Spicy Margarita Recipe

by | Aug 21, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes

Spicy Margarita cocktail centered in a rocks glass with Tajín chili-lime rim, lime wheel, and jalapeño slice garnish on a marble bar top with festive blurred lights

Spicy Tajín Margarita = crisp lime, clean blanco tequila, and a chili-lime-salt rim that pops. We keep the classic 3–2–1 margarita bones (tequila, orange liqueur, lime) and add a touch of agave for balance, The spicy margarita cocktail recipe is built to please a crowd at taco night or the dance floor.

About This Spicy Tajín Margarita

We pour these year-round on Long Island—bachelorettes, backyard tacos, beach sunsets. The Tajín rim adds tangy heat that mirrors fresh lime and lifts the tequila’s agave. Pro move for events: pre-batch the base and rim glasses onsite so the spice stays vivid.

Pro link: Planning a crowd? Use our Alcohol Calculator to estimate tequila, liqueur, and limes by guest count.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz agave syrup
  • Tajín (for rim)
  • Ice
  • Garnish: lime wedge or jalapeño slice

Steps

  1. Rim. Swipe a lime wedge around a rocks glass; dip into Tajín to coat half or the whole rim.
  2. Shake. In a shaker with ice, add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave. Shake 12–15 seconds.
  3. Strain. Fill rimmed glass with fresh ice; strain the cocktail over.
  4. Garnish. Add a lime wedge (or a thin jalapeño slice for extra kick).

Bar Tips

  • Heat control: keep spice on the rim; skip muddled peppers for a clean, balanced burn.
  • Smoother texture: fine-strain to remove ice shards and keep Tajín crisp.
  • Salt level: a tiny pinch of salt in the shaker sharpens citrus and tames bitterness.

Flavor Notes

  • Tequila: choose a bright, citrusy blanco; reposado adds honeyed oak.
  • Agave vs syrup: nectar is richer; 1:1 agave syrup dilutes easier in cold drinks.

Variations

  • Jalapeño-Infused: steep 1 sliced jalapeño in 1 cup tequila for 30–60 minutes; strain.
  • Smoky: swap 0.25–0.5 oz tequila for mezcal.
  • Frozen: blend with 1 cup ice; add 0.25–0.5 oz extra agave for body.
  • No-spice rim: use flaky salt + a pinch of Tajín in the shaker.

Party Batch (8 drinks)

  • 2 cups (16 oz) blanco tequila
  • 1 cup (8 oz) orange liqueur
  • 1 cup (8 oz) fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz) agave syrup

Combine in a bottle/pitcher and chill. To serve, rim glasses with Tajín, add ice, pour 4–5 oz per drink, garnish, and go.

When to Serve

Perfect for taco bars, bachelorettes, game day, and any summer-into-fall party where you want bright lime and a playful kick.

See our Summer roundup: Summer Cocktail Recipes.

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Is Tajín good for spicy margaritas?

Yes, Tajín (chile, lime, salt) mirrors the drink’s citrus and adds a clean, tangy heat. It spices the first sip without over-infusing the cocktail.

What is a spicy margarita made of?

The classic margarita base (tequila, orange liqueur aka cointreau, fresh lime) plus heat from a Tajín rim or sliced jalapeño. A touch of agave keeps it balanced.

What is Tajín on a margarita?

A chili-lime-salt seasoning applied to the glass rim. It adds aroma, bite, and a little salinity to sharpen the lime.

What is the 3–2–1 rule for margaritas?

Three parts tequila, two parts orange liqueur, one part lime juice. Sweeten to taste (we use ~0.5 oz agave per drink).

What alcohol is good with Tajín?

Blanco tequila is the natural match. For a smoky variation, sub 0.25–0.5 oz of tequila with mezcal.