Spicy margaritas bring the heat to National Margarita Day celebrations

National Margarita Day is a reason to say salud and these spicy margaritas will bring some bold flavors to the cocktail glass. While the classic margarita is always a tasty cocktail, savory sips shake up the traditional. Sometimes a little heat can spark some cocktail creativity.

While the margarita is believed to have stemmed from the Daisy cocktail, the traditional recipe of tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur has evolved in various ways. Although the simplicity of the traditional recipe should always be celebrated, many mixologists have found ways to incorporate bold flavors into the cocktail glass.

Even though some people associate margaritas with fruity, frozen cocktails, savory cocktails have been trending. These types of cocktails are meant to push the boundaries of what the cocktail can become. Pushing aside the bland and boring, these cocktails have excitement in each sip.

Why are spicy margaritas so craveable?

Just like bold flavors have been a popular food trend, spicy margaritas offer mixologists a lot of creativity. Beyond pairing these cocktails with a particular dish or food, it is about enjoying the layers of flavors and the nuance in each libation. These cocktails are meant to be sipped and savored.

Here are some spicy margaritas that deserve some special attention on National Margarita Day.

Orange Turmeric Margarita

Ingredients

• 1oz. Casamigos Mezcal
• 1 oz. Casamigos Reposado Tequila
• 1 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
• .5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• .5 oz. Ginger Syrup
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• ½ Bar Spoon Turmeric Powder
• Garnish with Cinnamon Line & Cara Orange through Skewer Dipped in Cinnamon

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients into glass mixer. Add ice, shake vigorously, and strain into Coupe Glass. Garnish.

Many people have found ways to incorporate turmeric into their food and beverages. Beyond the bold color, the flavor is quite enticing. And, many people appreciate the spice’s health benefits.

This cocktail has a lovely balance of spice and brightness. In many ways, that umami quality is the reason why you will want to enjoy another sip.

Smokin’ Hot Pineapple

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Hornitos Plata Tequila
• ¾ part jalapeño rosemary syrup
• ½ part fresh pineapple juice
• ½ part fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes Angostura® bitters
• Rosemary sprigs
• Pineapple chunk

Preparation:

• Combine equal parts sugar and water with 1 jalapeño slice and 4 rosemary sprigs and bring to a boil to create jalapeño rosemary simple syrup. Add all ingredients together in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour ingredients from shaker to a highball glass with ice. Garnish with a pineapple chunk and rosemary sprigs.

This spicy margarita’s jalapeno rosemary syrup sets itself apart. Infused syrups have become a popular cocktail trend. One note of caution. The longer a syrup with jalapeno sits, the stronger the spicy flavor becomes.

Also, if you prefer a bolder flavor, consider using the rosemary as a skewer for the pineapple chunk garnish. Although you could lightly grill the pineapple for a slightly smoky flavor, just combing the two ingredients makes for another flavor twist.

Spicy Jalapeno X Volley Margarita

Ingredients

• 1 can of Zesty Lime Volley Tequila Seltzer
• 1 oz of Mezcal
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ¾ oz pineapple juice
• 5-6 slices of Green jalapeno.
• If you like it extra spicy, add a few dashes of tabasco.

Method:

• In a tin, muddle jalapenos with ½ oz of lime juice. Add ¾ oz of Pineapple juice, 1 oz of Mezcal, and one can of Zesty Lime Volley. Stir all ingredients and pour into a large glass over ice. Enjoy!

When making this spicy margarita, the heat levels can vary. Remember, the seeds in the jalapeno can make the flavors bolder. As you muddle the jalapenos, be cautious of your spice level preferences.

Also, while this cocktail suggests tabasco, any preferred hot sauce can be used. Actually, a chipotle hot sauce might be a nice combination with the smoky notes of the mezcal.

Spicy Verde Margarita

Ingredients

• 1 part Milagro Silver
• 1 part Ancho Reyes Verde
• 3/4 part Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 Part Agave Nectar

Preparation

• Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a poblano chile and salted rim.

This particular spicy margarita gets its bold flavor from the Ancho Reyes Verde. The spicy liqueur is made from ancho and poblano chiles. If you love spicy food, this liqueur is a great addition to any home bar.

Margarita Caliente

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Patrón Silver
• 1 oz Patrón Citrónge Orange
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• .5 oz Passion fruit syrup
• 4 Dashes Chipotle Tabasco
• 2 Bar spoons orange marmalade
• + Orange twist for garnish

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake to chill and texturize. Strain into a double old fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.

While spicy margaritas are often about the heat, this cocktail has a little smoky quality, too. The combination of the passion fruit syrup adds a tropical feel while the orange marmalade adds nuance to the sweetness. The spicy levels are approachable which makes this cocktail a smooth sipper.

If you are prepared to embrace the heat, these spicy margaritas are a must for National Margarita Day or any day. That little taste of the burn could make you thirsty for another cocktail.

What is your favorite margarita recipe? More importantly, what is your favorite food to enjoy while drinking margaritas?