If Texas had a State Drink (which maybe we do, but I’m not aware of it–if we do, leave me a note–I need the education, obviously), it would be this Jalapeno Margarita. I kid you not, this is the most perfect margarita that has ever been born. And I’ve had ’em all. Prickly Pear Margaritas, Frozen Strawberry Limeade Margaritas, Blue Ocean Margaritas, and everything from there to in-between, I’ve sampled them all. But nothing compares to the Jalapeno Margarita. Kick, bite, hot, sweet. Damn, it’s good. And so much more. LOL!
The key here is to get jalapenos that you can stand-up to the heat with. Meaning: Don’t use jalapenos that are too hot for you to handle. That may take some testing on your part. Now, I’m not suggesting that you just take a bite out of every jalapeno…but just be judicious and lick them. Yeah, lick them.
Frankly, this will save you from throwing out your first round of Jalapeno Margaritas like I did. Because I was not a smart girl when I tried this the first time. Nope. I just tossed-off jalapenos like there was no tomorrow and almost died on the first sip. Into the sink with those!
Now, I know to taste a little slice before I go a-stirring them into the mix. My hubby thinks I should take a bite. But to that I say: BOOOO! No way am I trying a jalapeno without being super cautious. I grew-up in Texas, so I can stand the heat, but I’m not stupid, either. LOL!
Jalapeno Margarita
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
- Ice cubes, if desired (I desire)
- 6 oz. tequila (I recommend top shelf--those lesser ones...eeeeww)
- 4 large limes, squeezed OR 4 oz. lime juice
- 4 tspn orange liqueur
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 10 slices, mild jalapeno (about 2 jalapenos)
- Rim
- 1 tblspn cinnamon
- ½ tblspn sugar
- Start by getting your glasses ready.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl and spread on a plate in a thick layer.
- Dip tops of your glasses into water, then immediately into the cinnamon/sugar mixture.
- Turn glasses right-side-up and set aside.
- Stir water and sugar together until sugar is as dissolved as it will get. If you have to, heat it a little over the stove or in the microwave. But get that sugar dissolved to make your simple syrup.
- Combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly or shake--your choice.
- Pour over a drink strainer into your glasses, drop ice cubes in, if so desired, and garnish with a slice of lime, or some jalapeno or a sprig of mint. In a minute, when you've got a splash of this going down your throat, you're not going to care what it's garnished with. Heh.
So, what do you think? Will you be making this recipe for a Jalapeno Margarita at your next get-together? I’ll be honest, I thought one pitcher would be enough at our last party, but I was WRONG. I ended-up making a second batch about an hour into our shindig and there were only 10 people. One pitcher should have lasted, but we were running on the fumes of the second pitcher when the last guest went home! So be prepared–it’ll be a favorite, before you know it.
