The Best Spicy Margarita Recipe is JUST the right amount of sweet and spicy. I don’t know exactly where the idea of a spicy margarita was born, but if it wasn’t in Mexico, I would imagine it’s a southern thing.
This drink is quickly becoming a nationwide drink trend. It’s the perfect summer cocktail to drink sitting by the pool, but it’s got enough heat and warmth to it to enjoy all through the cold months. And If I’m going to share this recipe with you, I feel like I need to first explain my love and enthusiasm for a good spicy margarita.
My Love for a Good Spicy Margarita
My first experience with and love for a good spicy marg was born in the Ryder Cup Bar at the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Dale and I were on an anniversary trip to Charleston. Dale’s aunt and uncle were so very sweet to us and let us stay at their condo on Seabrook Island. We were able to access Kiawah Island and go to the Ryder Cup Bar for dinner.
It was a bit of a splurge for us, but it was also an experience that I would highly suggest. Dale’s aunt was the one who recommended it as a dinner spot and I could instantly see why. Dale, being a golf fan, was in heaven. I loved the views and the atmosphere. Not to mention, the food was absolutely delicious!
I saw on the drink menu a “Gator Bite Margarita”. I’m a fan of margaritas but had never heard of this kind of margarita before. I had never even thought about adding a little heat to one!
I knew I had to try this spicy margarita and I was NOT disappointed when it came. Ever since this first taste of a Gator Bite Margarita at the Ryder Cup Bar, I’ve hunted for equally tasty, spicy margaritas at restaurants everywhere.
Our Spicy Margarita Recipe
My spicy margarita recipe is not actually my recipe at all – it’s my husband’s! Well, technically it is OURS. Dale is the cook at our house and the master of mixing cocktails. I have absolutely no shame in admitting that. He has probably made a dozen versions of this spicy margarita to get one that has the Cait stamp of approval.
I wanted something that tasted very fresh, spicy but still a teeny bit sweet. We used fresh lime juice and agave syrup instead of margarita mix. (I actually learned this thanks to a bartender on my second trip to Charleston last fall. You can read my blog post detailing my Girls’ Trip to Charleston here!) I love how much better it tastes than a margarita mix that can be WAY too sugary or tart. It’s so hard to find the right margarita mix, so using fresh lime juice and agave syrup was the perfect alternative for this drink.
I actually think creating the perfect recipe became somewhat of a puzzle for us. And we finally created it! I wouldn’t be a true friend if I didn’t share it with you, so here it is!
What You’ll Need for the Best Spicy Margarita:
- Your fanciest margarita glass (or a plastic cup will do).
- Cocktail Shaker
- Salt for the rim (add sugar or Trader Joe’s chili lime seasoning to change up the flavor)
- Fresh Limes for juice (You can substitute Margarita Mix if you must – just remove the Agave Syrup from this recipe)
- Agave Syrup
- Triple Sec
- 1 Jalapeño sliced (more if you’re in the mood to get really spicy)
- Your favorite silver tequila (we’ve been using Espolón).
Prepping the Spicy Tequila
The spicy part of this recipe requires a little prep- infusing your own spicy tequila. We poured about 2 cups of tequila into a mason jar, and added one sliced jalapeño. We let it sit for a week, but you could use it after just 2-3 days. The longer you let the jalapeño sit in the tequila, the spicier/more flavorful it will be. Just prepare this, let it sit in liquor cabinet or pantry, and then in a few days you’ll be ready to go!
For our recipe, we use one shot of this spicy tequila, and one shot of regular tequila straight from the bottle. This keeps the drink from being TOO spicy but it still has a good kick and plenty of the pepper flavor. You could totally use all spicy tequila if you prefer – it’s just up to the level of heat you desire! Either way, the fresh jalapeño tequila has such an amazing flavor!
Making the Margarita
Now that you’ve got the spicy tequila made, you’re ready to make your spicy margarita! Here’s our signature recipe:
- 1 oz. spicy tequila
- 1 oz. tequila,
- 1.5 oz. triple sec,
- 4 oz. fresh lime juice, and
- 2.5 oz. agave syrup
Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. (Makes one drink.)
For an Easy Salted Rim:
Dampen a paper towel and rub it on the rim of the glass. Place the glass upside down on a plate of salt and rub it around until you accumulate your desired amount of salt on the rim.
If you want a little more flavor: we’ve been enjoying adding Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning to the salt before we salt the rim. You could, alternatively, add a little bit of sugar for some added sweetness if you desired!
Enjoy The Best Spicy Margarita!
Pour your very fresh margarita into your glass and enjoy!
Please share this on Pinterest and tag me in Instagram stories if you make one. I can’t wait to see what you all think!
xo, Cait
