This Spicy Lemon Margarita Recipe is made using jalapeno tequila for a spicy kick! This twist on the classic cocktail is perfect for a hot day, summer celebrations, and Cinco de Mayo.
I was inspired to make this drink after having a similar margarita in New York City. Spicy margs are my go-to drink but I had never had a lemon version before. I knew that I had to recreate the recipe at home.
If you are looking for another perfect cocktail recipe, try one of these! This Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer tastes like a bubbly sip of summer! Or, try this Blackberry Sangria for a cocktail recipe that will please a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor! This drink has a sweet and spicy kick.
- Simple. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this margarita.
- Inexpensive. Compared to drinks out on the town, this cocktail is inexpensive to make at home.
Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients from your local grocery store, you can have a Spicy Lemon Margarita in less than 5 minutes!
- Blanco Tequila is infused with fresh jalapeno slices to make a spicy tequila.
- Limoncello is used to sweeten the drink.
- Lemonade is used to balance the drink and give it a bright citrus kick!
- For extra sweetness, agave nectar is added.
- Sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest are mixed to make a sweet and salty rim!
For exact ingredient measurements, please see the recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- Blanco Tequila, also known as silver tequila, is the traditional tequila choice when mixing margaritas. However, use your favorite tequila in this drink!
- Substitute triple sec for limoncello. Triple sec is an orange liqueur that gives the drink a citrus taste with alcohol.
- Honey or a homemade simple syrup can be used for the agave nectar. Or, omit the agave nectar for a less sweet drink.
- To make this margarita more traditional, use fresh lime juice in place of the lemonade or a combination of lime and lemon juice.
- To make the rim very easy, use tajin seasoning. This seasoning is already combined and adds a little kick of heat!
- For more heat on the rim, add chili powder to the mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the jalapeno tequila. Fill up a small jar with tequila and slices of jalapeño. Refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: Make the sweet and spicy rim. To a small food processor, add the sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest. Pulse until combined. Place on a shallow plate. Use lemon slices to moisten the glass rim and then swirl the glass into the lemon mixture.
Step 3: Combine tequila, limoncello, lemonade, and agave nectar in an iced cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds until the shaker is icy.
Step 4: Pour the margarita mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
Equipment
- A microplane zester
- Small food processor
- Cocktail shaker
Storage
Store jalapeño tequila in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remove the jalapeño slices after one or two days. Store the lemon salt rim in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The extra salt rim is great for when you want to enjoy a tequila quickly.
FAQ
Garnish your margarita with fresh lemon slices, jalapeño slices, mint sprigs, or a lime wedge. Because this is a spicy cocktail, you could also garnish the drink with slices of hot peppers.
Make a spicy margarita with less heat by not using infused tequila. When the jalapeño slices are marinated in the tequila, the tequila becomes spicier. To lessen the heat, add one or two jalapeño slices to the cocktail shaker with regular tequila. Combine all ingredients and pour the cocktail into an iced glass. Be sure to remove the jalapeno slices before serving.
Use jalapeño tequila in a bloody mary, a grapefruit margarita, or a paloma. Any drink that you add a little spice to will pair with jalapeño tequila!
Related
Looking for other cocktail recipes? Try one of these!
Pairing
These are my favorite recipes to serve with margaritas:
Spicy Lemon Margarita Recipe (with Jalapeno Tequila)
Equipment
- Small Food Processor
- Micro Zester
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 oz Spicy Tequila
- 1 oz Limoncello
- 3 oz Lemonade
- 1 tbsp Agave Nectar
Sweet and Spicy Rim
- 2 tbsp Sea Salt
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
- Zest of a lemon
Instructions
Sweet and Spicy Rim
- Add lemon zest, sugar, salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a food processor. Pulse until well blended.
Spicy Lemon Margarita
- Use a lemon slice to moisten the rim of a margarita glass. Dip glass into the sugar and salt rim.
- Add ice to the glass.
- Combine tequila, limoncello, lemonade, and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Shake to combine. Pour over ice in the rimmed glass.
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