Looking for a summer cocktail with a little spice and a lot of fresh citrus? This Spicy Clementine Jalapeño Margarita is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spicy. Fresh clementines give it a juicy, zesty flavor, while the jalapeño-infused tequila adds a delicious warming kick. It’s refreshing but bold, perfect for any happy hour, Taco Tuesday, or anytime you want a unique margarita with a twist. The citrus-forward notes are complemented beautifully by the smooth finish of tequila and a hint of orange liqueur. The optional Tajín rim takes it over the top with an extra burst of chili-lime saltiness in every sip.
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Here’s What Ingredients You’ll Need for This Drink:
- 2 oz jalapeño-infused tequila
- 2 clementines, peeled and muddled
- ½ oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- Tajín, for rimming the glass
- Ice
- Muddler
- Citrus juicer
- Cocktail Shaker
What is a Clementine?
Clementines are a variety of mandarin oranges known for their bright, sweet flavor and easy-to-peel skin. They’re typically seedless, making them perfect for muddling in cocktails. Clementines are in season during the winter months, from around November through February, but you can often find them in grocery stores a little earlier or later depending on your region. Their juicy segments are packed with vitamin C and natural sugars, making them an excellent fresh citrus component for cocktails when you’re looking for something a little sweeter and softer than a traditional orange.
If clementines aren’t available, you can substitute tangerines or mandarin oranges, though the flavor may vary slightly.
How to Make Your Own Jalapeño Infused Tequila
While you can buy jalapeño-infused tequila, it is simple to make at home and lets you control the level of heat in your drink.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup (8 oz) blanco tequila
- 1 fresh jalapeño
Steps:
- Slice the jalapeño into rings. For more heat, leave the seeds in; for a milder infusion, remove them.
- Add the jalapeño slices to a clean jar and pour in the tequila.
- Let it infuse at room temperature for 6–24 hours, depending on how spicy you want it. Taste test every few hours.
- Once it’s at your desired spice level, strain out the jalapeño slices and store the infused tequila in a sealed container.
Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, you can infuse tequila for just an hour and still get some decent flavor. It won’t be as bold, but it’ll do in a pinch.
You can use a mason jar or infusion bottle, I like these jars for infusions.
Alternatively you can add fresh jalapeño slices and muddle then add blanco tequila.
What is Muddling?
Muddling is a bartending technique used to extract the flavors and oils from fresh ingredients like fruit, herbs, or spices. You’ll often see it used with mint in a mojito or berries in a smash-style cocktail. In this margarita, muddling the clementines helps release their juices and natural oils into the drink, creating a fresher, more aromatic citrus flavor than store-bought juice alone.
To muddle properly, use a muddler (a wooden or plastic bartending tool), and press down gently but firmly on the fruit in the bottom of a shaker or mixing glass. You’re not smashing it to bits—just enough to break the citrus membranes and let the juice out.
If you don’t have a muddler, the back of a wooden spoon or the end of a rolling pin can work in a pinch. You can also use a juicer instead if you have one.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ingredients. This cocktail shines because of the real clementines and lime juice. Bottled citrus juice won’t give you the same flavor or brightness.
- Adjust spice to taste. Not a fan of too much heat? Infuse your tequila for less time or use fewer jalapeño slices. Love a burn? Let it sit longer or even add a slice of fresh jalapeño to the shaker.
- Rim it right. For a bold, tangy finish, dip your glass in lime juice and coat it with Tajín (a chili-lime salt seasoning). It balances the sweetness and heat perfectly.
- Make it a pitcher. Hosting a crowd? Multiply the recipe and muddle a bunch of clementines in a pitcher, then shake individual servings with ice to keep it fresh.
Chill your glass. Pop your margarita glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. A cold glass makes the drink feel even more refreshing.
You might also like Spicy Strawberry Coconut Margarita.
How To Make A Spicy Clementine Jalapeño Margarita
Spicy Clementine Jalapeño Margarita Recipe
Spicy Clementine Jalapeño Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz jalapeño-infused tequila
- 2 clementines peeled and muddled
- ½ oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- Tajín for rimming
Instructions
- Rim your glass with lime juice and dip in Tajín.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the peeled clementines until juicy.
- Add the jalapeño-infused tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave, and ice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a thin clementine wheel or a jalapeño slice if desired.
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