Food Recipes Spicy Jalapeño-Mint Margaritas Be the first to rate & review! Crisp, refreshing, and with a subtle kick, this easy cocktail is one to sip on all year long. By Melissa Gray Melissa Gray Melissa Gray is a Recipe Developer and Food Stylist for Dotdash Meredith. She attended The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where she studied Culinary Arts and Culinary Arts Management. She's been working in food publishing since 2015 and joined the Dotdash Meredith test kitchens in 2019. During her career, she has developed over 1,500 original recipes and food styled in hundreds of photoshoots. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 19, 2024 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING BY EMILY NABORS HALL, PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN Prep Time: 15 mins Total Time: 15 mins Servings: 4 The irresistible swicy (sweet and spicy) flavor profile of this jalapeño-mint margarita recipe is why you'll be making this cocktail on the regular. While traditional margaritas use salt on the rim, this one enlists sugar to balance out the heat of the drink. Lightly crushed mint also offers a cooling effect, while the sweetness from agave balances and enhances all the flavors. It’s an invigorating drink you’ll want to make your signature cocktail. Serve with chips and salsa, queso fundido, or an array of tacos. For an extra spicy margarita, set aside the mixture for a few minutes before straining it to infuse the cocktail with even more heat. Ingredients Granulated sugar 1 lime wedge, plus more for garnish Ice 1 cup (8 oz.) blanco tequila 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 4 limes) 1/2 cup raw or amber agave syrup 1/4 cup (2 oz.) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau) 1/4 cup thinly sliced jalapeño chile (from 1 chile), plus more slices for garnish 8 (6-in.) fresh mint sprigs, plus more for garnish Directions Pour a thin layer of sugar on a small plate. Rub lime wedge around rim of margarita or rocks glasses; dip rim of glasses into sugar until evenly coated. Place tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, orange liqueur, jalapeño, and mint in a pitcher or large measuring cup. Using a cocktail muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, press jalapeño and mint, crushing slightly, for about 15 seconds. Fill prepared glasses with ice. Strain drink through a fine mesh strainer into glasses. Garnish with additional lime wedges, jalapeño slices, and mint. Strain out the jalapeño, and store the cocktail in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rate It Print