You know how some cocktails just whisper “sip me”? Yeah, this one screams it… probably because there’s a jalapeño in it.
If you’ve ever grabbed Trader Joe’s Organic Jalapeño Limeade and thought, “Now this needs booze,” we’re already best friends. This spicy margarita is fast, fabulous, and won’t require you to muddle anything while crying into your cutting board. You just need a few ingredients, a cocktail shaker (or anything with a lid—no judgment), and a craving for something sweet, sour, and spicy enough to feel alive again.
Oh, and yes—you can totally batch this for a party. Just try not to drink it all before guests arrive.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: No syrup-making or muddling required.
- Trader Joe’s Hack: Leverages their bottled Jalapeño Limeade like a legend.
- Customizable Heat: Want more burn? Add a second jalapeño slice. Want less? Just wink at the limeade and call it a day.
Ingredients
- Trader Joe’s Jalapeño Limeade- This is the base mixer that replaces the lime juice and sweetener in most margs.
- Tequila (blanco)- Distilled agave. Makes for the adult kick here.
- Triple sec or orange liqueur- Rounds out the flavors here and does add a touch of sweetness
- Optional: Fresh lime wedge and jalapeño slices for garnish
- Optional: Tajín or coarse salt for rim
Tips & Tricks
- Want a sweeter sip? Add a splash of agave syrup or honey.
- Make it a pitcher: Multiply the recipe by 4–6, pour into a pitcher over ice, and let the compliments roll in.
- Not spicy enough? Muddle a fresh jalapeño slice with the tequila before shaking.
Creative Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tortilla chips and guac for the ultimate happy hour vibe.
- Pair with spicy tacos for a "play with fire" kind of dinner.
- Freeze it into margarita popsicles (adults only, obviously).
Types of Tequila
The key to a good Margarita is using good-quality Tequila. Make sure it says 100% agave. Silver Tequila is best for mixing. The best tequila is what you already have at home. If you happen to have a bottle that's labeled Anejo, save that for sipping and not for mixing.
FAQs about this recipe
Absolutely. Reposado gives it a smoother, oaky flavor. Mezcal adds smoke if you're into that.
You can sub in Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or even skip it—just expect a tarter margarita.
They do! It's usually seasonal, so stock up when you see it. You won’t regret hoarding it.
Watch Me Make This (38 Seconds)
How to Make This
Step 1: Rim your glass (optional but fancy): Rub a lime wedge around the edge and dip it in Tajín or coarse salt.
Step 2: Shake it like you mean it: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in Trader Joe’s Jalapeño Limeade, silver tequila, and triple sec.
Step 2: Shake it like you mean it: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in Trader Joe’s Jalapeño Limeade, silver tequila, and triple sec.
Step 3: Strain & serve: Shake vigorously, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Step 4: Garnish (if you’re feeling it): Float a jalapeño slice or lime wheel on top to remind everyone you're a mixology icon.
Other Delicious Margarita Recipes on this Blog
Final Thoughts
If margaritas were a personality type, this one would be “chaotic good.” It’s bold, spicy, and just a little unhinged—like all the best summer stories. And let’s be honest: this drink is dangerously easy to make (and even easier to drink).
So, grab that bottle of Jalapeño Limeade and get shaking. You deserve a cocktail that hits you with a kick of heat and a punch of flavor.
If you try this, would you mind hitting the “Rate” button? I’d love to know what you thought of it. If you modified the original recipe here, please let me know how it turned out. I love comments!
If you’ve tried this Spicy Jalapeno Limeade Margarita or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I’m up to.
Spicy Jalapeno Limeade Margarita
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Silver Tequila I used Avion
- 1 ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau
- 1.5 ounces Trader Joe's Jalapeno Limeade
- salt to rim glass
- agave to rim glass (or corn syrup or lime)
- cut lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rim a glass with agave first and then go over rim with salt.
- In a shaker filled with ice, add tequila, triple sec, and Trader Joe's Limeade.
- Shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
- Pour into rimmed glass.
- Garnish with optional slice of lime.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use quality 100% blue agave tequila. For this recipe, silver or reposado tequila work best as they have more agave flavor.
- The flavor here is only as good as the drink mixer itself
- Use good quality ice. If your water tastes weird, it will taint the cocktail. Use bottled water to make ice or buy ice. This is vastly undervalued item when it comes to making a great cocktail.
- Be sure that when you salt the rim, you avoid getting salt inside the glass. Otherwise your drink will taste like the ocean.
- If you want a stronger drink, use more tequila and less triple sec
- If you want it spicier, then you'll have to muddle some jalapeno peppers and strain carefully. Or you can use jalapeno infused tequila.
Keith M Adams says
I am a tequila sipper and love a good margarita.Trader Joes margarita mix with their jalapeno limeaid make a delicious summer drink. The biggest problem now is finding the jalapeno limeaid. traders says its seasonal…But guess what!!!!! THE SEASON AINT OVER!!! GET THAT PRODUCT BACK ON THE SHELF!!!
becomebetty says
My local TJs still had it on the shelves but I wouldn't be surprised if it is seasonal. I don't work (nor am I affiliated with them) for TJs, so I can't tell then what to do. I'm pretty sure they'll have the pumpkin items out soon. Thats just how it goes 🙁
Steph says
It’s seasonal??? Ive only just decovered it. Time to stock up. It’s so good with tequila.
becomebetty says
I heard it was seasonal but with Trader Joe's you never know. It's so much better with tequila
becomebetty says
Here is where it was mentioned as possibly being seasonal: http://www.refinery29.com/2016/06/115080/trader-joes-summer-food