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A Spicy Mango Margarita is just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy to refresh your palate! Pair it with your favorite tacos, dips, and more. There’s also an option to make it in a big batch below!
about this easy spicy mango margarita recipe
When it comes to margaritas, I tend to get in different moods. Sometimes I just want a simple margarita without any bells a whistles. Other times I’m craving something fruity. Then there are times where I want some heat added in.
When I found myself wanting all three types of margaritas in one, that is when this spicy mango margarita began to take shape in my mind.
Even though we are in winter, I am here for the fruity tropical drinks. For some reason my local store is currently overrun with mango that has been perfectly ripe? Since we keep getting hit with snow, you can bet that I will take any excuse to make a fruity spicy cocktail after a long day inside with a toddler.
There are so many reasons to make this margarita, but the most important reason is that it has everything you could want out of a stellar cocktail. It’s refreshing, delicious, and vibrant. There’s a hint of heat that lingers on your tongue as it beckons you back for another sip. Oh and of course that perfect burst of fruity goodness that will make you think you are kicking back on a beach somewhere…
This is the kind of escape we all need during the winter months, am I right?
ingredients
mango. Fresh is best! Peel and dice the mango before using. If you prefer to use frozen, see my FAQs below for specific instructions.
jalapeño. You can simply slice the jalapeño or remove the seeds before slicing if you want to reduce the spice level.
tequila. Use your favorite kind of tequila! Both blanco and reposado work here. I prefer blanco personally, but you can even use mezcal if you want to add in a smoky element.
triple sec. you are welcome to buy a more expensive orange liqueur option like Cointreau or Grand Marnier, but I just reach for the triple sec. It’s more affordable and you can use it in many different cocktails.
lime juice. always use fresh lime juice if you can! Unless you are making a big batch, then just buy a high-quality lime juice at your local liquor store or grocery store because that’s too many limes for anyone to squeeze.
simple syrup. you can pick this up at your local store (liquor or grocery!), but I prefer to just make it at home.
seasoning. I use Savory Spice’s Chilean Merquen Seasoning here, but you can also use Tajin or your own chili spice mixture.
seasonal tip
Be sure to select a ripe mango! Gently squeeze the mango. If it gives slightly to pressure, it’s ripe and ready to eat. If the mango is hard, it is not ready to be eaten. Can’t find a ripe mango? Place the unripe mango in a brown paper bag and it should ripen quickly at room temperature.
this recipe’s must haves
This cocktail is pretty basic so you don’t need anything special outside of standard cocktail gear here. Use a cocktail shaker (I prefer a boston cocktail shaker), jigger, muddler, and cocktail strainer.
If you are making this in a big batch, you will need a blender (like a Vitamix) or food processor as well. You will also need a strainer, like a fine mesh strainer, to strain the cocktail in this large of a batch.
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here’s how to make a spicy mango margarita
muddle
In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle together mango and jalapeño slices. Muddle the mixture well until the mango has broken down and released its juices.
shake
Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.
strain
Strain into a cocktail glass that’s been rimmed with Tajin (or a chili spice mixture of your choosing) and is filled with ice. Garnish as desired and serve.
Pro Tip! Instead of garnishing with a lime wedge, dip a slice of mango in the seasoning you used for the rim. Pair this with a dehydrated lime slice and you’ve got an elegant garnish that really stands out.
tips for success
use fresh ingredients. Make this margarita the best it can be by using FRESH lime juice and mango. Otherwise the flavors won’t pop like they should!
make it a big batch. Want to serve this for a party? Simply multiply the servings as needed to get a big batch. I’ve also listed instructions for this in the FAQs below and at the bottom of the recipe card.
don’t want it to be spicy? Simply omit the jalapeño! It won’t be spicy, but a mango margarita is still super refreshing.
More refreshing margaritas to try: Pomegranate Margarita | Lemon Agave Margarita | Strawberry Basil Margarita | Limeade Margarita
what is mango margarita made of?
This spicy mango margarita is made with fresh mango, jalapeño (this is what makes it spicy! You can omit it if you prefer), tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. I also recommend using a chili spice blend for the rim like Tajin or Savory Spice’s Chilean Merquen Seasoning.
can I use cointreau instead of triple sec in a margarita?
Yes, of course! I personally use triple sec in my margaritas, but you can use cointreau or grand marnier if you prefer.
do you prefer sugar or salt rims on a flavored margarita?
For a spicy margarita, I like a spicier seasoning like Tajin or Savory Spice’s Chilean Merquen Seasoning (this is what you see used here). You can use salt as well, but I don’t recommend using sugar as the mango brings enough sweetness to the party.
can I make a big batch of spicy mango margaritas?
Yes! To make for a crowd (serves 8), you will need 8 mangos (peeled and chopped), 8 jalapeños (remove the seeds to tone down the spice, or just use half the recommended amount), 2 cups tequila, 1 cup triple sec, 1 1/2 cups fresh lime juice, and 3/4 cup simple syrup. I like to add the mango, jalapeño, and lime juice to a blender and blend it all together (a food processor works too). Strain into a pitcher and stir in tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup. Chill until ready to serve and serve over ice.
can I use frozen mango?
In short, yes you can. I don’t recommend it because I find frozen mango doesn’t have the best flavor. If you do use frozen mango, simply thaw it and then drain before using in the cocktail.
Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
what to serve with a spicy mango margarita
Margaritas go with practically everything in my book, but if I had to choose my favorite pairing, it would be tacos. Since the margarita has some heat to it, I recommend making a taco that is more savory and not so spicy. You could try my charred cilantro lime corn chicken tacos or guacamole tacos, because both have avocado in them which is a nice little break from the heat in the cocktail.
Having a party? You can easily make these margaritas in a big batch and serve them alongside some shareable plates like:
chunky salsa with chips
jamaican jerk chicken sliders with mango salsa – I love the tie in with the mango salsa to pair with the margaritas!
Finally, if you make this spicy mango margarita, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
Spicy Mango Margarita
Sweet, spicy, and refreshing, this cocktail has it all!
Ingredients
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (you can remove the seeds to tone down the spice if you prefer)
- 2 oz tequila (your favorite kind! I prefer blanco)
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Tajin seasoning, for rim
- garnish: lime wheel (dehydrated), slice of mango dipped in seasoning
Instructions
- Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with a lime wedge. Rim the cocktail in Tajin seasoning or your favorite chili spice mixture.
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle mango and jalapeño slices.
- Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice.
- Shake well and strain into prepared cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Serve with a garnish of mango slice and dehydrated lime wheel.
Notes
To make for a crowd (serves 8), you will need 8 mangos (peeled and chopped), 8 jalapeños (remove the seeds to tone down the spice, or just use half the recommended amount), 2 cups tequila, 1 cup triple sec, 1 1/2 cups fresh lime juice, and 3/4 cup simple syrup. I like to add the mango, jalapeño, and lime juice to a blender and blend it all together (a food processor works too). Strain into a pitcher and stir in tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup. Chill until ready to serve and serve over ice.
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