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Say hello to the best, and only, spicy jalapeno margarita recipe that you will ever need! This refreshing margarita is served on the rocks with fresh jalapeños, tequila blanco, orange liqueur, fresh squeezed lime juice, and a touch of sweetness from agave nectar or simple syrup.

Check out these Harry Potter Party Ideas for even more cocktail and food recipes.

Two ice filled glasses and a pitcher with sliced jalapenos, margarita cocktail, and lime wheels.

This sweet, tart cocktail has a spicy kick making it perfect for Cinco de Mayo, or anytime you are looking for an unexpected drink. Oddly enough, Halloween was actually my inspiration for this recipe. Keep reading to find out why.

Looking for more margarita recipes? Be sure to try my Classic Margarita, Dragon Fruit Margarita, and Frozen Peach Margaritas!

Recipe inspiration

A skeleton shaped decanter filled with spicy jalapeno margarita in front of a stack of Harry Potter books with a filled shot glass in front.

“Skele-Gro is a a dreadful-tasting potion which restored bones. It was able to mend broken bones, or even regrow entire bones that have vanished or been otherwise lost.” – according to Harry Potter Fandom

I immediately thought of tequila when I read: “It burned Harry’s mouth and throat as it went down, making him cough and splutter.” Skele-Gro is apparently yellow in color, so a margarita was the obvious choice. To guarantee that it burns on the way down I added jalapenos and served it in shot glasses to keep the party guests from overdoing it!

What you will need

Ingredients to make this Spicy Jalapeno Margarita recipe.

Tequila Blanco – please do not skimp on the quality of tequila used in this recipe, you really can taste the difference! Casamigos, Patrón, Don Fulano, and Cabo Wabo will create a much smoother cocktail than one made with a $9 bottle of tequila!
Orange Liqueur – Cointreau or Gran Marnier are much better options than triple sec, which has a much weaker flavor.
Lime Juice – from fresh limes not the chemical tasting version sold in the little green plastic limes in the refrigerator section.
Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup – light agave syrup would be the most traditional sweetener but not always easy to find. Simple syrup is easy to make and readily available to purchase making it a great substitute.
Jalapeño Peppers – thinly sliced and seeds removed. For even more spice, substitute habanero or serrano peppers.

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below

How to make the best spicy jalapeno margarita

Rub lime juice around the rim of a rocks glass (or shot glass). Pour a chili seasoning mix like Tajin, or kosher salt on a small plate. Repeat with all glasses

A small plate with chili spice mixture and rim-side down shot glass.

Add the jalapeno slices to a cocktail shaker or pitcher and gently muddle to release the oils.

Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar / simple syrup to the pitcher. Stir to thoroughly combine.

A pitcher and two glasses of spicy jalapeno margarita with chili pepper rim and lime wheels for garnish.

Strain margaritas into prepared glasses, or shot glasses, filled with fresh ice. Garnish with jalapeno slices and lime wheel. Serve immediately.

A chili pepper rimmed shot glass filled with spicy jalapeno margarita with a pitcher in the background.

As you may have noticed, I did not strain my cocktail. I was going for maximum impact, and most of my party guests would just swallow down the muddled jalapeno!

Recipe Notes & Tips

This pitcher of spicy jalapeno margaritas makes approximately 32 ounces. Choose the size of your pitcher accordingly.
The serving is approximately 4.5 ounces + the ice, which is 7 standard servings. Using shot glasses will allow you to serve more.

Tools used to create this recipe

You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!

Cutting Board & Chefs Knife
Citrus Juicer
Glass Pitcher – this one is 53 ounces
Cocktail Spoon
Cocktail Muddler – to smash the jalapenos
Cocktail Shaker
Jigger/Measuring Glass
Mexican Handmade Glasses – these are similar but not identical to mine
Shot Glasses
Tajin Chili-Lime Seasoning – can be found in the produce department as well
Skeleton Decanter – used for Halloween parties

What to serve with spicy jalapeño margaritas

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Enjoy!!