Best Margaritas

Chili Margarita: a Hot Combination

Author: Carlos Andrés Ramírez
Chili Margarita: a Hot Combination
MADE WITH Olmeca Altos Plata Chilli Margarita
FLAVOUR Spicy
OCCASION A mexican party
AUTHOR Altos Bartender
Ingredients
1 ½ oz chilli-infused tequila
Juice from ½ lime, plus extra lime wedges for garnish
1 oz Triple Sec
¾ oz agave nectar
Ice
To make the Chilli-Infused Tequila:
1 ½ cups Altos Tequila Plata
3 serrano chillies or your favourite peppers, sliced in half lengthwise
Chilli/Paprika Salt:
4 tsp salt
½ tsp chilli or paprika powder
¼ tsp cayenne powder (optional)
Method

Here’s how to do it: In an airtight jar, combine the tequila and peppers. Let the tequila infuse for at least 5 to 8 hours (or longer if you prefer it extra hot). In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the chilli salt and set aside. Use a lime wedge to rub the rim of a Margarita or cocktail glass, then dip it into the chilli salt. Combine the chilli-infused tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave nectar in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously for around 30 seconds. Fill the rimmed glass halfway with ice and strain the Margarita into the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

With its fiery kick, this Chilli Lime Margarita is utterly addictive. It’s almost as if the warmth from the chilli-infused tequila helps the tequila’s tingle linger a little longer, creating a truly delightful sensation.

In this recipe, the spiciness of the chilli enhances the earthy notes of the tequila’s agave, providing a welcome contrast to the citrusy sweetness of the orange liqueur. This results in a burst of flavour with each sip that is both familiar and exciting.

Serve these Chilli Margaritas during Cinco de Mayo, at a barbecue with friends, or whenever you’re in need of a hit of smoky heat.

Ingredients to Make the Chilli Margarita Recipe

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Chilli Margarita recipe:

  • 1 ½ oz Altos Tequila Plata
  • 1 oz Triple Sec
  • Juice from ½ lime, plus lime wedges/wheels for garnish
  • ¾ oz agave (or sweetener of your choice)
  • 3 serrano and 2 Fresno chillies, sliced in half lengthwise
  • Ice

Chilli salt:

  • 4 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp chilli powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne powder
  • Lime wedge

Our version of a tequila chilli cocktail

How to Make a Chilli Margarita

This Chilli Margarita cocktail is incredibly easy to make and will take no more than five minutes.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. In an airtight jar, combine the tequila and peppers. Let the tequila infuse for at least 5 to 8 hours (or longer if you want it extra hot).
  2. In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the chilli salt and set aside. Use a lime wedge to rub the rim of a Margarita or cocktail glass, then dip it into the chilli salt.
  3. Combine the chilli-infused tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave nectar in an ice-filled shaker.
  4. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
  5. Fill the rimmed glass halfway with ice and strain the Margarita into the glass.
  6. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Infusing Your Tequila With Chilli Peppers

Infusing is a process that takes time, but it will certainly give your tequila the fiery kick you deserve.

To infuse your tequila with that beautiful spicy flavour:

  • Combine the tequila and peppers in an airtight container.
  • Allow the tequila to infuse for around 5-8 hours, depending on how spicy you want it. The longer you infuse, the hotter it becomes.
  • Once it’s ready, you’re good to go!

Bartender’s warning: This tequila is seriously H-O-T! Not recommended for shots.

Chilli peppers vary in heat, so add a little at a time to find your perfect spice level.

Some Options to Rim Your Chilli Margarita Glass

Since we believe no Margarita is complete without a salted rim, here are two simple methods for making your own salt rim. It’s the perfect finishing touch that not only enhances the look of your Margarita glass but also adds another layer of flavour to these spicy Margaritas.

  • Paprika salt: A simple 3:1 ratio of kosher or any flaky salt to paprika. Paprika is a powdered spice with a vibrant colour from red peppers. It has a subtle earthiness with a sweet and peppery taste. One tablespoon of salt and one teaspoon of paprika is enough to rim one or two glasses.
  • Cayenne and chilli: Cayenne has a hot, fiery taste, while the heat of chilli can range from mild to explosively hot. Stir together 4 teaspoons of salt, ½ teaspoon of chilli powder, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne powder, and a lime wedge in a small bowl.

 

Some chillis in a margarita cocktail

Other Versions of The Chilli Margarita 

Do you love fruity Margaritas? The combination of spicy pepper and sweet fruits is always a winning one.

Here are some exciting recipes to try:

Pineapple Chilli Margarita

The Pineapple Chilli Margarita is an excellent choice if you’re after a cocktail with a lot of character.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces Altos Tequila Plata, 100% agave
  • ¾ ounce triple sec
  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 dash hot sauce
  • Salt and/or Tajín seasoning for the rim
  • Pineapple wedges and lime wheels

Directions

  1. Rim your glasses, if desired, and fill them with ice.
  2. Pour the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, and hot sauce into a shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake well until the outside is frosty.
  4. Strain the Margarita into the ice-filled glass.
  5. Garnish and enjoy!

The ingredients to make this chilli margarita recipe

Chilli Lime Mango Margarita

Incredibly sweet with a spicy kick, this is an excellent drink for all seasons and pairs perfectly with almost any Mexican food.

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup ripe mango, cubed
  • ⅓ cup orange juice
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 ounce Altos Tequila Plata (or adjust to your preferred strength)
  • A dash of hot sauce
  • Agave or maple syrup
  • Lime wedges for rimming and garnishing
  • ½ tsp chilli powder
  • ¼ tsp sea salt

Directions

  1. Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the ingredients as desired.
  2. To make a Frozen Chilli Lime Mango Margarita, blend in a large handful of ice or use frozen mango.
  3. Pour the cocktail into the prepared glasses and add one large ice cube.
  4. Garnish and serve immediately.

Enjoy Your Chilli Margarita Cocktail With Altos

Whether you prefer tequila shots or want to create the best Chilli Margarita, Olmeca Altos is a smooth tequila perfect for drinking neat or mixing into cocktails. Our Altos Plata tequila features citrus and floral notes, which are ideal in this spicy Chilli Margarita cocktail.