Texas Margarita

What is a Texas Margarita?

No one really knows where the name Texas Margarita came from but it is basically a classic margarita combined with a little orange juice. The orange juice brings the sweetness of citrus to the drink which in turn compliments the bite of tequila and the tang of lime. The jalapeno that is added to this recipe gives even more complexity to the overall cocktail.

Why This is the Best Spicy Margarita Recipe

• Bubbly effervescent refreshment for summer
• More fresh orange flavor
• Easy to make
• A kick of heat to help you cool off (yep, the more you sweat the cooler you are)

Texas Margarita Ingredients

Wondering what goes into a Texas Margarita? It's basically a few simple ingredients plus my recipe adds a bubbly touch with a splash of sparkling wine.

• Tequila - and Blanco tequila will work
• Lime Juice - fresh is always best for more flavor
• Grand Marnier - adds sweetness and a touch of orange while smoothing out the flavors with its combination of cognac and triple sec
• Orange Juice - again, fresh is always best but a high-quality bottled juice can be used
• Agave Syrup - is totally optionally but adds a bit of sweetness to offset the tangy lime
• Fresh Jalapeno Slices - for a bit of heat. Don't like the heat? Leave it out.
• Champagne or Sparkling Wine - adds refreshing bubbles for summer
• Salt - for rimming the glass. It can be sea salt, coarse salt, or kosher salt.

Ingredient Notes

Fresh Orange Juice or Bottled

I prefer to use fresh orange juice if at all possible for the best flavor. However, when there is none to be had, use the highest quality bottled orange juice, preferably one without added sugar.

Best Tequila for Margarita

Any Blanco tequila will work for this drink. There are a lot of flavors coming together in this drink so keeping the tequila on the lighter side is your best bet. I like Milagro, Espolon Blanco, or Patron Silver Tequila for this citrus margarita.

Best Orange Liqueur for Margarita

Any orange liqueur will work for this cocktail. I like to use Grand Marnier which takes a little edge off the tang but Triple Sec,r Cointreau or Orange Curacao will work equally as well.

Best Salt for Margarita

• Kosher Salt
• Spicy Margarita Salt

How to Make Texas Margaritas

1. In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, orange juice, and agave nectar, if used. Add a slice or two of jalapeno, with or without the seeds, depending on how much heat you prefer.
2. Muddle these together.
3. Prepare glasses by rubbing rims with a wedge of lime then dipping in coarse salt. Fill with crushed ice then strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glasses.
4. Leave enough room in the glass for the champagne topper.

Pro Tip: The lime and salt on the rim aren't just for looks but help intensify the flavors of the cocktail. Want to make it prettier, try coloring the sugar for a little extra pizzazz.

5. Top each glass with prosecco, sparkling wine or champagne. 

Garnish glasses with a lime and half an orange slice and a few slices of jalapeno.

Cheers!

Margarita with Orange Juice Recipe Variations

This recipe makes Texas Margaritas on the rocks. You can change it up in a couple of ways:

• Frozen Texas Margarita - Combine ingredients as shown in the recipe then place in a blender with some ice and blend away!
• Texas Margarita Pitcher - Combine 1 cup each tequila, lime juice, and Grand Marnier, ½ cup orange juice, 4 teaspoons agave (optional), and 4-8 jalapeno slices in a pitcher. Just prior to serving, pour in 24 ounces (3 cups) sparkling wine or champagne.

This cocktail is very adaptable too. Here are some ideas:

• Don’t like the heat, leave out the jalapeno or tone it down by just using a small piece.
• Like your drinks a little sweeter, add some agave nectar.
• Don’t like sparkling wine, switch it out for lime or orange sparkling water or club soda.

What to Serve with Jalapeno Margarita

Mexican or Tex-Mex is always my first thought when margaritas come to mind. And when all that spiciness hits you, this tart and bubbly, aptly named, Texas Margarita tastes mighty good. Here are a few of my favorites:

Spicy Mexican Cheese Dip - great for happy hour or game time and, of course, this margarita with orange

Air Fryer Quesadillas - a quick & easy appetizer, light lunch, or dinner that deserves to be paired with a citrus margarita

Pork Enchiladas - this hearty, cheesy dinner is the perfect foil to this refreshing drink

Tex-Mex Grilled Pork Tenderloin - a spicy, grilled dinner that is served with a tomato corn salsa that will cool off the heat from this pork recipe and this jalapeno margarita

When to Serve Texas Margarita

This citrus margarita is perfect for every season. Try them for:

• Summer
• Cinco de Mayo
• Day of the Dead
• Taco Tuesday
• Cocktail parties
• Casual dinners

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Margarita Recipes

• Apple Cider Margarita - Wonderful fall cocktail.
• Carrot Margaritas - The best Easter cocktail ever!
• Margarita on the Rocks - A classic cocktail for any time of the year.
• Honey Mango Strawberry Margarita from Taste And See - A fruity drink for summer.
• Watermelon Margarita - Best way to enjoy this delicious summer melon.

Find lots more easy cocktail recipes here on 2CM!