Recipe and Photos by Molly Bolton
Say hello to your new go-to summer cocktail: the Spicy Blackberry Margarita. A little spicy, not-too-sweet, and oh-so refreshing, this is the gorgeously delicious drink we’ll be sipping on all summer long.
Ingredients
For the blackberry-jalapeno simple syrup
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. granulated sugar
6 oz. fresh blackberries
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced (for less spice, remove a portion or all seeds and membranes)
For the margarita
Salted rim: 1 tbsp. kosher salt + 1 1/2 tsp. Tajin seasoning + 1 lime wedge
2 oz. silver tequila
1 oz. orange liquor (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. blackberry-jalapeno simple syrup
Directions
Step 1: Prepare simple syrup. Combine water, sugar, blackberries and jalapenos in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Mash softened berries (the back of a metal spoon and side of your saucepan work well here!). Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until syrup is deep purple and sugar is completely dissolved, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or measuring glass. Discard peppers and berry pulp. Set simple syrup aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare your glass. Combine kosher salt and Tajin seasoning together on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the edge of an 8 to 10-oz. glass, then dip the moistened rim into the salt/Tajin mixture so that it adheres. Fill the rimmed glass with ice, about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way full.
Step 3: Make the margarita. Add tequila, orange liquor, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously to chill, 15 to 30 seconds. Strain liquid into the prepared glass. Garnish with fresh blackberries, jalapeno slices, and/or lime wedges as desired. Enjoy!
A little spicy, not-too-sweet, and oh-so refreshing, this is the gorgeously delicious drink we’ll be sipping on all summer long.
Notes
Simple syrup: Store extra simple syrup in a sealed mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Big batch instructions: Want to make a big batch of margaritas? We don’t blame you! For two margaritas, simply double the recipe and divide between 2 prepared glasses. To serve a crowd, simply scale the recipe according to the desired number of servings. Add ingredients into a large pitcher, stir to combine, and store in the fridge until ready to serve. Stir the margarita mixture once more before pouring into prepared glasses.
Not into spicy stuff? No worries. For a non-spicy, purely-blackberry margarita, simply leave the jalapeno peppers out of the simple syrup.
Additional info
Total time: 20 minutes
Makes 1 margarita
