Yes, I know. Sounds weird. Sounds weird especially since I had a really bad experience with a jalapeno margarita once. I couldn’t quite understand why anyone would want to drink something that’s spicy. A year or two has passed since my nightmare with spicy margaritas and I think the scars have healed. I recently saw this margarita recipe and thought I would try my hand at it. I was a bit apprehensive but I’m glad I did. Spicy margaritas may make a way into my summer beverages. What made this cocktail especially enjoyable was the cayenne pepper simple syrup – whaaaaat!? I love making my own simple syrups and this was no different. I can’t imagine what else I’ll use the cayenne simple syrup for…maybe I’ll just make more spicy margaritas!
I cheated a bit. The recipe called for all freshly squeezed grapefruit juice but I cheated a little by using already-made grapefruit juice with just one ounce of freshly squeezed. For the simply syrup:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper*
Heat water, sugar and pepper in a small pot. Stir and allow sugar to dissolve. Let simple syrup sit and cool for a about 30 minutes and place in the refrigerator until needed.
*If you like more of a spice, use 1/2 teaspoon. The notes in the original recipe suggested using a 1/2 of a teaspoon but I was a bit apprehensive. I think in order to really get the full effects of a spicy margarita, you should use at least a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the simple syrup.
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, pour in a glass and add ice. Add a lime slice and enjoy!
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