Orange Jalapeño Margaritas

Orange Jalapeño Margaritas combine tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup – with some muddled jalapeño slices for some heat. You decide how spicy you like your cocktails, and incorporate jalapeños accordingly. Such an interesting and delightful concoction for happy hour!

Y’all probably already know that I’m a spice girl. In other words, I like my food on the spicy side, and I’m all about trying spicy cocktails too. I’ve definitely had to “cool” things off on the blog, and have gone back and changed several recipes with a bit too much jalapeño and cayenne. I usually explain ways to take the spice level up or down, depending on YOUR preferences.

So I’ve been on the hunt lately, for a spicy marg, and decided to make one myself. My first attempt was a big ole’ bomb! I infused tequila with a large jalapeño with ALL the seeds, and let it sit for 24 hours or a tad more. Let’s just say that my mouth was ON FIRE. Ok not literally, but almost! 😀

These margaritas are tamed way down. I simply muddled some jalapeño slices, instead of infusing tequila.

Ingredients needed for Orange Jalapeño Margaritas:

• Tequila – Use a good quality, silver tequila for best results.
• Orange Cointreau – I love using this in my margarita recipes.
• Limes and Oranges – These fresh ingredients make the best margaritas!
• Jalapeño – You’ll need a couple of slices to muddle, and then a couple more to serve.
• Simple Syrup – This is equal parts sugar and water, and is optional. Most like a little sweet in their cocktails, so I like to include it in my recipes.
• Lots of Ice – You’ll need some for the glasses and some for the cocktail shaker.
• Kosher Salt – Used to rim the glasses

How to make Orange Jalapeño Margaritas:

1. Prep. Squeeze limes and oranges with a citrus press, and store juice in the refrigerator. Slice some orange and lime rounds for serving. Cut a jalapeño into slices. Set out glasses and liquors. Make a simple syrup (see below).
2. Prep glasses. Pour kosher salt on a plate. Take a lime wedge and run it around the rims of the glasses. Dip glasses in salt, and fill glasses with ice. Garnish the glasses with orange and lime slices, and drop a jalapeño slice in the drink.
3. Make drinks. Drop a couple of jalapeño slices into a cocktail shaker. Muddle it for about 5-6 seconds. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime and orange juice, and simple syrup, if desired. Shake vigorously.
4. Pour. Pour margaritas into the prepared margarita glasses. Repeat process for additional cocktails.

How to make simple syrup:

1. Place an equal amount of water and sugar in a small saucepan. (I usually do a cup of each.)
2. Bring to a simmer, and cook until sugar is dissolved.
3. Remove from heat, and pour into a mason jar or another container.
4. After it cools, store in the refrigerator for cocktails of your choice.
5. You will only need a couple of ounces per drink, but it’s nice to keep some in the refrigerator for emergency cocktails!

Let’s be responsible party-goers and snack on ALL the things while enjoying our margs! OK? 😀

FAV Snacks for Happy Hour:

• Roasted Tomato Bruschetta with Ricotta – This is great served at room temp. Super easy to make ahead of time!
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – If you like spicy like I do, these are your thing. Make them soon!
• Honey Roasted Nuts – The perfect sweet and spicy nuts in one. I highly recommend them. 🙂

Try this margarita recipe next! Classic Skinny Margaritas

Please let me know if you try this recipe. Be sure to comment and leave a review on the blog so I can see what you think. You can also like my Facebook Page, follow me on Pinterest, and catch me on Instagram.

xoxo ~Sue