Cocktail

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.

This spicy orange margarita brings the heat and the sunshine—aka, your new favorite way to upgrade happy hour.

When I'm in the mood for something bold but still fresh and citrusy, this orange jalapeño margarita never lets me down!

spicy orange margarita in a glass rimmed with tajin

Orange Jalapeño Margarita

A few summers ago, I realized the spicy orange margarita might just be my favorite twist on the classic version. I was craving something a little bold, so I grabbed a jalapeño, squeezed some oranges, and let's just say… things got deliciously out of hand.

Now this one's my go-to when I want something that sips like sunshine but still brings a little fire. Tajín on the rim is a must. A jalapeño garnish? Non-negotiable -like in this spicy mango margarita. You definitely want to try it next!

Ingredients

The recipe card below will tell you everything you need to make this spicy margarita, but here's the gist so you can start pouring:

Jalapeño rounds: for muddling and more for garnish.
Lime juice: nothing beats freshly squeezed.
Simple syrup: or agave if that's your style.
Tequila: use your favorite brand of Blanco or Silver.
Cointreau: or triple sec to help balance the flavors.
Orange juice: freshly squeezed or store-bought.
Tajín: (optional) for rimming the glass. You can also swap it out for salt for a more familiar taste.
Orange slice: for garnish.

How to Make a Spicy Orange Margarita

This cocktail is super easy to pull off so you have more time to make snacks to go with it! Here's how to get that perfect sip:

Prep the glass
If you're using Tajín or salt, now's the moment to prep the glass. I recommend a lowball for this margarita.
Release the spice
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño rounds with lime juice and simple syrup. You'll know it's ready when you start to smell the spice. I leave the seeds in when I really want to bring the heat.
Make the marg
Add the tequila, Cointreau, orange juice, and a handful of ice to the cocktail shaker and shake it until the sides are frosted (about 15-20 seconds).
Serve & Garnish
Strain the mixture and pour it into your prepared glass. Top with fresh ice and garnish. I like to clip a dehydrated orange wheel and jalapeño slice to the rim with one of those tiny clothespins (so cute!) and a sprig of thyme for an easy way to give it that WOW factor.

Rimming a Glass with Tajín

Just like you'd salt a rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and gently dip it into a shallow dish of Tajín to give this drink a citrusy, chili-lime kick. Don't be shy, but don't go overboard either-you want a nice, even coating.

What to Serve With This Margarita

This drink's got enough personality to handle bold flavors, so don't be afraid to go big. I recommend my grilled fish tacos with creamy sriracha, these rich and smoky curried cauliflower tacos, or maybe a piled-high plate of spicy cajun shrimp tacos!

Spicy Orange Margarita

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

This spicy orange margarita brings the heat and the sunshine-aka, your new favorite way to upgrade happy hour.

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin

Ingredients

2 jalapeño rounds, more for garnish
1 ounce lime juice
½ ounce Simple syrup
1 ½ ounces tequila, silver or blanco
1 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
3 ounces fresh orange juice
Tajín for the rim, optional
Orange slice, for garnish

Instructions

Prep:

If you enjoy a salted glass, prep the rim of your glass by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim. Dip in tequila salt or tajín, and set aside.

Make the marg:

Add the jalapeño rounds (slices) with or without the seeds (the seeds add heat) inside a cocktail shaker. Add the lime juice and simple syrup, and using a muddler, press down to release the jalapeño juices.
Add the tequila, cointreau, orange juice, and a handful of ice cubes. Shake well until the sides are fully frosted.

Serve:

Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the spicy orange margarita through the strainer and pour it into the prepared glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime and additional jalapeño slices.