Spicy Mango Jalapeño Margarita (Chili Sugar Rim!)

Get ready for an explosion of flavor with this incredible Mango Jalapeño Margarita, complete with a zesty Salty Chili Sugar rim! This cocktail is a perfect dance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory, featuring fresh mango simple syrup, a kick of jalapeño, smooth tequila, bright lime, and rich orange liqueur. I absolutely adore making unique margaritas like this Mango Jalapeño Margarita, especially when fresh mangoes are in season - like right now in early May! It's surprisingly easy to whip up the homemade components and creates a truly memorable drink perfect for spring and summer entertaining, or just a fun afternoon treat.

Why You'll Love This Mango Jalapeño Margarita

• Sweet & Spicy Perfection: A wonderful balance of sweet mango, spicy jalapeño, and tangy lime.
• Homemade Mango Syrup: Easy to make and bursting with fresh, natural mango flavor.
• Unique Salty Chili Sugar Rim: Adds an extra layer of flavor and a fun kick to every sip.
• Refreshing & Flavorful: A vibrant and exciting twist on the classic margarita.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Looks stunning and tastes like a craft cocktail, sure to impress guests.

Ingredients for Mango Jalapeño Margarita

Here's what you'll need to craft this unique and flavorful margarita. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Mango Simple Syrup

• Water (Liquid)
• Sugar (Sweetener)
• Large mango, diced (Fruit)

Salty Chili Sugar Rim

• Coarse salt (Margarita salt or kosher) (Seasoning)
• Sugar (Sweetener)
• Chili powder (Spice)
• Lime wedge (for rimming glass) (Fruit) (Added based on instructions)

Margarita Cocktail

• Silver tequila (Liquor)
• Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur) (Liqueur)
• Freshly squeezed lime juice (Acid)
• Mango simple syrup (from above) (Sweetener/Flavoring)
• Slices of jalapeño (Vegetable)
• Fresh mango chunks (Fruit)
• Slice of lime (Garnish)
• Ice (Ice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the balance in this Mango Jalapeño Margarita, but feel free to adjust and experiment:

• Different Fruit Syrup: Make a pineapple, strawberry, or passion fruit simple syrup instead of mango.
• Control the Spice: Use more or fewer jalapeño slices, or muddle them in the shaker for more intense heat. For less spice, ensure all seeds and membranes are removed.
• Different Rim: Omit the chili powder for a simple salt/sugar rim, or add smoked paprika for a different smoky note.
• Smoky Margarita: Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky flavor profile that pairs well with mango and spice.
• Add Herbs: Muddle a few cilantro or mint leaves in the shaker along with the jalapeño for an herbaceous twist.

How to Make a Mango Jalapeño Margarita

Making this delicious Mango Jalapeño Margarita involves preparing the syrup, rim sugar, and then shaking up the drink:

Make the Mango Simple Syrup

1. First, I prepare the luscious mango simple syrup. In a small saucepan, I combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar.
2. I bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Once boiling and the sugar is dissolved, I remove the saucepan from the heat and let the plain simple syrup cool completely.
4. Once the simple syrup is cool, I add the diced fresh mango and the cooled simple syrup to my food processor or blender.
5. I blend until the mixture is completely smooth. If it's very thick, I might strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, but often a good blend is all it needs. I set this mango simple syrup aside. (This makes extra, which is fantastic for more margaritas or other drinks!)

Make the Salty Chili Sugar Rim

1. On a small, shallow plate, I combine the coarse salt, sugar, and chili powder.
2. I stir them together with my fingers or a fork until evenly mixed. I set this aside.

Prep Glass and Shake the Margarita

1. Now, I prepare my margarita glass (a rocks glass or coupe works well). I take a fresh lime wedge and run it around the outer rim of the glass to moisten it.
2. I gently dip the moistened rim into the prepared salty chili sugar mixture on the plate, tilting the glass to get an even, beautiful coating.
3. I fill the prepared glass with crushed ice (or regular ice cubes).
4. In a cocktail shaker, I add a handful of fresh ice cubes.
5. I add the silver tequila, Grand Marnier, freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 ounce of the homemade mango simple syrup to the shaker.
6. I secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is very cold.

Pour, Garnish, and Serve

1. Pour into prepared glass.
2. Stir in jalapeño, mango chunks, lime slice.
3. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Spicy Margarita

Here are my secrets for making this Mango Jalapeño Margarita truly exceptional:

• Use Ripe Mangoes: For the sweetest, most flavorful mango simple syrup, choose ripe, fragrant mangoes.
• Fresh Lime Juice is Non-Negotiable: It provides the essential tart balance to the sweet and spicy elements.
• Adjust Jalapeño to Taste: Start with 2-3 thin slices. You can always add more if you like it spicier. Removing seeds and membranes reduces heat.
• Quality Tequila: Use a 100% agave silver (blanco) tequila for a clean taste that allows the mango, lime, and spice to shine.
• Shake Well: A good, hard shake chills the drink perfectly, dilutes it just the right amount, and incorporates all the flavors.
• Taste the Syrup: Before adding to the cocktail, taste your mango simple syrup. If your mango was very sweet, you might use slightly less in the drink, or vice-versa.

How to Serve

This Mango Jalapeño Margarita is best served immediately while icy cold! Enjoy it:

• Chilled: In its special salty chili sugar-rimmed glass, filled with crushed ice.
• For Parties & Gatherings: A perfect signature cocktail for Cinco de Mayo, summer BBQs, or any festive occasion.
• With Spicy or Grilled Foods: Pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled chicken or fish, ceviche, or spicy appetizers.

Garnish with extra fresh mango chunks, a slice of lime, and a few jalapeño slices (if you dare!) in the glass.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Mango Simple Syrup: This is the ideal make-ahead component! Store the cooled, blended (and strained, if desired) mango simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
• Salty Chili Sugar Rim: Mix this ahead and store in a small airtight container at room temperature.
• Margarita: Like most shaken cocktails with fresh juice, this margarita is best mixed fresh just before serving to ensure optimal chill, dilution, and flavor.

FAQs about Mango Jalapeño Margarita

• Can I use frozen mango for the simple syrup?
  • Yes! Thaw frozen mango chunks before blending them with the cooled plain simple syrup.
• What if I don't have Grand Marnier?
  • You can substitute with another orange liqueur like Cointreau or a quality Triple Sec. The flavor profile might be slightly different.
• Is this margarita very spicy?
  • The heat level is controlled by the amount of jalapeño you add directly to the glass and whether you include seeds/membranes. Start with a few slices (seeds removed) and adjust to your preference. The chili powder in the rim adds a subtle warmth.

Enjoy this vibrant, sweet, spicy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing Mango Jalapeño Margarita! It's an explosion of flavors perfect for celebrating.

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