Charred Jalapeño Margarita with Fresh Lime
A smoky, spicy twist on the classic margarita featuring charred jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and smooth tequila for a festive Cinco de Mayo cocktail. This Mexican-inspired Cinco de Mayo recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together jalapeño pepper, halved and seeded, tequila blanco, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeño pepper, halved and seeded
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- for rimming glass kosher salt
- 1 lime wedge
- 1 cup ice cubes
The shaker and jigger we’d mix this with → Best Bar Tools for 2026: Shakers, Jiggers & Strainers Worth Buying
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place 1 halved and seeded jalapeño pepper cut side down and char for 3-4 minutes until blackened and blistered. Remove and let cool, then finely chop.
- Step 2: Rub the rim of a rocks glass with 1 lime wedge and dip into kosher salt to coat the rim evenly.
- Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup ice cubes. Add 2 oz tequila blanco, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1/2 oz agave syrup, and 1 tbsp chopped charred jalapeño.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and combined.
- Step 5: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Step 6: Garnish with a slice of jalapeño or lime wheel and serve a smoky, spicy margarita perfect for Cinco de Mayo festivities.








