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If you just raised an eyebrow and thought, "Did you add pickle juice to that?" Yes, I did. Just trust me here… this spicy-sweet-tangy combo is wild in the best way. Once you try it, you'll get it.
Spicy Dill Pickle Margarita
This cocktail was born out of pure curiosity and a half-empty jar of pickles. I was halfway into making a spicy margarita when I spotted the jar and had a real "what if?" moment. One sip in, and I knew I was onto something dangerously fun.
The sugar rim balances the spice, the dill brings an unexpected tanginess, and the jalapeño heat brings the drama. It's spicy, salty, and a little sassy-basically me in a glass.
What You Need
Everything you need to shake up this tart and spicy margarita will be listed in the recipe card below, but before you make any swaps, here's why each ingredient is needed:
- Tequila: use your favorite brand of Blanco or Silver.
- Cointreau or Triple Sec: you can use either. Amp up the tartness with Cointreau or go for Triple Sec if you want it sweeter.
- Lime juice: freshly squeezed!
- Dill Pickle Juice: adds a briny twist that reminds me a bit of my favorite dirty Margarita.
- Jalapeño rounds: adds heat to this cocktail.
- Garnish: a raw sugar rim, extra jalapeño rounds and a lime wedge.
How to Make a Spicy Pickle Margarita
Grab your pickle jar, and let's shake up some chaos! Here is how to make the best pickle margarita, with a few additional tips in each step to ensure the best sip:
- Prep your glass
Rub a lime wedge along the edge of your glass, dip it in raw sugar, and set it aside. - Release the heat
In your shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with lime juice to release the spicy oils. Keep in mind that more seeds = more spice. You'll know they are muddled enough when the spicy aroma hits your nose. - Shake it up
Add ice and the remaining ingredients to the cocktail shaker. Give everything a good shake until the sides of the glass are fully frosted. - Serve
Pour the shaken mixture into the prepared glass, garnish, and sip. See? I told you it was good!
Garnishes
This cocktail is best served with a sugar rim to balance the other flavors. Add a lime wedge, extra jalapeño slices, and a quartered dill pickle spear for extra flair that doubles as a snack. And if you want to avoid an accidental pickle-in-the-face moment (yes, I went there), skewer everything on a cocktail pick for easy sipping.
What to Serve with it
This bold margarita pairs well with something salty, savory and straight-up indulgent. Think quesadillas with rotisserie chicken, a plate of loaded chili tacos, or a bowl of my easy guacamole salsa with a huge pile of chips for dipping.
Other Spicy Margaritas
If this pickle-infused marg got your attention, this spicy cucumber margarita or pineapple jalapeño margarita should be next in line. Or choose a spicy mango margarita or orange spicy marg if you're craving something fruity with a little fire. Honestly, It's hard to pick a favorite!
Spicy Pickle Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 jalapeño rounds, more for garnish
- 1 ½ ounces tequila
- 1 ½ ounces Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce dill pickle juice
- 1 dill pickle spear, quartered
Instructions
Prep:
- Prep your glass by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim and dipping it in raw sugar, 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 using a muddler, press down to release the jalapeño juices.
- Add the ice cubes, tequila, Cointreau, and pickle juice. Shake vigorously until the sides are fully frosted.
Serve:
- Add fresh ice into the prepared glass and pour the margarita into the glass. You can also use the ice from the shaker; this is up to you.
- Add the quartered pickle spear into the glass and serve.
- Garnish with a wedge of lime and additional jalapeño slices.
Rose says
This combination of spicy and tangy was absolutely amazing! Loved this pickle margarita with a kick!