This Spicy Margarita Recipe Brings the Heat | Wine Enthusiast
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This Spicy Margarita Recipe Brings the Heat

Whether you’re a lifelong spice fiend, or simply looking to heat up your next happy hour, this spicy Margarita recipe is a spirited riff on the classic cocktail.

The Margarita is the most popular drink in America, beating out the classic Old Fashioned and Martini, according to Nielsen data. Spicy Margaritas are a force unto themselves and can be made all sorts of ways.

While some spicy Margarita recipes simply add chiles to the traditional rubric of lime juice, orange liqueur, simple syrup and tequila, this version features fresh jalapeños and cooling cucumbers. You can alter spice levels to taste by using a slice of jalapeño with or without its seeds, and by including or omitting chili powder in your salt rim.

Either way, you’ll want to choose your tequila wisely. Opt for a blanco tequila to let the cucumber and lime shine. Need to restock your home bar? Check out Wine Enthusiast’s top tequilas for every price point.

How to Make El Pepino, a Spicy Margarita Recipe

Adapted from Rob Day, director of operations, Richard Sandoval Hospitality

Ingredients

1 ounce cucumber purée
¼ inch slice fresh jalapeño pepper
1½ ounces blanco Tequila
1½ ounces fresh lime juice
½ ounce agave nectar
Chili piquin or ancho chili powder and salt to rim glass, optional
Cucumber wheel, for garnish

Directions

Crush the jalapeño in the bottom of a mixing glass using a muddler or back of a spoon. Add remaining liquid ingredients, cucumber purée and ice to glass. Shake well, and strain into a double rocks glass rimmed with chili powder and salt, if desired. Fill glass with fresh ice and garnish with cucumber wheel.