Spicy Orange Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail Recipe
Today we are making a Spicy Orange Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail Recipe! It’s the peak of summer heat, and we’re right in the middle of orange season! If you’re into making mocktails at home, whether you’re cutting out alcohol, looking to make this popular drink for Cinco de Mayo, or just looking for more alcohol-free recipes to try out, this is a 10-minute drink you can easily make this summer! The main ingredients combine freshly squeezed orange juice, zesty lime juice, and the subtle fire of jalapeños to make a drink that is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. It’s a great non-alcoholic option for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking to treat yourself to a delicious drink on a Friday night! This spicy orange margarita delivers a burst of citrusy goodness with a little heat.
What’s In A Margarita?
Typically, the real thing includes three key ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (like triple sec). These combine to create that classic, tangy-sweet flavor. Whether you prefer it shaken on the rocks, blended with ice, or served straight up, this simple trio is the heart of margarita recipes. Some like to add a splash of agave syrup or a twist of fresh fruit for a unique spin, but this specific spicy margarita mocktail uses with fresh orange juice and water instead of orange liqueur and tequila to create a similar effect, but a refreshing alcohol-free pick!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Orange Jalapeno Mocktail
Unique Flavor: This spicy drink is a refreshing twist on regular margaritas you’ll find at the bar, and is sure to make its way to the top of the list for favorite cocktail of the summer! You’ll love how the sweetness of the orange and maple syrup complements the fiery kick of the jalapeño, creating a drink that contains different layers of flavor. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy, making it a standout choice for anyone who loves bold flavors. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so you can enjoy it any time of day!
Substitutions
Fresh Jalapeno: If you prefer a milder spice level, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before adding it to the mocktail. For extra spice, add more jalapeño slices or let it steep longer in the drink before serving.
Lime: Substitute fresh limes with bottled lime juice, freshly squeezed lemons or lemon juice.
Water: Try carbonated water, lime seltzer, coconut water, club soda or sparkling water instead of plain ice cold water. Alternatively, try it out with ginger beer (which usually does not have alcohol) or a different drink instead!
Oranges: Substitue with blood oranges instead for a spicy blood orange drink (and a beautiful color as well)!
Pure Maple Syrup: Look for pure maple syrup, where the only ingredient on the label is maple syrup (not artificial pancake syrup). Substitute with agave nectar or simple syrup, but it will not be considered refined sugar-free.
Orange Jalapeno Margarita Recipe Notes
- For a fun garnish, coat the glass rim with sugar and a pinch of dried cayenne peppers. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make your drink presentation pop!
- Serve this mocktail over ice in a salt-rimmed margarita glass for a more traditional margarita feel.
- Optionally, add a cinnamon stick and place the drink in the refrigerator before adding ice. Allow it to stand for an hour or more to infuse the cinnamon, then pour into an ice-filled glass.
- If making for a large group, multiply the recipe by the number of servings and store it in a large pitcher in the refrigerator. Add the ice right before serving.
- Add a slice of lime or orange slices into the drink, or a lime wedge on the cup when serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you make this Spicy Orange Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail Recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Spicy Orange Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 1 large orange peeled
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ jalepeno with seeds, sliced lengthwise
- 1 medium lime
- ⅓ cup ice cold water
- ¼ cup small ice cubes
- extra orange peel optional, for garnish
- toothpick optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the orange into quarters and place each quarter into the citrus juicer.
- Squeeze all the juice out into a glass. (You can eat the remaining orange pulp)!
- Cut the lime in half. Use the citrus juicer to squeeze the juice out of each lime half.
- Measure out ¼ cup of fresh lime juice into the glass.
- Taking ½ of the jalapeno, sliced lengthwise, scrape the seeds out. Place the seeds, along with the jalapeno, into the cup.
- Add in the maple syrup, water and ice. Stir to combine. Alternatively, you can also use a cocktail shaker.
- Add more fresh orange juice or sparkling water to reduce the heat, if desired.
- For garnish, twist an orange peel and put a toothpick through it (as shown in the picture). Enjoy!
