Spicy Margarita

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The Spicy Margarita gives your favorite summertime cocktail a hot upgrade.

It was an unseasonably cold day in Galveston, Texas. I had to wear a trench coat out, since the wind was blowing a little harder than expected. It wasn’t raining, but the air was wet. As I walked with the beach on my right, the Gulf of Mexico churned and crashed into the shore, with the gray and overcast sky above making the time hard to tell. Was it early morning? Or late afternoon? Didn’t matter to me. My watch told me it was time for a cocktail.

With the silhouette of the Pleasure Pier off in the distance, and the empty street I walked down, the eerie feeling of solitude was palpable. The whole scene looked like a background painting out of Scooby Doo. Lucky for me, a bar happened to cross my path, warm light spilling from its windows. I could hear the muffled sounds of the jukebox playing “Moonlight Mile” by The Rolling Stones. This was the place for me.

The inside of this rustic, beachfront tavern was just as empty as the outside, save for a lone bartender smiling at me. As I approached them, wondering what I wanted to drink, a cocktail was already waiting for me. Too thirsty and drawn in to question any of this, I grabbed the glass and sipped… tequila, Cointreau, lime juice… it was a familiar and famous mixture I recognized right away, but with heat, and the kick of chili-lime salt on the rim. This Spicy Margarita not only soothed my parched throat, it also made me break a sweat. I was ready to continue my stroll in the Galveston wind.

Leaving invigorated by the fiery and zesty cocktail I had enjoyed, I turned for one last look, hoping to remember the name of the establishment I was just in. No sign, no name… and now, no more lights or music. The building appeared to be abandoned suddenly.

I’ll come back tomorrow, I thought to myself. Maybe they can make a Devil’s Margarita, too…

What Is The Best Tequila To Use In A Spicy Margarita?

Most Margaritas call for the use of a clear-colored blanco tequila, and tonight’s drink is no different. You can go for an aged reposado spirit for a more complex and robust sip, but with the heat from the serrano and chili-lime powdered rim, I would suggest sticking with the peppery, earthy and citrusy notes of the blanco for a more balanced-tasting cocktail.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

You can enjoy a Spicy Margarita in either a chilled margarita glass or a rocks glass. Line the rim with the chili-lime powder and garnish with a lime wheel. Make sure you fill the glass with ice, too. You’ll need some cold to go with the heat.

CAN YOU OMIT THE CHILE PEPPERS AND SPICE FROM THIS RECIPE?

If you’d like, you can make this drink without the hotter ingredients and enjoy a regular Margarita.

Other Margaritas Worth Trying

If you never get tired of Margaritas, then Twist & Toast is where you’ll want to spend the evening. And if the Spicy Margarita had your taste buds screaming for more concoctions like it, you’ll be happy to see more than a few thirst-quenching and sweat-inducing recipes you can try out.

• Cucumber Margarita – Hot and fresh tasting, this cucumber and jalapeño infused drink is sure to please.
• Texas Margarita – A splash of orange juice brings this ‘Rita to the rodeo.
• Espresso Margarita – Wake up your senses with this caffeinated dram.
• Virgin Margarita – Taking a booze break and need something without the alcohol? Try this liquor-free recipe.