Spicy Margarita with Infused Tequila
Looking for a refreshing cocktail with a kick? Try this delicious twist on the classic margarita, featuring muddled cucumber and jalapeño for a cool and spicy taste.
Here’s a recipe for a Spicy Margarita with homemade infused jalapeño tequila. This delightful cocktail combines the heat of jalapeños with the classic flavors of a margarita.
Ingredients
For Jalapeño Tequila:
- 2 cups tequila blanco
- 1 jalapeño, quartered
- 1 medium cucumber, cut into 1/2″ slices
For Margarita:
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Lime wedges, for glass and garnish
- 2 ounces infused jalapeño tequila
- 1 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- Sliced jalapeño, for garnish
Directions
1. Making Infused Jalapeño Tequila:
- In a large glass jar or bottle, combine the tequila blanco, quartered jalapeño, and sliced cucumber.
- Close the lid tightly and let the mixture infuse for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days, in a cool, dark place. The longer it infuses, the spicier it will become. Shake the jar gently once or twice a day to distribute the flavors evenly.
- After infusing, strain the tequila through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the jalapeño and cucumber solids. Transfer the infused tequila back into a clean bottle for storage.
2. Preparing the Margarita:
- On a small plate, mix together the granulated sugar and kosher salt. Rub the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into the sugar-salt mixture to coat it evenly. Fill the glass with ice cubes and set it aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the infused jalapeño tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the margarita into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a slice of jalapeño and a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy kick of your homemade jalapeño-infused margarita!
*Note: Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference by varying the infusion time or the amount of jalapeño used. Enjoy responsibly!
Bonus tip: Want to take the spice level up a notch? Rim your glass with Tajín instead of salt!
Enjoy your Spicy Margarita with a kick of jalapeño!