Spicy Mango Margarita on the Rocks Recipe

I’ve long been a fan of Frozen Mango Margaritas, but on my last trip to Excellence Playa Mujeres I found myself quite enjoying the Spicy Mango Margarita on the rocks. It has the perfect combination of sweetness from the mango, spiciness from the jalapeno, tartness from the lime, and kick from the Tajin rim. Below is my version, inspired by a week of poolside cocktails in Mexico.

Jump to my Spicy Mango Margarita Recipe

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What is a Margarita?

A margarita is a classic cocktail made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Some of the many variations are blending with ice and serving frozen, adding fruit, or rimming with salt. While any full-service bar should be able to make a margarita, you’ll often find a wide selection offered at Mexican restaurants. If you ask me, one of the simple joys in life is a delicious margarita with a side of chips and guac!

Mango, Lime, Jalapeno, Mango Juice, Tajin, Tequila, and Cointreau on a wood table with bar in background.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Spicy Mango Margarita

Tequila – Since you’ll be mixing and not sipping, you won’t need super expensive Tequila. Since Blanco is unaged and light, this is the type of Tequila I prefer, but you can use whatever you like, or have on hand. Some brands that I have on hand for Margarita making are Casamigos and Espolon.
Triple Sec – Orange liqueur is a key component and Cointreau is my favorite.
Lime – Fresh only! None of this Rose’s lime juice.
Mango Juice – You can buy fresh mango and puree it yourself, but I prefer to buy juice. Make sure it doesn’t have any added sugar and it’s only juice or nectar.
Jalapeno – Don’t be scared, this is what gives the spicy margarita its spice! Contrary to popular belief, the seeds aren’t the spiciest part of a jalapeno, it’s the white rib inside. I still remove the seeds because who wants to drink those, but if you like it spicy, leave a little of the white, and if you don’t then just remove it all.
Tajin – This is for the rim. I’m OBSESSED with Tajin and love the complex flavor, but if you don’t then maybe just rim half of the glass.
Mango – Aren’t cocktails better when they have a garnish you can eat? Just take some fresh mango and sprinkle with Tajin and you’ve got yourself a little snack with your cocktail.

Margarita being poured from shaker into glass with ice and tajin rim

What do You Need to Make a Spicy Mango Margarita?

Cocktail Shaker | This shaker is simple, has a built-in shaker, and doesn’t leak.
Muddler | You’ll really want to muddle the jalapeno to work those oils. This is a great option since the tip won’t damage your glass.
Jigger | Part of any well-equipped bar.
Cocktail Picks | Use for the fresh mango.