Spicy Margarita Recipe

This spicy margarita recipe will make you think of sunshine, beaches and warm ocean breezes with every sip. According to food blogger Ksenia Prints of international recipe blog At the Immigrant's Table, it's easy to get the balance of flavors wrong with a margarita. One of the most well-known cocktails is often made with a chemical-tasting, store-bought lime mix, and the result is as lackluster as it is off-putting. Because of this uninspiring rendition, many people think of margaritas as that frozen drink you have when you are on a beach in Cancun and nothing else.

The margarita cocktail actually has a fascinating history that starts in Mexico, but includes some American influences. According to Wine Enthusiast, the inventor of the cocktail changes, but most agree that it was developed in the 1930s in Mexico with a mix of American starlets thrown in. Rumor has it that the margarita, which is in its core a tequila sour, was based on the American Daisy cocktail — and the name "margarita" translates to daisy in Spanish.

A good, perfectly balanced margarita is actually incredibly easy to make, but it's all about making the right choices, with ingredients and glassware. We love this spicy margarita version, which improves on the classic margarita with a muddling technique that includes jalapeño peppers. With good ingredients, a dose of spice and a proper attention to detail, an amazing spicy margarita is just within your reach.

A classic margarita is made with tequila, Triple Sec (like Cointreau, or a different type of orange liqueur), and lime juice. To make our spicy margarita, you will also add in jalapeño, sugar, along with salt and chili powder for the rim.

A margarita is often distinguished by the salted rim on the glass. In our spicy margarita version, we are going to make a spicy salt mix by mixing salt and chili powder in a flat plate.

Moisten the rim of your glasses with a lime slice, drawing the cut slice along the entire rim. Dip the rim of the glasses in the salt and chili powder mixture and twist it around a few times to ensure proper coverage.

In a cocktail shaker or a tall glass, muddle 4 jalapeño slices, 4 lime slices, and sugar. You can use a bar spoon, a pestle, or a large tablespoon or long teaspoon to do the muddling.

Top the same glass or cocktail shaker with ice, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Close the cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds.

Fill a tumbler glass with ice cubes. Strain the margarita into the glass, then garnish it with a lime slice and jalapeño slice. Now, you're ready to sip and enjoy this deliciously spicy cocktail. Naturally, some Mexican fare would pair well here — chips and guacamole, tacos, or some fajitas would all taste great with this margarita!