This spicy margarita mocktail is a non alcoholic version of the classic cocktail. Made with fresh lime and orange juice, a touch of honey, and jalapeño for heat, it’s a deliciously refreshing drink that doesn’t compromise on flavour. With just the right balance of sweet, sour, and spice, it’s the perfect alcohol-free option for warm afternoons, dinner parties, or simply anytime you’re craving a spicy marg.
I love a margarita. It’s one of my go to cocktails. And a spicy one? Even better!
But, I tend to go through seasons of not drinking alcohol. Usually it’s simply because it doesn’t make me feel my best. During these times, I will admit that I really miss the experience of enjoying a well-made cocktail, especially as a way to wind down at the end of the week.
That’s why I love creating a great mocktail. Something that still gives me the same feeling of sipping on a delicious drink, just without the alcohol. I can still drive, wake up fresh the next day, and not feel like I’m missing out.
If you’re the same, definitely check out my non alcoholic mojito or this non alcoholic cherry spritz.
The biggest thing that’s often lacking in a mocktail is the complexity of flavour that alcohol brings. It’s why so many non alcoholic drinks just don’t hit the mark.
Now, I’m not saying this drink tastes like it has tequila in it. It’s definitely still a non alcoholic drink. But it’s one of the most enjoyable mocktails I’ve had, and it absolutely hits the spot when I’m craving a spicy marg.
I don’t have a deck yet (it’s still in the planning phase for my reno house) but when I do, you’ll find me out there on a Sunday afternoon, sipping one of these any time of the year.
Key Ingredients
This non alcoholic spicy margarita uses just a few simple ingredients to create a mocktail with enough complexity and flavour that you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Note all ingredients and their quantities are laid out in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Lime juice – for drinks like this that use a lot of lime juice, it can be much more budget-friendly to buy the pouches of lime juice from the supermarket rather than using freshly squeezed but either will work.
- Orange juice – as we’re only using a small amount (approximately ½ an orange per drink), I usually use freshly squeezed for the best flavour, but again you can use what you like.
- Honey – you can use agave syrup for a more traditional margarita flavour, but I find honey adds a delicious flavour and I tend to always have this on hand.
- Jalapeño – to give the margs their spicy flavour. I personally love the taste of jalapeño but for a more fiery kick you can use red chilli.
- Tonic water – in non alcoholic drinks I find tonic water adds more depth and complexity to compensate for the flavour that alcohol provides, but if you’re not a fan you can easily just use soda water or sparkling mineral water instead.
- Tajín – honestly I think the Tajin around the rim is what really makes this a spicy margarita! You can buy it on Amazon, or I’ve found it in my local supermarket with the Mexican spices.
Equipment & Tools
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- Cocktail shaker – An essential tool if you want to make cocktails and mocktails at home.
Step-By-Step Instructions
This recipe is specifically for when you’re looking to make one or two drinks, rather than a batch cocktail.
Start by preparing your glass. I am using a short, whiskey cocktail type glass which is the perfect size for these drinks. Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in some Tajín. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
Next, in your cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with the lime juice, orange juice, and honey to release the heat and flavour. I use a rolling pin to do this as I don’t have an actual cocktail muddler so feel free to use what you have. A jar is also a great alternative to a cocktail shaker if you don’t have one.
🌶️🌶️ How many slices of jalapeño you add will be up to you and how spicy you like it. I like around 3-4 slices as I find it’s spicy but not uncomfortable to drink but if you prefer a milder spice, start with 2 and see how it tastes.
Add a handful of ice and shake well to chill and combine. Strain the mocktail into your prepared glass over ice, then top with tonic water or soda water.
Give it a quick stir to combine, and garnish with a lime slice and extra jalapeño if desired.
Recipe FAQs
That all depends on how many jalapeño slices you use and whether you leave the seeds in. For a milder drink, use 2 slices and remove the seeds. For more of a kick, use 3-4 slices and leave the seeds in.
Tonic water has a slightly bitter taste thanks to quinine, which adds extra depth and complexity to the drink which I personally prefer when creating a mocktail. Soda water is plain and neutral, and will work well if you don’t like the taste of tonic water.
If you do make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! And tag any of your creations on Instagram with @eightforestlane as I would love to see.
More easy mocktails:
Sparkling Watermelon Lime Mocktail
Spicy Margarita Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-4 slices fresh jalapeño
- Tonic water or soda water
- Tajín or salt
- Fresh lime slices to garnish
Instructions
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a short glass and dip it in Tajín or salt. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker or jar, muddle the jalapeño slices with the lime juice, orange juice, and honey to release the heat and flavour.
- Add a handful of ice and shake well to chill and combine.
- Strain into your prepared glass over ice, then top with tonic water or soda water.
- Give it a quick stir to combine, and garnish with a lime slice and extra jalapeño if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a guide only and is calculated using automated online tools, therefore we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We encourage you to make your own calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe.
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