This strawberry jalapeno margarita is the ultimate spicy cocktail for summer. Sweet, fresh strawberries meet spicy jalapeños in a perfectly balanced drink that’s ideal for happy hour, Taco Tuesday, or Cinco de Mayo. Whether you’re making a single drink or prepping bulk drinks for a crowd, this is your new favorite way to shake up a margarita.
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You'll love this strawberry jalapeno margarita recipe
They're delicious. This delicious drink combines the sweetness of strawberries with the bold kick of jalapeño and fresh citrus. The result is a bright flavor that's perfect for any summer day or for a Friday night after a long week.
They're easy to make. This is a simple recipe with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. If you’re new to making cocktails at home, this one’s an excellent place to start.
They're perfect for summer. There’s nothing better than sipping a perfect, refreshing cocktail during strawberry season! And who doesn't love strawberry season! Add in the heat from spicy jalapeños and the tartness of fresh lime juice, and it’s an instant warm-weather favorite.
Ingredients
Jalapeno Slices. For the kick of spice! I use 2-3 slices of jalapeño and roughly remove the seeds. The more seeds you leave in your slices of jalapeno, the spicer it'll be!
Fresh Lime Juice. Always go for fresh lime juice over bottled for that vibrant, zesty punch. Don’t forget the lime wedge for rimming and garnishing!
Strawberry Simple Syrup. Made with fresh strawberries and sugar, this syrup gives the margarita a beautiful pink hue and fruity flavor. Plus, making homemade strawberry simple syrup is one of my favorite recipes to use up all those fresh strawberries!
Tequila. Use your favorite tequila here. I recommend silver tequila or tequila blanco for the best flavor and to let the strawberries shine.
Triple Sec. This orange liqueur adds a citrusy balance that rounds out the drink. You can also use a splash of orange juice if you don’t have it on hand.
How to make a strawberry jalapeno margarita
- Start by rimming the edge of the glass with a lime wedge, then dip it in a mix of kosher salt and chili powder.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1–2 slices of jalapeño with 1 oz of fresh lime juice.
- Add 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of Triple Sec, and 1 oz of strawberry simple syrup.
- Toss in a handful of ice cubes and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with a lime wheel, a strawberry slice, or a floating jalapeño slice.
PS - if you like these margarita glasses, they're available on Amazon!
How to make strawberry simple syrup
Making homemade strawberry simple syrup is so easy! Here's what you'll need
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the strawberries break down. Let it cool, then strain into a mason jar or an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep for up to a week. TIP: For a slightly more natural sweetness, swap sugar for maple syrup or honey.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap Triple Sec with Grand Marnier or a splash of orange juice for a twist.
- You can always use reposado tequila for an oakier flavor.
- If you don't have strawberry simple syrup, you can always muddle a few fresh strawberries and still get that fresh, sweet strawberry flavor your taste buds will love.
- If you want it a little sweeter, you can always add a splash of simple syrup or agave nectar.
Best tequila for a margarita
- Tequila Blanco (aka silver tequila) is best for spicy strawberry margaritas. It has a clean flavor that won’t overpower the fruit. I prefer making my margaritas with blanco tequilas!
- Reposado is aged and slightly oaky, good if you want a richer drink.
- Always go with a high-quality tequila for the best results. It really makes a difference in a good margarita.
Garnish ideas
- Lime zest or a lime wheel
- Thin strawberry slice on the rim
- A floating jalapeño slice for drama and flavor
- A rim of kosher salt mixed with chili powder
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Make the strawberry simple syrup and pre-mix the margarita base (tequila, syrup, lime juice, triple sec) in a mason jar or pitcher. Shake with ice just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Can I make it less spicy?
Of course. Use fewer slices of jalapeño and remove the seeds before muddling.
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This strawberry jalapeño margarita is one you’ll want to come back to again and again. Pin this recipe and make it your go-to for summer gatherings, taco nights, and whenever you're craving something spicy and sweet.
Want more margarita recipes?
Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita
This strawberry jalapeno margarita is the ultimate spicy cocktail for summer. Sweet, fresh strawberries meet spicy jalapeños in a perfectly balanced drink that’s ideal for happy hour, Taco Tuesday, or Cinco de Mayo.
Ingredients
- 2-3 slices jalapeno
- ½ oz lime juice
- 2 oz tequila
- ½ oz triple sec
- 1 oz strawberry simple syrup
Instructions
- Start by rimming the edge of the glass with a lime wedge, then dip it in a mix of kosher salt and chili powder.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1–2 slices of jalapeño with 1 oz of fresh lime juice.
- Add 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of Triple Sec, and 1 oz of strawberry simple syrup.
- Toss in a handful of ice cubes and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with a lime wheel, a strawberry slice, or a floating jalapeño slice.
Notes
How to make strawberry simple syrup
Making homemade strawberry simple syrup is so easy! Here's what you'll need
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the strawberries break down. Let it cool, then strain into a mason jar or an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep for up to a week. TIP: For a slightly more natural sweetness, swap sugar for maple syrup or honey.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap Triple Sec with Grand Marnier or a splash of orange juice for a twist.
- You can always use reposado tequila for an oakier flavor.
- If you don't have strawberry simple syrup, you can always muddle a few fresh strawberries and still get that fresh, sweet strawberry flavor your taste buds will love.
- If you want it a little sweeter, you can always add a splash of simple syrup or agave nectar.
Best tequila for a margarita
- Tequila Blanco (aka silver tequila) is best for spicy strawberry margaritas. It has a clean flavor that won’t overpower the fruit. I prefer making my margaritas with blanco tequilas!
- Reposado is aged and slightly oaky, good if you want a richer drink.
- Always go with a high-quality tequila for the best results. It really makes a difference in a good margarita.
Garnish ideas
- Lime zest or a lime wheel
- Thin strawberry slice on the rim
- A floating jalapeño slice for drama and flavor
- A rim of kosher salt mixed with chili powder
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Make the strawberry simple syrup and pre-mix the margarita base (tequila, syrup, lime juice, triple sec) in a mason jar or pitcher. Shake with ice just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Can I make it less spicy?
Of course. Use fewer slices of jalapeño and remove the seeds before muddling.
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