Considering that I haven’t posted a food or drink recipe in nearly two years, I think it’s safe to assume that this one is something special. While very few exciting things came out of quarantine, creating my own liquor infusions was one them. I love fancy schmancy cocktails, and this process allowed me to fill that void.

Some personal favorites have been:

  • Peppercorn-infused vodka for bloody marys
  • Vanilla bean infused vodka for cold brew martinis
  • Cucumber-infused gin paired with tonic and lime
  • Pineapple and serrano infused mezcal paired with club and lime
  • Jalapeño-infused tequila for spicy margaritas

When I posted an Instagram story about my perfected spicy margarita recipe, I was blown away by how many people reached out to ask for it. “a LoT oF yOu HaVe BeEn AsKiNg…” Haha, but seriously! So, here we are. 

Note: The spicy margarita recipe yields 1 drink. To make a pitcher, quadruple the recipe. Depending on your spice preference, you may want to play around with the ratio of unflavored tequila to jalapeño–infused tequila.

PART 1: JALAPEÑO-INFUSED TEQUILA

What you’ll need:

  • 16 oz tequila
  • 4 jalapeños, sliced

What you’ll do:

  • Add the ingredients to a jar, apply the lid, and give it a good shake
  • Steep for at least 24 hrs at room temperature, strain, and store in the fridge

PART 2: SPICY MARGARITAS

What you’ll need:

  • 3 oz unflavored tequila
  • 1 oz jalapeño-infused tequila
  • 2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz orange liqueur 
  • 1 oz agave
  • 1 lime slice
  • 1 jalapeño slice
  • Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning Blend

What you’ll do:

  • Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liquor, and agave in a large glass; stir vigorously until combined
  • Garnish your serving glass with a Chile Lime rim, a lime slice, and a jalapeño slice; then, add ice
  • Pour the liquid ingredients over the ice; cheers, baby!