A classic Margarita is the celebration of a refreshing drinking experience, but it can demonstrate some new and unexpected vibes, if twisted properly. The Spicy Margarita is an intriguing version of the traditional Mexican cocktail, featuring the hot bite from jalapeño peppers: it blends sweetness, spice and vegetal notes, enhanced by the elegant touch of Grand Marnier, creating an exciting experience you absolutely must try.

The essential formula does not change, as the Spicy Margarita keep its simple, yet incomparable soul: 100% agave Tequila should be your spirit of choice, with its earthy, vegetal notes. Fresh lime juice adds the tart, acidic component, lacing with the round, delicious profile of Grand Marnier. The secret of a Spicy Margarita lies within the tiny bits of jalapeño pepper you will include in the recipe: add just a couple of rings for a mildly spicy concoction, or dare with a bit more if you feel like it!

Following are the ingredients you will need for an easy Spicy Margarita recipe:

• 50ml 100% Tequila Blanco such as Espolòn
• 25ml Grand Marnier
• 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 10ml agave syrup
• 2 slices of jalapeño pepper
• jalapeño pepper for garnish

If you want to know how to make a Spicy Margarita, here are the key steps you should follow:

• Pre-chill your shaker by stirring a few good quality ice cubes in it; then remove the ice and excess water;
• Pre-chill a cocktail glass by storing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving, or filling it up with ice while concocting the cocktail;
• Gently muddle the jalapeno pepper rings in the base of the shaker;
• Add all the other ingredients in the shaker;
• Add more good quality ice cubes and shake vigorously;
• Strain into the pre-chilled cocktail glass (Serve with a jalapeno ring as a garnish)

To achieve the best Spicy Margarita recipe, try adopting some, or all of the suggestions that follow, to elevate your drinking experience:

• Watch out for the seeds: as you probably know, capsaicin (the spicy component in the jalapeño pepper) resides in the seeds and ribs of the jalapeño. Make sure you remove the seeds before muddling, thus avoiding an excessive spice burn; or leave a few if you feel like some bite is missing (it’s called Spicy Margarita for a reason, at the end of the day);
• We drink with our eyes: although obviously different, a Spicy Margarita is a twist on an iconic classic, which should be recognized by its appearance too. You are free to experiment with different varieties of peppers, but try to not go too far from the original, light and luminous emerald color of a traditional Margarita;
• Muddle, but don’t be mad: the act of muddling allows you to extract all the flavors, spice and juice from the pepper, thus giving your Spicy Margarita its clearly distinctive aromatic profile and color. But don’t go over the top: muddle gently, as you do not want to end up with some jelly-like unattractive blob as your ingredient;
• Fine straining: while straining your Spicy Margarita, some flesh or seeds from the jalapeño could filter through. Make sure you opt for a double straining technique to achieve the perfect, cloudy appearance of your drink.