If you love your refreshments a touch on the spicy side, you’ll definitely want to check out this recipe for a Spicy Grapefruit Jalapeno Margarita.
You might think that the idea of putting jalapeno into a cocktail is absolute madness.
But let me tell you – it works!
A jalapeno margarita with grapefruit zing!
This margarita really makes your taste buds jump for joy.
The combination of lime juice and grapefruit juice makes for a nice ZING!
And if that’s just a bit too tart for you, a touch of honey or agave adds a nice, natural sweetness that really works well with the other flavors.
But what really sets this margarita apart from the rest is that nice slice of jalapeno.
Crushed just enough to release the flavor – and the spice.
Then your taste buds get a double-whammy of ZING between the tart and the spicy.
It’s an intoxicating combination – even without the tequila – and sure to bring a smile to your face.
In fact, you’ll probably want to make enough of these to share with friends!
It’s always a good time for a pitcher of margs!
Spicy Grapefruit Jalapeno Margarita
These grapefruit and jalapenos are sure to be party pleasers!
And while you’re making some of these be sure to try some of these drinks too that use similar ingredients.
Spice Things Up with a Spicy Sparkling Margarita
Our spicy sparkling margarita also gets its kick from a jalapeno slice. In this case, we're using a lemon lime base to make a light, refreshing drink with a bit of a punch.
Sparkling Paloma Tequila Cocktail
The margarita's cousin, the delicious flavors of tequila and grapefruit combine to make the Sparkling Paloma a delicious, essential cocktail.
Elderflower Grapefruit Sparkler
A grapefruit wedge takes center stage in our Elderflower Grapefruit Sparkler. Made with St. Germain and a Grapefruit soda, it's low-calorie and delcious!
Candied Jalapeno Margarita Salt
When you're making some jalapeno cocktails, be sure to save the left over peppers to make some yummy candied jalapeno margarita salt. It can really elevate your cocktails.
Ingredients you need to make our Spicy Grapefruit and Jalapeno Margarita
Makes 1 drink
- fresh squeezed lime juice
- fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- agave or honey, optional, for extra sweetness
- thin slice of jalapeno, crushed
- silver tequila
- ice
- Additional lime slices or wedges, plus a wedge of grapefruit for garnish
You need these kitchen tools to make the drink:
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Citrus Juicer
- Jigger
- Beverage Glasses
Make the fresh squeezed juice with a manual juice press
If you make drinks using fresh squeezed juice or serve large groups often, you may be well served by using a manual juice press.
The press really makes easy work of juicing a lot of grapefruits and other citrus fruits quickly and easily.
If you have trouble squeezing fresh fruit with a hand-held juice press, a table top manual press makes a huge difference.
Can I enjoy this drink without alcohol?
Yes, you can!
Simply omit the tequila and enjoy.
You may want to add a touch of club soda or lemon-lime soda to give the drink a bit more body, but that’s up to you.
Can I serve a grapefruit margarita by the pitcher?
You sure can!
What you want to do is figure out how many servings you anticipate needing.
Then multiply the drink and mix up a pitcher.
For example, if you want to serve four drinks, you will probably need a medium size pitcher.
If you want to make a large batch, you can do that too!
You’ll want to use a beverage dispenser or make several pitchers full.
Can I make the spicy margaritas ahead of time?
You know how a drink like sangria tastes better when it’s had a bit of time to chill?
And of course, the fruit has had time to infuse!
Well, that’s kind of what happens when you mix up this drink ahead of time.
You can make it as early as the night before, but I really like to do it just a few hours ahead of time.
Whip it all up, and put it in the refrigerator to chill.
Chilled margs served on the rocks is even more refreshing with that bite of heat from the jalapenos.
Now if you are concerned that it might be too hot if it infuses for too long, you can always mix up ever thing ahead of time and add the jalapenos when you serve.
Or you could simply prepare your fruit juice and honey or agave ahead of time.
Then simply mix the drinks when you’re ready to serve and slice and add the jalapenos then.
You’ve saved some time, but everything is still ready to mix fresh.
How to make the Spicy Grapefruit and Jalapeno Margarita
Squeeze 1 oz. fresh lime juice.
Then squeeze 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice.
Slice a thin round of jalapeno, and use the side of your knife to crush it and get the flavor going.
Add ice to your glass, then add a jalapeno slice to each one.
Pour the juices, along with the agave or honey, and tequila and stir.
Garnish the drink with a slice of lime and a wedge of grapefruit.
More delicious Margarita recipes to enjoy making:
Blackberry Thyme Margarita Smash
Cara Cara Orange Margarita Recipe
Spicy Cucumber Margarita with Jalapenos
Easy Electric Blue Margarita Recipe with Blue Curacao
try it and share!
Please let us know how you enjoy our Spicy Grapefruit and Jalapeno Margarita recipe.
If you make it yourself, please let us know on Pinterest that you tried it and tag us with #champagneandcoconuts on your Instagram photo.
If you haven’t had a chance to make it yet, be sure to save the recipe on Pinterest so you’ll remember where you found it.
You may enjoy following our Pinterest Boards, Margarita Recipes and Spicy Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes.
This recipe was originally published July 26, 2019 and was updated on December 27, 2021.
Spicy Grapefruit and Jalapeno Margarita
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Citrus Juicer
- Jigger
- Beverage Glasses
Ingredients
- 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
- 2 oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
- 1 tsp Agave or Honey Optional - For Extra Sweetness
- 1 thin slice Jalapeno Crushed
- 1 ½ oz Silver Tequila
- Handful of Ice
- Additional Lime Slices or Wedges
- Wedge of Grapefruit for Garnish
Instructions
- Squeeze 1 oz. fresh lime juice, and 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice.
- Slice a thin round of jalapeno, and use the side of your knife to crush it and get the flavor going.
- Add ice to your glass, then add juices, agave or honey, and jalapeno.
- Add tequila, and stir.
- Garnish the drink with a slice of lime and a wedge of grapefruit.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Jennifer. I love to cook and entertain. I have a lot of fun sharing traditional food and drink recipes as well as putting a new spin on the classics. I strive to provide easy to make recipes that are perfect for the home cook, bartender and entertainer.
What a flavorful Margarita. I can’t wait to make this.
Love a sweet cocktail with a kick! Excited to wind down with this tonight!
You’ve made my day! I love spicy things and if you can put heat in a refreshing cocktail then it becomes festive. Sounds delicious.
So glad I’m stumbled across this on a Saturday! I know exactly what I’ll be sipping on tonight, can’t wait to try the recipe!
I love different flavored margaritas and this one is a new favorite for sure! Thanks for such a great recipe!