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Home » Recipe Index » Drinks Recipes

Grapefruit Jalapeno Spicy Margarita

Updated: Jan 24, 2026 | Author: Georgie Clegg · This post may contain affiliate links

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spicy margarita pin

A spicy, fresh and easy cocktail recipe to make for your summer celebrations. This spicy margarita with fresh grapefruit juice and sliced jalapeño is a fun twist on a classic margarita. Up your margarita game today!

one spicy margarita on tray with salt tray

I'm feeling a little nostalgic for the summer time, so I thought I'd bring you a quick and easy cocktail recipe today. We're heading into our 10th month of our fall/winter/fall/winter cycle and it's safe to say I am CRAVING some sunshine!

I fell in love with margaritas on our honeymoon to Mexico in 2017 and since then, I've loved experimenting with different margarita flavours. I'm looking at you cranberry margarita and peach margarita!

They're so easy to make and great for a party! You can make pitcher cocktail or keep them as single serves! The tartness of the grapefruit pairs so beautifully with the subtle spice from the jalapeño, and if you prefer, you can add in some simple syrup for a little sweetness.

spicy margarita ingredients on metal plate

How To Make A Spicy Margarita

There are some key ingredients involved in making a spicy margarita. These are all easy to find at your local supermarkets and liquor stores. Nothing too fancy, but you'll be amazed at how just a few simple ingredients can elevate a cocktail.

Ingredients for a Spicy Margarita

  • Tequila - trust me on this, invest in a good bottle of tequila. It will make your margarita smooth and actually add to the flavour of the cocktail.
  • Simple syrup - combine ¼ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool, then add to your cocktail.
  • Fresh grapefruit juice - you'll need about 2-3 large grapefruits. You can substitute this for bottled grapefruit juice but I prefer the flavour of fresh grapefruit.
  • Lime juice - about 1-2 limes will be enough for 2oz/60ml of juice
  • Jalapeño - these are easy to find in most supermarkets, even in Australia. You'll need 1-2 very thinly sliced pieces. A little goes a long way!
  • Salt, chili powder and sugar - this is for the rim of the glass. It adds a nice touch and a touch of saltiness and spice to the cocktail. If you don't want it too spicy, then simple just do a salt rim.
spicy margarita glass with sugared rim

Equipment Used for Margarita

I recently just invested in a cocktail shaker and I must admit, I really like it! You don't need anything too fancy though to make these. Some essentials are;

  • a measuring jig to measure out your liquids (eyeballing is ok, but by measuring you're balancing out your flavours)
  • two small-sized glasses with an open rim.
  • a cocktail shaker with strainer - this can help you shake up your cocktail to infuse that jalapeño flavour but you can also just stir your cocktail.
  • knife and board for cutting your fruit
  • a good juicer to juice your grapefruit and lime

How to Make One Spicy Margarita

  1. Juice your fruits and make your simple syrup.
  2. Rub a piece of lime around the rim of your cocktail class
  3. Combine your sugar, salt and chilli powder then gently rub the glass around in the spice mix to salt the rim of your glass.
  4. Combine tequila, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, lime juice and sliced jalapeño to a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds. The longer you shake, the longer the jalapeño will infuse.
  5. Add ice to your glass and pour over your margarita!
  6. Cheers and enjoy!

These are seriously simple margaritas with just a little more pizzaz and flair than your traditional margs. They make a refreshing and beautiful summer drink, perfect for a patio party or Mexican fiesta!

Remember, if you try any recipes, tag me on Instagram, or leave a rating and review. I love hearing your feedback!

Georgie x x

hand reaching out to grab spicy margarita

📖 Recipe

spicy margarita on tray

Grapefruit Jalapeno Spicy Margarita

Georgie Clegg
Jazz up your party with a light, fresh and subtly spicy margarita. Made with fresh grapefruit juice and jalapeno, this is a fast and fresh recipe with a fun spin on a classic margarita.
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Cocktail
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 216 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 120/4 ml/oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice plus an extra slice to serve
  • 30/1 ml/oz freshly squeezed lime juice plus a extra slice to serve
  • 30/1 ml/oz sugar syrup
  • 60/2 ml/oz tequila
  • 1 slice jalapeno plus extra to serve

Sugar and Spice Rub

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon chilli powder
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Instructions
 

  • Take a piece of lime and rub it around the rim of your glass.
  • Carefully dip the glass into your spice rub so that there is a thin layer of sugar, salt and chilli around the rim of your glass.
  • Combine tequila, sugar syrup, grapefruit juice, lime juice and jalapeno in a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds.
  • Add ice to your margarita glass.
  • Pour over the cocktail, and garnish with extra jalapeno and grapefruit or lime wedge.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2358mgPotassium: 272mgFiber: 3gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 1170IUVitamin C: 123.8mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1.3mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a Review!

Want More Margarita Recipes?

  • Plain Grapefruit Margaritas
  • Frozen Watermelon and Raspberry Margaritas
  • Cranberry Margaritas
  • Easy Peach Margaritas

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Comments

  1. Nehal Preet says

    August 28, 2019 at 4:33 pm

    Hey Georgie, I am in love with this recipe. My Dad really liked this recipe so much because he loves spicy food and drinks and he loved jalapeño flavor. He told me to tell that you have shared a very good recipe. 🙂 All credit goes to you. Thanks for sharing this recipe, dear. Best wishes and Regards. xoxo

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      August 29, 2019 at 8:47 am

      aww thank you Nehal, that totally made my day!!! I love receiving feedback about my recipes, have a lovely day xx

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    July 19, 2019 at 5:32 pm

    5 stars
    I'm a sucker for grapefruit cocktails so this is right up my street! Love that it's spicy too, can't wait to try this.

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      August 04, 2019 at 5:42 pm

      thanks Michelle, it's a gorgeous recipe really fresh and light!

      Reply
  3. Cookilicious says

    July 19, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    My kind of drink to unwind on Friday night!

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      August 04, 2019 at 5:42 pm

      I agree! Perfect for a Friday party too!

      Reply
  4. Laura | Wandercooks says

    July 19, 2019 at 12:18 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow that sounds incredible - what an awesome idea! This would be perfect for a mexican dinner night to amp up the beverage offerings. Yum!

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      August 04, 2019 at 5:42 pm

      absolutely! it would go so well with something like a fish taco with mango salsa!

      Reply
  5. Colleen says

    July 19, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    Oh my goodness, these Margaritas look amazing, and I can't wait to try! Pinning. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      August 04, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      thanks Colleen, they're my new fav!

      Reply
  6. Colleen says

    July 19, 2019 at 11:03 am

    5 stars
    Love grapefruit and love Margaritas! This is a perfect summer cocktail that we can't wait to try. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      August 04, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  7. Andrea Metlika says

    July 19, 2019 at 9:19 am

    5 stars
    This is calling my name. Grapefruit with heat in a margarita, looks fabulous.

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      August 04, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      the jalapeño pairs so beautifully with the grapefruit!

      Reply
  8. Anne Lawton says

    July 17, 2019 at 9:47 pm

    5 stars
    I love how cool and refreshing this is! Perfect for the summer.

    Reply
    • Georgie says

      July 19, 2019 at 7:39 am

      thanks Anne, its a new fav! I love a twist on a classic marg!

      Reply

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