This jalapeno margarita recipe is special, and let me tell you why. I specifically developed this fire roasted jalapeno recipe for my collab with Tyler Cameron (yes, THE Tyler Cameron from the reality show the Bachelorette) for the Coyote Outdoor grilling video we did this summer. In Tyler Cameron’s renovation show on Amazon, Coming Home with Tyler Cameron, Tyler shared that his late mom loved jalapeno margaritas and had them on the menu at his fundraiser. That’s when I knew I had to develop a jalapeno margarita recipe for our collab, but amplified with flavor from the grill. 

In this EPIC rendition of a mildly spicy margarita, I first GRILL the jalapenos to add smoke flavor from the grill. Something wonderful happens when you roast jalapenos over the grill: first, they actually mellow and become less spicy, and second, they invoke smoke flavor.

I also grill the limes which are dipped in my Sunshine State of Mind Craft BBQ Rub which has granulated honey and kaffir lime, to caramelize and amplify the flavor of the limes. 

The next part of this margarita that makes it a real show stopper is that the tequila is infused with pineapple. This is not a necessary step but let me tell you, it adds tons of flavor. By adding fresh pineapple to your tequila to marinate a few days before you make your margarita, you infuse this drink with tropical pineapple notes.

This margarita is the culmination of gourmet touches that truly put it in a “craft cocktail” category that any bartender worth their (rimming) salt would be proud of!

Why This is the Jalapeno Margarita Recipe of Your Dreams

We all love a good margarita, but what makes this one truly unique is the combo of flavors in this Jalapeno Margarita recipe. It first starts by infusing tequila with pineapple to add subtle pineapple undertones. Then, the jalapeno is grilled over open fire to add smoke flavor and to mellow the heat of the jalapeno. The combination of these flavors, plus grilling the limes after they’ve been dipped in my Sunshine State of Mind Craft BBQ Rub, which has granulated honey and kaffir lime, results in a tropical flavor bomb in your mouth. This is, in my opinion, the perfect tropical, Sunshine State inspired, margarita.

 

Ingredients for this Jalapeno Margarita Recipe of Your Dreams

(makes 4 cocktails)

• 8 oz tequila
• 1-2 jalapenos
• 1 fresh pineapple, chopped
• 10 limes, chopped in half (reserve one lime for garnish and wetting glass for rimming)
• 2-3 tbsp Sunshine State of Mind Craft BBQ Rub (if you don’t have this rub- and trust me, it’s so good on all the things) use dermera or unbleached sugar or granulated honey
• 1 cup water (or more to taste)
• Agave syrup to taste (if keeping skinny skip or use stevia)
• 2 cans Sprindrift Pineapple Sparkling water (optional but I Iike my drinks with a touch of effervescence- if you prefer a more traditional margarita that is just straight lime juice and tequila, then you can skip this part.)

Bartending Equipment Needed:

• One large quart sized mason jar or large vessel for placing the lime juice
• Cocktail shaker
• Cocktail jigger
• Lime squeezer
• old fashioned or margarita glasses
• Strainer (for straining out the jalapeno)

How to Make this Fire Roasted Jalapeno Margarita Recipe

This part is optional, but if you want to make pineapple infused tequila, at least 24 hours before making your margaritas you will need to infuse 2 cups of tequila with a cup of chopped pineapple and let it marinate in the fridge overnight. The longer the tequila marinates in the pineapple, the more pineapple flavor it will have.

Next, fire up your grill to 400 degrees, prepping to grill the jalapenos and limes on direct heat. 

Now you don’t have a grill and still want to make this recipe here are a few options, with the caveat that a charcoal grill will give the best smoke flavor, HOWEVER, charring the jalapenos and limes over any flame or heat source will still amplify the flavor of the jalapenos and limes!)

• Oven Method: Optionally, you can set your oven to broil and broil the ingredients directly under the heat element
• Gas Burner Method: turn your flame up to high on a gas burner and with a pair of metal (heatproof) tongs, roast the jalapenos and limes (one by one) until they have formed charred edges and the sugar is burned. Pastry Torch Method: (bartending hack for when you are not near a kitchen).

Note, The fastest method without the grill will be the OVEN method.

Take a pastry torch and roast your jalapenos and limes until they begin to char. 

Put your Sunshine State of Mind Craft BBQ rub or sugar on a plate. Chop your limes in half and dip them in the Sunshine State of Mind Craft BBQ Rub, leaving a generous amount of rub or sugar on each lime. This sugar will caramelize on the grill while also amplifying the flavor of the limes and this is a beautiful thing!! Grill the limes until the sugar has melted and caramelized and deep char marks have formed on the limes. Grill the jalapenos until they are roasted on all side, being careful not to burn.

Remove the limes and jalapeno and let cool. Chop up the jalapenos. Now, if you cannot handle heat, then you should remove the seeds from the jalapeno. If you are making this recipe you most likely do like a little spice and will leave them in.

Next, squeeze the limes into a large vessel. This is our “margarita mix”. Add water to the mix and adjust according to how strong you like your lime juice in your margarita.

Assemble Your Cocktail: I do this one at a time so people can customize how strong and sweet they like their drinks. If you would prefer to make one big batch, that is up to you. In the spirit of “craft cocktails at home”, I like to make these one at a time, just like a bartender would at a nice restaurant.

Make Your Drink (One at a time):

1. In a large cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz tequila
2. Next, add 3 oz lime juice
3. Add 1 oz agave syrup
4. Add ¼ of the jalapeno, chopped
5. Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously
6. Take a lime wedge and rim your glass.
7. Dip the rim of the glass in the remaining Sunshine State of Mind BBQ rub. Alternatively, you can use sugar or salt.
8. Add ice to the glass and pour it ¾ of the way full, you can use a strainer held over the glass to strain the jalapeno out (or keep it in if you like it a bit more spicy).
9. Next, top with Spindrift pineapple seltzer (if you like a more traditional marg then skip this part and fill your glass all the way with the lime juice mixture).
10. Garnish with chopped jalapenos and a lime and enjoy this exceptionally special Jalapeno margarita recipe, crafted specifically for America’s nicest Bachelor, Tyler Cameron.

Variations and Substitutions

Peppers: While jalapeños are the classic choice, you can experiment with other peppers for different heat levels and flavor profiles. Serrano peppers offer a spicier kick, while poblanos provide a milder, smokier taste.

Pineapple: For a less sweet option, try mango or peach instead of pineapple to infuse your tequila. Or, skip the fruit infusion altogether for a more traditional margarita.

Tequila: The quality of your tequila will significantly impact the overall flavor. Consider using a high-quality blanco tequila for a clean, neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine.

Sparkling Water: If you prefer a less bubbly drink, you can omit the sparkling water or substitute it with soda water or club soda.

Additional Garnishes: To enhance the presentation and flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil, or citrus zest like orange or grapefruit.

FAQ for Fire Roasted Jalapeno Margarita Recipe with Caramelized Limes

Q: Can I make this recipe without a grill?

A: Yes, you can! You can roast the jalapeños and limes in the oven under the broiler or over a gas burner. However, grilling adds a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Q: How spicy is this margarita?

A: The spiciness of the margarita depends on the number of jalapeños you use and whether you remove the seeds. For a milder drink, remove the seeds and use fewer jalapeños.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the pineapple-infused tequila ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it’s best to grill the jalapeños and limes fresh before making the margaritas.

Q: What is the best type of tequila to use?

A: A high-quality blanco tequila is ideal for this recipe as it provides a clean, neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine.

Q: Can I substitute the Sunshine State of Mind Craft BBQ Rub?

A: Yes, you can substitute the BBQ rub with granulated sugar or honey. However, the BBQ rub adds a unique flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?

A: The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, including the time it takes to grill the limes and jalapenos.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a larger batch?

A: Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of margaritas.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

A: Yes, this recipe is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

Q: Can I make this recipe without the sparkling water?

A: Yes, you can omit the sparkling water or substitute it with soda water or club soda for a less bubbly drink.

If you are looking for additional smoked cocktail recipes, check out some of our other smoked cocktail recipes like this smoked old fashioned recipe!

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