Bring on the heat with this spicy margarita recipe

This margarita recipe gets a lip-smacking kick of spice from chili pepper-infused tequila and a homemade cocktail rimmer. Try it at home to heat things up. 

A spicy margarita recipe

1

Preparation time 10 minutes

An ice cold margarita might make you think of summer skies and warm weather, but this fresh, citrusy cocktail can transport you to tropical climes at any time of year. This margarita recipe goes far beyond your classic tequila, triple sec and lime combo. Turn up the heat with chili pepper-infused tequila and a homemade spicy rimmer made with cayenne powder and chili powder. 

It's not hard to find a margarita on the menu at Toronto's best bars, but sometimes we just want to kick back and enjoy one in our jammies. Blended into a frozen slushy or served over ice, a margarita recipe makes a great addition to any party or night in — or heck, even an afternoon in the sun on a patio. As for eats, we like to pair our margs with the best tacos in the city, nachos, fried shrimp dishes or even pulled pork.

This margarita recipe is made with Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, but feel free to experiment. Tequila and mezcal are having a moment right now. There are so many different kinds to choose between, from blanco and reposado to añejo. Not to mention that every celebrity and their grandmother seems to be starting up their own tequila brand, à la Nick Jonas's Villa One Tequila.

However you enjoy it, this margarita recipe is sure to bring on the heat. 

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila
  • 3 Serrano chili peppers, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 2 Fresno chili peppers, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz agave syrup
  • 4 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne powder

Method

  1. In an airtight jar, add the tequila and peppers and allow to sit for 5–8 hours, depending on your preferred spice level.

  2. Next, mix the salt, chili powder and cayenne powder in a shallow bowl. Rim a rocks glass with the lime wedge, followed by spice mix.

  3. In a shaker filled with ice, add the chili-infused tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave syrup. Shake.

  4. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

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