By Becky Hardin
Published Apr 25, 2023
Jalapeño Margaritas are a spicy, fun twist on the classic cocktail you know and love! An easy cocktail recipe made with tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime, and just the right amount of jalapeños. Perfect for parties and Cinco de Mayo!
What’s in this Jalapeño Margarita Recipe?
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these Cinco de Mayo cocktails . The best part is they’re almost entirely all-natural and budget-friendly!
- Jalapeño Pepper: The jalapeno adds a perfectly spicy kick, not too overpowering, and just the right amount of heat.
- Lime Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice only. Nothing from concentrate!
- Blanco Tequila: While you don’t need a top shelf bottle of tequila for this easy margarita recipe, I recommend steering clear of the very cheap stuff. Middle of the road is the way to go!
- Agave Syrup: This adds a nice sweetness to the margaritas to help balance the heat of jalapeños.
- Grapefruit Juice: For the freshest flavor, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
- Lime Slices: This is an optional ingredient, but highly recommended for the delightful zest it adds.
Pro Tip: Send these cocktails over the top when you garnish each glass with a chili lime rim, jalapeño slices and/or lime slices!
Can I adjust the spice level?
Everyone has a different level of spice tolerance, so don’t be afraid to experiment to find what you like best. Follow these tips to best customize this jalapeno margarita recipe.
- 1 jalapeño makes a medium spicy drink, so use 1-2 for more subtle spice, and more if you want an even spicier drink.
- Remember that jalapeños can vary in spice level. Start conservatively, then taste and add more as needed.
- Remove the seeds and ribs, or leave them in. Removing the seeds and ribs will make the peppers milder, while leaving them in will make them spicier.
- These spicy margaritas blend well with food. Eating while enjoying them helps to take down the spiciness a bit so it isn’t too overwhelming.
A silver or blanco tequila is best for margaritas. Silver/blanco tequila hasn’t been aged as long and has a stronger flavor that mixes well, while gold tequila has been aged for longer and has a woodier flavor that doesn’t pair as well with the fresh fruit flavors. Reposado tequila is a type of gold tequila that has not been aged for as long, so it will also work in a margarita, although it is not my first choice! Mezcal will add a smoky flavor.
Yes, combine the ingredients in a blender with ice until desired consistency is reached.
Yes, simply omit the tequila and use sparkling water.
How to Store Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas
While this jalapeño margarita recipe is best enjoyed on the day it’s made, the pitcher can be stored without ice in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Pour over ice when ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Grapefruit Jalapeño Margaritas
Zesty and refreshing with a spicy little kick, these jalapeño margaritas tick all the boxes for the perfect summer cocktail. Serve this up for BBQ’s , summer parties or Cinco de Mayo – they’re such crowd-pleasing cocktails! Pour over ice, and try the chili lime rim detailed in the recipe card.
Of course these are perfect for pairing with tortilla chips and queso , guacamole , avocado corn salsa , tacos, and other appetizers.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ Ice for serving
- ▢ 1 jalapeño pepper thinly sliced
- ▢ 1 lime thinly sliced (optional)
- ▢ 6 ounces blanco tequila (or mezcal)
- ▢ 4 ounces lime juice from 4 limes
- ▢ 3 ounces agave syrup
- ▢ 3 ounces grapefruit juice from 1 grapefruit
Optional Garnishes
- ▢ Chile lime seasoning and lime juice for the rims
- ▢ Lime slices
- ▢ Jalapeño slices
Video
Instructions
- Add the ice, jalapeño slices, and lime slices (if using) to a small pitcher. Ice, 1 jalapeño pepper, 1 lime
- Pour in the tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and grapefruit juice and stir for 30 seconds. 6 ounces blanco tequila, 4 ounces lime juice, 3 ounces agave syrup, 3 ounces grapefruit juice
- Prepare 3 glasses with whatever garnish you prefer, and add ice to the cups along with a few slices of jalapeño. Chile lime seasoning and lime juice, Lime slices, Jalapeño slices
- Pour the margarita mix over top and serve immediately.
Becky’s Tips
- 1 jalapeño makes a medium spicy drink, so use 1-2 for more subtle spice and more if you want an even spicier drink (at your own risk!).
- Remember that jalapeños can vary in spice level. Start conservatively, then taste and add more as needed.
- Remove the seeds and ribs, or leave them in. Removing the seeds and ribs will make the peppers milder, while leaving them in will make them spicier.
- These spicy margaritas blend well with food. Eating while enjoying them helps to take down the spiciness a bit so it isn’t too overwhelming.
- If you have an excess of jalapeño margaritas, you can freeze them into popsicle molds and enjoy margarita popsicles, or pour them into ice cube molds and blend in the blender for ready-to-enjoy frozen margaritas.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
MoreMargarita Recipes We Love
- Spicy Cucumber Margarita
- Chili Mango Margaritas
- Frozen Margaritas
- Cranberry Margaritas
- Passionfruit Margaritas
- Orange Margaritas
- Spicy Blackberry Margaritas
- See all of our Margarita Recipes !
Jalapeño Margaritas Recipe
Ingredients
- Ice for serving
- 1 jalapeño pepper thinly sliced
- 1 lime thinly sliced (optional)
- 6 ounces blanco tequila (or mezcal)
- 4 ounces lime juice from 4 limes
- 3 ounces agave syrup
- 3 ounces grapefruit juice from 1 grapefruit
Optional Garnishes
- Chile lime seasoning and lime juice for the rims
- Lime slices
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Add the ice, jalapeño slices, and lime slices (if using) to a small pitcher. Ice, 1 jalapeño pepper, 1 lime
- Pour in the tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and grapefruit juice and stir for 30 seconds. 6 ounces blanco tequila, 4 ounces lime juice, 3 ounces agave syrup, 3 ounces grapefruit juice
- Prepare 3 glasses with whatever garnish you prefer, and add ice to the cups along with a few slices of jalapeño. Chile lime seasoning and lime juice, Lime slices, Jalapeño slices
- Pour the margarita mix over top and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- 1 jalapeño makes a medium spicy drink, so use 1-2 for more subtle spice and more if you want an even spicier drink (at your own risk!).
- Remember that jalapeños can vary in spice level. Start conservatively, then taste and add more as needed.
- Remove the seeds and ribs, or leave them in. Removing the seeds and ribs will make the peppers milder, while leaving them in will make them spicier.
- These spicy margaritas blend well with food. Eating while enjoying them helps to take down the spiciness a bit so it isn’t too overwhelming.
- If you have an excess of jalapeño margaritas, you can freeze them into popsicle molds and enjoy margarita popsicles, or pour them into ice cube molds and blend in the blender for ready-to-enjoy frozen margaritas.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
