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This skinny jalapeno margarita is simply made with lime juice, silver tequila, honey, and some jalapeno + cilantro. This almost-good-for you combo will please even the most discerning margarita lover (think: the BEST skinny margarita!).
It’s official, folks. Summertime is upon us! Because it’s been a while, we should probably recap how summer works:
Summer’s obligation to us: provide sunshine, chirping birds, warm cars to enjoy upon exit from chilly buildings, minimal mosquitoes, and countless excuses to throw parties of 1 to 100.
Our obligation to summer: find a completely engrossing book, spend as many days as possible relaxing poolside and feeling confident in our bodies, eat only the best BBQ, and find/make/share a knock-your-socks-off margarita.
While I can’t help with all the above, I CAN provide book inspiration in that I’m planning to read Girl on the Train, Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, and Ajax Penumbra 1969 (a prequel to the WONDERFUL book Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Book Store) this summer. If you want to join my entirely unofficial Fed+Fit Book-Club, follow me on Instagram! We can dish over our thoughts on these summer reads.
Books aside, I can ALSO aid in your search for a knock-your-socks-off margarita by sharing the very best jalapeno margarita recipe in the whole wide world! It’s the very best and it’s almost good for you.
Important note of qualification: as a Garcia by birth and resident of San Antonio, TX with a picky palate for only the best ingredients that actually jive WITH my healthy body (vs. make me feel like crap), I am actually the foremost authority on tasty-delicious, almost-good-for-you margaritas.
Jalapeno Margarita Recipe Ingredients
This masterpiece of a cocktail is made possible by a small, but powerful list of ingredients: FRESH lime juice, silver tequila, honey, and some jalapeno + cilantro. The cilantro is optional for anyone who thinks cilantro tastes like soap. I’d never ask you to put soap in your margarita.
- 2-4 tablespoons of honey
- 4 fluid ounces of tequila
- 4 fluid ounces of fresh lime juice
- Half of a large jalapeno pepper
- 2 tablespoons of sea salt
- 2 lime wedges
- 2 sprigs of cilantro
How to Make a Spicy Jalapeno Margarita
This part is just as simple as the ingredient list thanks to a few tips, tricks, and handy tools that I have up my sleeve (note: don’t actually carry the handy tools up your sleeve…that’s weird!) Here’s how I make this drink so that I can get poolside ASAP:
- Muddle the Jalapeno – in the bottom of a pitcher, muddle the jalapeno slices (tip: use THIS grapefruit spoon (handy tool #1) for easy jalapeno seed removal) with the lime juice (handy tool #2 – THIS citrus juicer!) 10-12 presses with a muddler or back of a wooden spoon will do!
- Add the Tequila + Honey – add the tequila and honey, stir to combine thoroughly – or until all the honey is dissolved.
- Dress the Rim with Sea Salt – pour the sea salt in the bottom of a small bowl. Dip the top of each glass in the margarita mixture, let it drain off, then press the top of the glass into the bowl of salt. Gently tap the glass with your hand to knock off any excess.
- Pour, Garnish, and Enjoy – Fill each glass with fresh ice and pour in the margarita mix, then garnish with fresh lime and cilantro, and ENJOY!
That’s it! The cat is officially out of the bag. You know the key to my heart: good summer reads and a fresh lime jalapeno margarita. You can find me sitting poolside while I laugh and cry out loud to my books (I’m that girl who can’t bottle book emotions) and asking the bartender if he can sweeten my margarita with honey instead of syrup.
If you’re interested in hearing more of my thoughts on alcohol, how it’s made, how it’s processed, how to best prepare your body for a drink, and how I personally indulge, check out Episode 22 (Alcohol 101) of the Fed+Fit Podcast! I promise I only geek out over the science 7 times.
Video
Jalapeno Margarita FAQ
So, what makes this jalapeno margarita ‘almost-good-for-you’ or ‘skinny’?! Instead of using a sugar-laden sweet and sour mix, we’re combining SIMPLE, good-for-you ingredients to make this poolside cocktail. Best part? *This* is how margaritas are authentically made – fresh lime juice gets the job done like no sweet and sour mix could ever do! Honey, though still a sugar, actually promotes our health rather than making us feel sluggish and icky the next day. Essentially, this skinny margarita recipe is the best of both worlds: authentic + better-for-you!
Infusing tequila with jalapeno actually takes 2-3 days (or up to a week), but because we wanted this recipe to be simple and fuss-free, we opted for muddling the jalapeno in the bottom of the pitcher and adding the other ingredients to it rather than infusing the tequila with it. That means that your margarita takes 10 minutes (rather than several days) to make!
There actually isn’t any Triple Sec in this margarita! While many classic recipes include Triple Sec, you actually don’t have to use it. The flavors of the lime, jalapeno, and honey are big and bold enough here to really flavor (and slightly sweeten) the margarita all on their own!
While this margarita does include jalapeno, because it’s deseeded, it really isn’t all that spicy. It’s bold, super flavorful, and just has a little kick of spice. If you’d like to take the spice level up a notch, feel free to leave the seeds in the jalapeno rather than removing them.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 large green jalapeno pepper de-seeded and thinly sliced
- 4 ounces silver tequila 1/2 cup
- 2-4 tablespoons honey sweeten to your liking
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 lime wedges for garnish
- 2 sprigs cilantro for garnish optional
Instructions
- In the bottom of a pitcher, muddle the jalapeno slices with the lime juice. 10-12 presses with a muddler or back of a wooden spoon will do!
- Add the tequila and honey, stir to combine thoroughly – or until all the honey is dissolved.
- Pour the sea salt in the bottom of a small bowl. Dip the top of each glass in the margarita mixture, let it drain off, then press the top of the glass into the bowl of salt. Gently tap the glass with your hand to knock off any excess.
- Fill each glass with fresh ice and pour in the margarita mix.
- Garnish with the fresh lime and cilantro.
- ENJOY!
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
- For a less strong margarita – you can top off your drink with sparkling water like topo chico.
- For a slightly spicy margarita, remove the seeds from the jalapeno. For a spicier option, muddle the seeds then strain them out.
- You can also use agave in place of the honey to sweeten this recipe
Brandy says
First of all, I love this post and your writing voice. You are so hilarious. Second of all, I need to make these ASAP. Love me some margs!! And finally – about asking your bartender to use honey instead of syrup – does that actually work?! Normally, I stick with my boring old standby vodka soda with 3 limes but that is a total game changer!!!
Cassy says
It DOES work! Works like a charm. Minus those occasions that they ask if honey is the same thing as agave …
KMoore says
From your margarita recipe article….”Everything from added sugars, dies, water, and other preservatives….”(I think you mean “dyes”?)
Can you recommend a non-alcohol version of this drink for sober folks?
Cassy says
Ah – thank you for that catch! Yes, that’s what I meant. It’s changed now. As for a non-alcoholic version, sub the tequila with some unflavored sparkling water or a kombucha you enjoy!
Noël Peck says
I just made this tonight but with about a tsp of honey. Delis!
Kelly says
So glad you liked it Noel, thanks for trying it!
Daniela says
Hi!! I Love this… Sounds SOOO fresh!!! Another thing, you mentioned to add sparkling soda instead of tequila? I’m pregnant but I’m loving the sound of this cocktail!!!
Any idea will help!!!
Thank you!!!
Cassy says
Yes, ma’am! Just do an even swap of tequila for sparkling water and you’ll have a delicious mocktail on your hands!
Travis Rodriguez says
Made this freshtacular marg over the weekend – dang near perfect! We were out of cilantro, but had some basil growing in the backyard, so did a lil’ switcharoo and the result was two degrees short of an all-inclusive Mexican resort. Thanks!!!
Kelly says
Thanks for trying them Travis and the amazing comment!
RRuiz says
I made this for my husband and myself…absolutely loved it!! Very refreshing..and alot healthier than a margarita you find at restaurants!
thanks for the recipe. :))
Anna @ FixYourSkin says
Thanks Kelly. I tried this recipe out with my boyfriend. Being a health-conscious and fitness freak who enjoys his occasional marathon participation, he simply enjoyed this drink. He likes to have this with his dinner.
Gayle says
Absolutely the best I’ve ever had. I did double the recipe and just eaked out 3 drinks. I too used the same size glass as pictured. So if your hosting a few friends plan accordingly. They were delicious!
Anna says
An awesome swap would be to use Mike’s hot honey for the extra sweet spice 🙂
Brigitte says
This is absolutely delicious!!!!! I made a rim of fennel seeds…chili powder…salt (buzzed in small food processor) put a little honey on rim then dipped in spices. Thanks for the recipe. New favorite
Amber Link says
That sounds amazing!
Jen says
back to back lacrosse games as a spectator was how I spent my Sunday- got home and whipped this cocktail up- delicious and worth the wait! Gracias
Amber Goulden says
Nice! Perfect way to end a busy Sunday.
Lizzle says
Great recipe! Awful site with all the pop ups… bummer
Kelli says
Love this recipe so much! I’ll definitely be linking to it in my Cinco de Mayo newsletter today!
Brandi Schilhab says
Awesome!! Thanks! It really is SUCH a tasty margarita!
Ellen Brandt says
Hello! I made these for cinco de Mayo.
Wow oh wow fantastic. I’m hooked. Only added 1 1/2 tbls of honey. Can’t wait for the weekend to make again. ps used only top notch ingredients. Makes a difference;)
Brandi Schilhab says
So glad you loved these margaritas! So yummy, and the perfect Cinco de Mayo (or any day, really!) adult beverage!
Lindsay says
I made these a few months ago without a jalapeno and while that was fine, WITH a jalapeno is SO tasty. The spice is what makes them. They are not sweet, but still smooth. Woot!
Brandi Schilhab says
Yay! So glad you love them!
Andrew says
Such a good margarita! I love the spice from the jalapeno it definitely gives it a kick! I’ve also done this with Agave syrup (instead of honey) and it tastes just as good.
Brandi Schilhab says
So good to know! Thanks so much for sharing, Andrew!
Julia says
I just made this for Friday night happy hour and it is refreshing with a little zing at the end. What a great way to end the week.
Thank you!
Julia
Brandi Schilhab says
So glad you loved it, Julia! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Amy K says
Happy Friday to me!! This was awesome! I will definitely be putting this drink on repeat. I loved it and I love that it’s a healthier version of my favorite. SO MUCH YUM!
Brandi Schilhab says
Awesome!! So glad you enjoyed it, Amy!
Teri says
I my word! Totally rocked this tea-totaler’s world! Kombucha, lime, and jalapeño!!! Yes
Brandi Schilhab says
So good!! Love that swap! So glad you enjoyed it, Teri!
Emily says
Made these tonight with jalapenos from my garden and it was delicious!
Brandi Schilhab says
Wow, so awesome! We’re so glad you enjoyed this one, Emily!
Yoojin says
Loved this recipe! I was hesitant about the jalapeno in a drink, but it worked perfectly with the honey!
Will make it again during the summer for sure 🙂
Brandi Schilhab says
So great to hear, Yoojin! Thanks for sharing!!
Nerissa says
I find any excuse to make this recipe. I discovered it a couple of years ago and it has become my absolutely favorite Margarita recipe. It is perfect, not only for 5 de mayo but for any celebration or gathering. I love making a pitcher of it especially during summer. It is always a hit and highly requested by my friends. It’s the perfect complement to a Mexican or BBQ meal. I love the combination of flavors and the fact that it is made using natural ingredients. It is absolutely delicious and I highly recommend it. Try it and you will Love it as much as I do.
Brandi Schilhab says
Thank you so much for this, Nerissa!! We are so glad this is a go-to drink for you! It’s such a good one!
Brittany Beaver says
Takes all the guesswork and intimidation out of whipping up a cocktail at home. It’s delicious, not too spicy, the perfect restaurant quality margarita without all the sugar!!
Brandi Schilhab says
Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Brittany! We’re glad you love it!
Allison says
This is my FAVORITE margarita recipe! The fresh lime and jalapeño are key!
Brandi Schilhab says
Wahoo!! Totally agree – so yummy!! Thank you for sharing this with us, Allison!
Lindsay says
Loved this refreshing summer cocktail!
I subbed agave for the honey and it turned out great. I will be making these with tacos all summer long.
Brandi Schilhab says
So great to hear, Lindsay! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
Lauren Bowers says
These were delicious! Normally, I don’t go for the spiciness in my cocktails, but the honey balanced it nicely and they were very tasty.
Brandi Schilhab says
That’s so great to hear, Lauren! We’re glad you enjoyed it!
Elizabeth says
I LOVED that I could control the spice and TOTALLY took y’all up on the suggestion to top the marg with club soda. I’m not normally a huge tequila girl but this made it way more enjoyable and refreshing! Cheers! 🙂
Brandi Schilhab says
So awesome, Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing!!
Serena says
Spicy margs are my jam and I really loved this version! Made some for my boyfriend -and I on Saturday night and it was delightful! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Brandi Schilhab says
So fun! Thanks for sharing this with us, Serena…we’re glad you all enjoyed it!
Carly says
The most delish margarita we’ve ever made! And I love that it’s not filled with a lot of sugar or junk!
Brandi Schilhab says
Wahoo!! So glad you loved it, Carly!
Kelly Routt says
Great recipe! I added a little sparkling water and left out the cilantro because I didn’t want my drink to taste like soap (the struggle is real). Would definitely make again!
Brandi Schilhab says
Wahoo! Thanks for sharing this with us, Kelly!
Erinn says
My favorite margarita! I love that the jalapeño spiciness can be turned up a notch just by adding a few seeds. I have sent many friends to this recipe over the years!
Brandi Schilhab says
That’s amazing, Erinn! We appreciate that so much!
Sara says
Love this recipe so much! I’ve been looking for a good healthier margarita recipe (margs are my favorite cocktail!) to make to serve at my small backyard wedding this year- and this is it! Thank you!
Brandi Schilhab says
YAY! That’s so great to hear, Sara! Congratulations on your wedding!
Laiken Williams says
I love that this recipe is full of flavor, without the super high sugar most margs have! And the jalapeño is !
Brandi Schilhab says
Totally! Thanks for sharing this with us, Laiken!
Haylee says
I’ve made this multiple times now and it turns out wonderful each time. Our go-to summer drink!
Brandi Schilhab says
So great to hear! Thanks, Haylee!
Natalie says
So delicious and surprisingly refreshing with the jalapeño! I have also made this drink without the jalapeño for friends who don’t want the spice and it is just as good!!
Brandi Schilhab says
So good to know! Thank you, Natalie!
Christie says
Love this margarita recipe, I found it early on during quarantine and it’s been on repeat ever since. Fresh lime juice is the best (rather than a gunky mix) and the jalapeno adds just enough spice. I rim my glasses with some Tajin for a little more salty/spicy goodness with every sip 🙂
Brandi Schilhab says
SO good, Christie! Love that! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Kate T says
I am obsessed with this recipe! I made it last night after telling my boyfriend that every cocktail I make tastes like poison. This is the most straight forward fool proof margarita recipe ever! I’m also obsessed with spicy myself, but my boyfriend doesn’t so I made him one without jalapeños and it was just as yummy!
Brandi Schilhab says
That’s amazing, Kate! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Elizabeth says
Such a fun twist on a basic margarita, and so easy to make! A great way to have a craft cocktail at home. I’m not great with spicy, so the honey was a perfect way to offset the jalapeño!
Brandi Schilhab says
Wahoo! So glad to hear it, Elizabeth!
Dagny says
Honey and jalapeños! Yes please. Super delicious-thanks for the recipe!
Brandi Schilhab says
So glad you loved it, Dagny!
Megan says
This recipe was AHHHHHMAZING! I also added a few chunks of watermelon and muddled them in after the jalapeños and loved the extra summer sweetness it added. Super fun, easy, and delicious!
Brandi Schilhab says
SO GOOD! Love that watermelon addition, Megan!
Stephanie says
This recipe is great! I didn’t want to share. The jalapeno gives it a nice kick!
Brandi Schilhab says
I totally understand that feeling, Stephanie! We’re so glad you loved it!
Courtney says
Love finding a new skinny margarita recipe! Great balance of flavors. Thanks F + F!
Brandi Schilhab says
So glad you loved it, Courtney!!
Lety Breckerfield says
Spicy but refreshing!
Brandi Schilhab says
Totally! Glad you liked it, Lety!
Elyse says
Made these tonight and they were so good and refreshing! The fresh lime juice makes all of the difference! The only change I would make is making sure some seeds got in there to make it a bit spicier lol but my husband and I both loved it!
Brandi Schilhab says
Yes, fresh lime juice is KEY! So glad you both enjoyed it, Elyse!
Sydney says
Absolutely LOVE this drink!! So easy and fun for an at home Taco Tuesday!
Brandi Schilhab says
YES, the best taco Tuesday companion! So glad you love it, Sydney!
Jessica says
Love this margarita! I was worried about the spiciness but it is perfect!
Brandi Schilhab says
So glad to hear that, Jessica! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Kara Sandelin says
This is such great recipe! I made this as a mocktail, instead of tequila I added 4 ounces of lime Spindrift and it was delicious.
Brandi Schilhab says
Love that, Kara! Thank you for sharing!!
Katie says
I’m usually not a huge jalapeño fan because I typically don’t like spicy stuff, but this was just the right amount of spicy and sweet! Definitely will be making again, so yummy!!
Brandi Schilhab says
So glad you enjoyed it, Katie!
Karen says
This was so delicious and I was skeptical!! I thought it was going to need soda water, but it was absolutely delicious! Our jalapeños were suuuuuuuper spicy so I left out the seeds, but the drink wasn’t that spicy! I bought another bag of limes today to make another one to go with pork carnita tacos tomorrow! (Fed + fit recipe of course!)
Brandi Schilhab says
Perfect pairing, Karen! Enjoy!!
Elaine says
This was sooo good! I’ve always been intimidated to make a fresh margarita. This was easy and it tastes so much better than using a mix. This will be on repeat this summer!
Brandi Schilhab says
So awesome! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Elaine!
Laura Noble says
This was very refreshing! I don’t love a lot of spice so I used less jalapeño and it was delicious. I had one with tequila and one with sparkling lime water and both were equally tasty.
Brandi Schilhab says
So great to know, Laura! We’re glad you enjoyed both versions!
Kaitlyn Davila says
I’ve made these twice in the last two weeks! They are delicious! My husband usually makes the cocktails, but now I have some that I can whip up. This one and the frozen watermelon margaritas!! My husband said “you’re making the margaritas from now on!” Excited to keep making these!
Brandi Schilhab says
Wahoo! That’s awesome, Kaitlyn!
Lauren Moore says
Congratulations to our giveaway winner, Courtney! Please check your email for more information!
Allie says
This was so, so good! Added carrots for a complete meal. Will definitely make again!!
Brandi Schilhab says
So glad you loved it, Allie!
Meredith Infield says
SO. GOOD. I made these for me and my husband on a date night and they were a HIT. Will be making these on repeat all Spring and summer long. Thanks so much for making such a quality recipe!
Brandi Schilhab says
Wahoo! So glad to hear that, Meredith!!
Will says
These were amazing last time that we made them. Any recommendations on how to use this recipe for individual margaritas opposed to a pitcher?
Denise says
Sorry, but how much tequila? Isn’t 4 ounces 1/2 a cup? I am so confused…
Brandi Schilhab says
Yes, you’re totally right, Denise. Great catch! I’ve changed it to “4 ounces (1/2 cup)…”
Dawn says
This recipe sounds great! However I have never made margarita mix before. Can you tell me how much to double up on to make a pitcher for six servings? Thanks!
Brandi Schilhab says
Hi Dawn! For 6 servings, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups (12 fluid ounces) of lime juice, 1 1/2 jalapeno peppers, 1 1/2 cups (12 fluid ounces) of tequila, and 6-12 tablespoons of honey (more or less depending on how sweet you want it)! I hope that helps!
Anonymous says
I love this recipe! One adjustment I make is to use homemade honey syrup vs. pure honey — it’s nearly the same thing but doesn’t leave a sticky mess at the bottom of your glass and is easier to mix because the honey has been dissolved in water.
Anonymous says
I love this recipe! One adjustment I make is to use homemade honey syrup vs. pure honey — it’s nearly the same thing but doesn’t leave a sticky mess at the bottom of your glass and is easier to mix because the honey has been dissolved in water.
Melissa Guevara says
Oooh! Homemade honey syrup sounds great! Thank you for taking the time to share with us.