As the mercury rises, so does our thirst for fierce and fiery cocktails.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or sinking your toes into the sand, you need a drink with a kick. Look no further than the spicy margarita. It’s a cocktail that’s both easy to make — combine ingredients into a shaker and whirl them around for a few seconds — and also full of flavor. You can also personalize your spicy marg to fit your exact cravings.
Want something fruity and extra refreshing on a hot day? Add a freshly squeezed juice of your choice. Craving something smokier and sexier? Consider substituting mezcal for tequila.
Those jonesing for that fire-burning high can simply add a few more jalapeños or some spicy tincture to the mix. Stir up a pitcher at home, or sip one from the experts at one of our favorite East End establishments. Just don’t forget to order a side of water — and see how hot you can go.
1. Spicy Bird, The Bird on the Roof
- 1.5 ozs. hibiscus tequila 1 oz. agave mixture*
- 1 oz. lime juice
- .25 oz. jalapeño tincture*
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. Pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with a Tajín rim, jalapeño slice and lime wheel.
Agave mixture:
- 1 bottle agave
- Hot water
Pour out half the bottle of agave into quart containers, filling each one halfway. Fill the rest of the container up with hot water. Shake well.
Jalapeño tincture:
- 5 jalapeños
- 3 cups Everclear
Slice the jalapeños. Add them to the Everclear. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours. Strain.
2. Kefi, Elaia Estiatório
- 1.5 ozs. 21 Seeds cucumber jalapeño tequila 1 oz. lime juice
- .5 oz. pineapple juice
- .25 oz. ouzo
- .25 oz. simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass over one large cube. Garnish with a cucumber slice or lime wheel
3. Weekend Warrior, Mavericks Montauk
- 2 ozs. Tanteo jalapeño tequila
- .75 oz. lime juice
- 75 oz. Apologue persimmon liqueur
- .5 oz. black lime syrup
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 8 to 10 seconds. Double strain over ice in a rocks glass rimmed with Tajín Clásico Seasoning. Top with a dehydrated lime wheel.
4. Spicy Watermelon Margarita, Rita Cantina
- 2 ozs. tequila or mezcal
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1 oz. fresh watermelon juice
- .75 oz. simple syrup 3 dashes of spicy tincture*
- 1 dash saline*
Combine all ingredients in a shaking tin with ice. Shake. Fine strain into double Old-Fashioned glass or coupe. (To make it spicy, add 6 dashes of spicy tincture.)
Spicy tincture:
- 6½ cups Tapatío 110 tequila
- 1 cups yellow habañero
- 1 cup red habañero
Slice the yellow and red habañeros with seeds. Add to a large container with tequila. Let steep for 24 hours. Strain.
Saline:
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup kosher salt
Blend ingredients until incorporated for 1 quart of saline.
