipe notes, Cait. Glad you enjoyed