This recipe for jalapeno infused tequila has the perfect balance of salty tequila flavor, spice from the jalapenos, mixed with a hint of the verdant/herby jalapeno flavor. Not to mention it is unbelievably easy to make! You just need a little time and these two ingredients: 2 Fresh Jalapenos, and your favorite, quality Silver Tequila.
Then you will be making the BEST tequila cocktails at home that will give you just a hint of tingly spice in the back of your throat. Perfection!!
Jalapeno Tequila is absolutely my new obsession. I love how, in a cocktail, it gives you just the right amount of tingle and heat in your throat.
In restaurants you can enjoy the best spicy margaritas, or jalapeno palomas. But when it comes to making those drinks at home, it is surprisingly hard to find a good jalapeno infused tequila in the store! So, I got to making my own, and you should too.
RELATED: Hot Honey Margarita
Ingredients
It is super simple to make this Infused Jalapeno Tequila, you just need two very specific ingredients;
- A silver tequila that you love.
- Fresh jalapenos.
Jalapenos
For this recipe you can choose to use 1 or 2 jalapenos. I actually do not like a TON of spice, I like my spicy drinks to give just a little tingle, not an all out fire.
I use 2 medium sized jalapenos.
If you choose to use just 1 jalapeno you will have just a slight warmth and verdant/herby flavor in your tequila.
HOW TO PICK A SPICY OR MILD JALAPENO
When you are at the grocery store and there is a pile of jalapenos to choose from, you can actually choose a spicy or mild jalapeno! Here’s how:
- For a super spicy jalapeno look for the ones that have lines or specks on them. They will almost look like stretch marks or little flecks of white or brown. Those are called heat marks and indicate a HOT PEPPER!
- Also the peppers that have some red or are turning completely red are older peppers and can tend to be hotter.
- For a more mild jalapeno pepper choose ones that have smooth bright green skin.
Tequila
For this recipe I use Jose Cuervo Especial Blue Agave Tequila or Jose Cuervo Tradicional. However, feel free to use whatever silver or blanco tequila you prefer.
TEQUILA BRANDS WE LOVE
If you are not super familiar with tequila, let me get you started with some different price points. These have all been (happily) tested by me:
- Jose Cuervo Tradicional $
- Costco Tequila (Kirkland) $ (some call it Costco-migos because it tastes like the much more expensive Casamigos!)
- Cazadores $$
- Espolon $$
- Casamigos $$$
- Patron $$$
- Clase Azul $$$$
When you are making an infused tequila I would stick with a mid to low range tequila. Some of the higher priced ones should be sipped over ice or mixed in a martini or highball cocktail.
How to Make Jalapeno Infused Tequila
After you learn how to make jalapeno tequila at home you will be wondering why you have been paying $12 for each cocktail at a restaurant, when you can have an entire bottle for under $20 at home.
- Pour Tequila Into Larger Bottle
- Add Jalapenos
- Steep The Tequila and Jalapeno
- Strain!!
You can pour the tequila into a larger glass bottle that has a lid. Or you can pour a little tequila out of the bottle, making room for the jalapenos.
Slice the fresh jalapenos lengthwise, leaving all the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno. Place them in the jar/bottle with the tequila.
Let the mixture sit on the counter, covered, at room temp, for 10-12 hours. I find that is the perfect amount of time to allow some heat and flavor to steep into the tequila.
After 10-12 hours it is time to strain the jalapenos and seeds from the tequila. I like to do this with a small strainer that is held over a funnel placed into either the empty tequila bottle or another glass bottle with a lid.
Discard the used jalapenos. However, if you are making cocktails right away you can slice them for cocktail garnishes.
Storing Infused Tequila
Store your jalapeno tequila just as you would store normal tequila. I keep mine at room temp in a cabinet. It does not need to be refrigerated and should last up to 6 months.
Drinks to Make with Jalapeno Tequila
Any tequila drink that you want to add a little spice to will work well. Here are some of my faves, and of course there will be more recipes to come!
- Margarita on the Rocks
- Hot Honey Margarita
- Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
- Cucumber Margarita
- Ranch Water
- Blackberry Tequila Smash
- Blueberry Margarita
- Traditional Paloma
FIND MORE TEQUILA RECIPES HERE!
More Tequila Recipes To Love
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Did you make this recipe?
I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me
Jalapeno Tequila Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 fresh jalapenos, cut in half lengthwise, keep the ribs and seeds - for less heat, use 1 jalapeno
- 1 750 ml bottle of silver or blanco tequila - I use Jose Cuervo Especial Blue Agave Silver Tequila
Instructions
- Combine the entire bottle of tequila and the cut jalapenos in a glass container or pitcher. Let it sit at room temp, covered, for 10-12 hours.
- Strain the jalapenos and seeds from the tequila using a fine mesh strainer (make sure there is a container under the strainer, don’t pour your tequila down the drain).
- Store in a glass container with a lid (can use the tequila bottle) for up to 6 months.
Serving
- Use in your favorite tequila drinks to give it a little heat!I do not recommend the tequila for shots (LOL)
Recipe Tips and Notes:
- Margarita on the Rocks
- Hot Honey Margarita
- Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
- Cucumber Margarita
- Ranch Water
- Blackberry Tequila Smash
- Blueberry Margarita
Lee Ann Carr says
I am so excited about this recipe. I crave the jalapeno margaritas at Florida Brewery and the jalapeno tequila that I bought was a super disappointment. Now I am so excited to try this that I am picking up the tequila and jalapenos tomorrow and looking forward to enjoying these for less than 12.00 per margarita!
tom says
yummmmm! just started mine! had jalapeno margaritas at a nearby restaurant, now i’m hooked!
Debbie says
I just had jalapeño watermelon margaritas! Yummy
Jayclyn says
Can you use dark tequila instead?
Susie says
I think that should work too. Although, I haven’t tried it.
Kim says
Yes, you can. It was delish!
Richard Siler says
I use four jalapeño peppers finely chopped in 1.75 liters of dark tequila. Leave it to “brew” for 10 or more days. Great flavor with a good kick!
Susie says
Phew… that might be way too spicy for me. I definitely like just a little kiss of heat on my lips and in the back of my throat.
Emily Bruno says
Yum – I’m a tequila girl, too. Love cocktails with a hint of heat!
Susie says
Share a tequila with you in Portland!
Sean Martin says
Doing this for sure, LOVE heat and this looks awesome for spring time cocktails.
Susie says
Definitely use 2 jalapenos, and let me know what cocktail you use it in!
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says
Can’t wait to make this for some margaritas this summer!! Sounds delicious!
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says
Can’t wait to make this for some margaritas this summer!!
Tawnie Kroll says
Loving these photos so much!!
Mary says
Yummm. Drinks with a hint of heat are definitely my thing. I’m totally going to be giving this a try this Cinco de Mayo! Sounds awesome!
Susie says
Thank you! Let me know how it turns out for you
Amy says
Perfect recipe for summer entertaining!
Susie says
Definitely! It makes amazing cocktails