Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I haven’t shared a cocktail in quite some time (my last one was a mint, cucumber, and vodka cocktail) but this drink was too good not to post. Truth be told, I’m not much of a drinker. My day-to-day routine is all about hot water, yerba mate, or matcha. But when I do enjoy a cocktail, I want it to feel special, not fussy.
So when my friend Devon served me this spicy margarita at a dinner party, I was smitten. It’s just the right amount of spicy, a touch of sweet (without being cloying), refreshing, and delicious. I immediately asked for the recipe.
This drink reminds me of everything I love about margaritas: tequila, lime, and a hint of sweetness from orange liqueur and guava juice. Add fresh jalapeños, and you’ve got a cocktail that’s vibrant, balanced, and just plain fun.
This spicy margarita pairs very well with Mexican-inspired dishes like a Mexican Cobb Salad, Fiesta Salad with Salsa Vinaigrette, or classic Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this margarita so special:
- Tequila: I like to use a quality blanco such as Patron Silver. It’s clean and smooth, perfect for mixing.
- Orange liqueur: Cointreau or Triple Sec adds citrusy depth.
- Fresh lime juice: Essential for brightness and balance. This is a fresh lime margarita at heart.
- Guava nectar: A subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat.
- Jalapeños: Fresh slices infuse the drink with gentle spice. You can also try serranos if you prefer a hotter Serrano margarita.
- Ice: Always pour over plenty of ice for a refreshing finish.
Optional: Rim your glasses with lime juice and dip them into a chili salt rim for a festive presentation.
How to Make This Spicy Margarita Recipe
Step 1: The night before serving, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, guava nectar, and sliced jalapeños in a large pitcher. (Seeds in for more spice, out for a milder drink.)
Step 2: Cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the jalapeños to infuse tequila with the perfect amount of heat.
Step 3: When ready to serve, pour the cocktail mixture over ice in individual glasses.
Step 4: If desired, rub the rims of your glasses with lime juice and dip in coarse salt or chili salt for extra flavor.
Tips for Serving + Spice Control
- Adjust the heat: Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or swap in serranos if you want something spicier.
- Muddled jalapeño option: For a quicker version, muddle jalapeños directly in a shaker with tequila before straining into glasses.
- Make it ahead: This is an easy spicy margarita recipe to prep for parties. Mix everything (except ice) a day or two ahead, and you’re ready to pour.
- Try variations: Experiment with other nectars like peach, or a strained fruit purée such as watermelon.
- Pro Tip: Hosting for Cinco de Mayo, summer BBQs, or game day? Infuse the tequila a little longer for bolder heat, and serve in a pitcher with a chili salt rim for a festive presentation.
Pair it with something fun and flavorful, like my Peach Salad with Chili and Lime or Blistered Shishito Peppers for the perfect spread.
Recipe FAQs
Infuse tequila with sliced jalapeños overnight, or muddle peppers directly in the glass. A chili salt rim also adds extra heat.
Jalapeños are classic, but you can use serranos for more heat or experiment with habaneros if you like it fiery.
Yes! This recipe was designed for a pitcher. It serves 6-8 people and is perfect for parties.
Remove seeds for less heat, or shorten the infusion time. For more spice, leave seeds in or infuse longer.
This spicy margarita recipe is vibrant, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to please. It’s everything you love about a margarita with a fun, fiery twist. Try it at your next dinner party, BBQ, game day, or summer get-togethers.
Other Fun Sips and Treats
If you give this spicy margarita recipe a try, snap a pic and tag @pamelasalzman so I can see your beautiful creations. I also really appreciate readers taking the time to leave a star rating and review! I have started a weekly Monday newsletter with tips, musings, new recipes not published here, fun new finds, and more. Subscribe for free here.
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Spicy Guava Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 1, 1- liter carton of guava nectar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau
- 2 cups Tequila, such as Patron Silver
- 4 fresh jalapeños, sliced, seeds removed if desired
- ice for serving
Instructions
- The night before you want to serve this, mix everything except the ice in a large pitcher. This will allow the jalapeños to marinate.
- The next day, pour the cocktail mixture over ice in individual glasses.
Notes
- Feel free to rub the rims of the glasses with lime juice and dip in coarse salt.
- Adjust the heat: Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or swap in serranos if you want something spicier.
- Muddled jalapeño option: For a quicker version, muddle jalapeños directly in a shaker with tequila before straining into glasses.
- Make it ahead: This is an easy spicy margarita recipe to prep for parties. Mix everything (except ice) a day or two ahead, and you’re ready to pour.
- Try variations: Experiment with other nectars like peach, or a strained fruit purée such as watermelon.
- Pro Tip: Hosting for Cinco de Mayo, summer BBQs, or game day? Infuse the tequila a little longer for bolder heat, and serve in a pitcher with a chili salt rim for a festive presentation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Spicy cocktails are my favorite! Saving this recipe to make this weekend – thank you!
I made it with a homemade peach nectar I made for the 4th and it was delicious!!
Ah you beat me to it!