spicy jalapeño margarita

Did you know February 22nd is National Margarita Day?! Every year, I forget until my best friend Scott sends a text message to remind me because he knows it's my all time favorite mixed drink. 🤣 When I got the message this morning, I realized I don't have any good pictures with a margarita to post to recognize the holiday lol. Once I realized that, I was on a mission to make my own jalapeño margarita and take a good photo (and match my drink if course.)

It's snowing pretty bad where I live today, so I had to use ingredients I aready had in my kitchen (or my sister's next door.) All you'll need is:

• tequila (look for bottle that is labeled 100% agave)

• limes

• oranges

• jalapeños

• sugar

• water

• kosher salt or sea salt

• chili powder

This recipe was perfect for me to use, because I didn't have any simple syrup or Triple Sec. It calls for a little extra time making your own jalapeño simple syrup, but you can always pick up your own. You can also pass on making your own chili lime salt and just purchase Tajin seasoning. Let's get to drink making!!!

jalapeño simple syrup:

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 jalapeño

Start by bringing 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a low boil in a small sauce pan. Be sure to stir to help dissolve the sugar. While this is warming up, cut a jalapeño in half and remove the seeds. Once all of the sugar is disolved in the water, add the jalapeño and simmer for 10 more minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep for 10-30 more minutes, depending how spicy you'd like your simple syrup. Allow to cool before using. I needed mine right away, so I put a small amount in the freezer to speed up the process.

chili lime salt:

• kosher salt or sea salt

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 2 tbsp lime juice

Now it's time to make the chili lime salt for the rim! Mix all of the ingredients together on a small plate, big enough to rim your glass with. Slice a lime and rub it around the edge of your glass to moisten, then flip your glass over onto the plate to edge the rim with the chili lime salt! Add a sliced lime and sliced jalapeño to the rim for garnish!

spicy jalapeño margarita:

2 ounces silver tequila

2 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed is ALWAYS best)

2 ounces orange juice (fresh squeezed as well)

1/2 ounce jalapeño simple syrup that we made above (or more to taste)

1 jalapeño, sliced to garnish

Okay, now for the grand finale and best part- the margarita! Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Pour into glass with ice and toss in some jalapeños to garnish.

Last but not least, say a cheers and enjoy!

Although there's still snow in Upstate NY, wearing an outfit I originally bought for vacation and sipping a spicy jalapeño margarita definitely helped make me feel like I was somewhere on a beach! Let me know if you try this recipe and if you enjoy it! ☺️

OUTFIT