Spicy Jalapeno Mezcal Margarita Cocktail Recipe

This spicy jalapeno mezcal margarita cocktail recipe is the perfect refreshing cocktail. Mezcal, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and jalapeno simple syrup. This recipe is quick and has the perfect hint of spice! Leftover simple syrup can be kept in the fridge for a couple months, use it in mojitos, vodka cocktail, and more spicy margaritas!

Highlights of this spicy margarita:

• Great variation of the classic margarita
• Full of fresh lime juice and zest
• Easy, 4 ingredient cocktail
• Customizable flavor
• Lot’s of fresh jalapeño flavor
• Bubbly and refreshing

Grocery Store List & Substitutions:

• Mezcal, or substitute your favorite tequila
• Cointreau or any orange liqueur like triple sec or grand marnier
• Fresh jalapeño peppers
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lime juice
• Mint for garnish
• Agave syrup if desired

This margarita has a smoky flavor and the perfect tang from the fresh lime. Add extra jalapeño as desired for a spicier taste. Rim with a spicy rim of coarse salt, black pepper, and chile powder or tajin.

Quick Steps for this simple margarita recipe:

• Juice limes
• Then make simple syrup
• Combine mezcal, lime juice, Cointreau, syrup, and ice
• Shake
• Then pour into prepared glass over ice
• Garnish with lime, slices of jalapeño and mint

Fresh lime is a must for a bright and refreshing margarita, add in lime zest if desired for more flavor. The candied jalapeños can also be added to the cocktail after making the syrup. If making these cocktails for a crowd, make extra simple syrup and make a batch of margaritas in a pitcher!

If you enjoy this Spicy Jalapeno Mezcal Margarita Cocktail Recipe, try these other easy cocktail recipes!

Simple Gin Moscow Mule Recipe

Simple Jalapeño Paloma

Pineapple Orange Vodka Smash Cocktail

Cinnamon Pear Gin Fizz

Frozen Orange Creamsicle Vodka Cocktail Recipe

A good margarita always has a salted rim. Serve this fun cocktail in a chilled coupe glass or cocktail glass with a spicy salt rim. Garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeno slices!

What can I do with leftover jalapeno simple syrup?

Leftover jalapeno simple syrup can be used in several other cocktail such as – a spiced mojito, vodka smash, or a regular margarita

What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?

Tequila is a type of mezcal – Mezcal is defined as any agave based spirit. This includes tequila, which is made in specific regions of Mexico and must be made from only blue agave, whereas Mezcal can be made from a wide variety of agave.

Pro tips for the perfect cocktail:

• Make your own simple syrups, the flavor is so much better and you can customize!
• Use a cocktail shaker to get a smooth chilled cocktail
• Use fresh squeezed juices
• Use crushed ice if possible, I think it gives a restaurant style feeling
• Enjoy your cocktail immediately

Store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 months! For a spicier drink use serrano peppers.

Instructions:

For the jalapeño Simple Syrup:

• In a saucepan combine the sugar, water, and jalapeños.
• Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture starts to bubble reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes. Then, once the mixture has thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Then, strain through a mess strainer, removing any large pieces of jalapeño. Transfer into a container and set aside.

For the spicy mezcal margarita:

• In a cocktail shaker combine mezcal, lime juice, Cointreau, jalapeño syrup, and ice cubes. Then, shake well to combine.
• Fill a glass with ice, pour the shaken margarita into the glass. Top with mint and fresh lime. Enjoy immediately.

Notes:

*Leftover simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 months. 

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