So, you purchased Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeno Limeade. Now what? Well, I didn't love drinking it plain. However, mixed with some simple (adult) ingredients it was much improved. I made a Spicy Jalapeno Limeade Margarita out of it.
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 Reposado or Anejo, save that for sipping and not for mixing.
Avoid the really cheap stuff. Odds are, some of you out there might have some regrettable memories made by drinking the really cheap tequila. That cheap tequila is actually a Mixto, or mixed with something else.
In order for it to be considered a tequila in name, it must be 51% agave. So please, reach for the 100% agave. It's not tremendously more expensive for the quality you are getting in return. For more information about tequila and choosing an affordable brand check out Serious Eats: The 7 Best Budget Tequilas.
Tips for Making This Recipe
Here are my best tips for making this recipe:
- 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.
Watch Me Make This (38 Seconds)
How to Make This
Step 1: (Optional Step) If you want salt with your margarita, run a lime or use agave to rim a glass. Set aside.
Step 1: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add jalapeno limeade, tequila and triple sec.
Step 2: Shake vigorously. If your hands feel like you are getting frost bite, then you've shaken this enough. If you are using a Boston Shaker, the metal part of the shaker should be covered in frost and will no longer be shiny.
Step 4: Add ice to optionally rimmed glass and pour into glass. Garnish with lime or jalapeno slice. Enjoy responsibly.
Other Delicious Margarita Recipes on this Blog
Other Yummy Trader Joe's Inspired Recipes
Copycat Trader Joe's Oven Baked Cheese Bites
Copycat Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch
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 Cadillac 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