Spicy Mango Margarita

Nothing screams summer quite like a refreshing Spicy Mango Margarita. This unique margarita twist combines sweet and spicy flavors with tangy lime juice and tequila for a drink that’s both fruity and fiery.

There’s no denying it… one of my very favourite flavours is mango. So, whenever I get a chance to feature this tropical fruit in a cocktail or recipe, I’m all in! These Mango Passion Fruit Wine Slushies are perfect for hot summer sipping while Pork and Mango Red Coconut Curry showcases its versatility in savoury recipes.

Spicy Mango Margarita

Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, this easy mango margarita is sure to impress your guests while keeping you cool all summer long. One sip of this fruit forward spicy margarita and everyone will ask for the recipe!

The secret is out when you tell them it’s as easy as making a smoothie! Think frozen mango chunks, fresh jalapeño, lime juice, and tequila in a high-speed blender and you’re most of the way there. This isn’t your average grocery store margarita mix!

I like to think of it as an adult smoothie because it contains so much mango with the perfect amount of tequila. BTW you can spice it up even further by adding some Chamoy sauce to create an even more sweet n spicy Mangonada style cocktail.

The other secret is the salty, spicy Tajin rim that decorates each margarita glass. This ring of fire really brings the ‘wow factor’ to any spicy cocktail. Allow the red rimmed cocktail to speak for itself or add even more garnish. I recommend a mango wedge, slices of jalapeño, or even more Tajin seasoning, if you dare.

Ingredients in this Cocktail

• Frozen Mango
• Mango Juice
• Tequila
• Jalapeño
• Lime Juice
• Kosher Salt
• Tajin Seasoning

Using frozen mango chunks in this margarita recipe is the perfect way to add fruit flavour and make an icy cold drink. There’s no need to add any extra ice in this frozen mango margarita!

Additionally, keeping the mango juice (or mango nectar) in the fridge will prevent the cocktail from warming up prematurely. As always, when it comes to fruit juices, fresh is best. Shelf stable pineapple juice and lime juice are absolutely fine as well.

While most margarita recipes call for Blanco tequila, I prefer slightly aged smoother Reposado tequila. You don’t need to break the bank buying a good tequila, just get one that is slightly smoother than the ubiquitous tequila shot tequila. Or feel free to use your favourite tequila.

You may have noticed that one of the most classic margarita ingredients is missing in this mango margarita recipe. I omitted the orange liqueur (Cointreau, Triple Sec, Curaçao, or Grand Marnier) to allow the mango flavour to really shine through.

There is still a touch of fresh lime juice, which doubles up the ‘sour’ notes in the mango. With it, this drink becomes the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spice.

Jalapeño peppers are a mild pepper but can vary in heat level according to growing conditions. Add a small amount to the blender, then taste and adjust for more heat. It’s easier to add heat gradually then remove it once it’s all blended.

Let’s talk about the ring of fire margarita rim. The most popular brand of chili lime seasoning at any Latino market is Tajin, though there are several more generic brands. They all contain salt, so be mindful of that when you mix the rimmer. Another favourite American brand is Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning.

How Spicy is this Mango Margarita?

If you love a little bit of heat, you will fall in love with these mango margaritas. The first thing you will taste is the fresh mango flavour, followed by a pleasing amount of spicy heat. The heat will build over time as you drink the cocktails, but their frosty temperature keeps you from overheating.

How to Make a Spicy Mango Margarita

The first step to making a great margarita is choosing glassware. Many restaurants serve margaritas in the classic margarita glass which is shaped like an upside-down cone. However, I prefer to use a rocks glass for homemade margaritas.

Many cocktails require the glassware to be pre-chilled. However, since margaritas have a decorated rim, there is no prechilling required. Simply mix the Tajin seasoning and salt (remember the Tajin does contain salt) together on a flat plate.

Next, moisten the rims of two margarita or rocks glasses with a lime wedge, then roll them in the salty Tajine mixture. Set aside.

To mix up the mango margarita, place the frozen mango chunks, mango juice, tequila, lime juice, and jalapeño in the pitcher of a high-speed blender. Process until smooth.

At this stage, it is important to taste the margarita mixture for flavour balance. If one of the flavours (sweet, sour, spice) is more prevalent, than the others, you must adjust the flavour. For more sweetness or sour flavour, add 1/2-ounce simple syrup or lime juice per drink.

To add more spice, add more jalapeño but remember the ring of fire rim!). Or, if you crave even more heat, you can make a spicy simple syrup with Thai chilies like I did for these Spicy Pineapple Margaritas. 

Pour into prepared glasses and garnish with a slice of lime or wheel of jalapeño. Cheers!

Hi! I’m Bernice Hill and I’ve been the sole recipe developer, photographer, and writer at Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen for the past eleven years. It is my pleasure to share easy to follow recipes that are delicious, nutritious, and approachable for the whole family.

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