Spicy Jalapeño Blackberry Margarita

You're going to love this spicy fruity margarita recipe!  Spicy Jalapeño Blackberry Margaritas are so easy to make and so easy to drink!  Blackberries, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, simple syrup and a jalapeño pepper!  Make a pitcher for your next party!

Blackberry Margarita Recipe

Blackberries were on sale, buy one get one free.  So of course I bought four of them!  Using a few in salads was a no brainer. 

Using them in cocktails was also a no brainer.  I tried them in  Blackberry Mint Julep - oh my gosh, so good!  

Then I tried a Blackberry Bramble Cocktail, that I had been wanting to try forever!  I could never make it because I couldn't find blackberry liqueur in my town, but then I made my own Homemade Blackberry Liqueur and now I can have this refreshing cocktail any time I want! 

The next night was Saturday and Saturday's are for margaritas (amiright?)  Another great use for the blackberries, but I wanted to spice it up a bit.  Kick it up a notch.  Bam.  Sorry channeling my inner Emeril. 

Boom - Spicy Blackberry Margarita.  Make this now.  Really.  Just do it. 

Ingredients

• Tequila - use your favorite brand.  Buy an extra bottle to try Watermelon Infused Tequila - makes the best summer margaritas! 
• Cointreau - or your favorite orange liqueur.  This article - Margarita Do's and Don'ts - talks about the different orange liqueurs and what they bring to the table.   I usually use my Homemade Orange Liqueur, but sadly, I am out of it.  Need to make some more! 
• Simple Syrup - equal parts water and sugar, heated over medium heat, just until the sugar dissolves.  Will keep in the fridge for about a month. 
• Blackberries - I try to buy organic since most berries are on the dirty dozen list.  Whenever organic is on sale, I buy lots and freeze them!  You'll want to have plenty so that not only can you make this jalapeño margarita, but you can also make a fruity delicious Blackberry Whiskey Sour! 
• Jalapeño Pepper - I try to buy organic.  Use extras to make Pineapple Jalapeño Infused Tequila, one of the most popular infusions on my blog! 
• Lime - for fresh squeezed juice and as a garnish.  If I am using or saving the zest I try to buy organic. 

Directions

You'll need 2 ounces of tequila and 1 ounce of your orange liqueur.

Squeeze one ounce of fresh lime juice.  I like to cut a slice or two out of the center of the lime to use for garnish and then squeeze the rest. 

Measure a ¼ ounce of simple syrup.

Pour the simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.  Add the blueberries and a slice or two of jalapeño pepper.  I used one slice for this jalapeño margarita.   

Run the spent edges of your lime (from squeezing the juice earlier) around the rim of your glass and dip in salt.  I like to use Himalayan Pink Salt.

Pour the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice into the cocktail shaker.  Top with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to chill and properly dilute the cocktail. 

Add ice to salt rimmed glass and strain the cocktail into the glass.  You can double strain by placing a fine mesh strainer between the cocktail shaker and the glass to remove bits of blackberry if you'd like. 

Garnish with blackberries and a lime wheel. 

We have margaritas almost every Saturday and I can honestly say that this one is definitely at the top of the list.  It's fruity with just the right amount of heat.  

I only used one slice of jalapeño for mine, if you are adventuresome feel free to try more. 

Don't let that bottle of tequila go to waste (as if!) be sure and check out my other Tequila Recipes. 

These are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, anytime you want a fruity spicy cocktail, or if you're like us ...  Saturday.