Upgrade Your Margarita Recipe

Spicy Coconut-Guava Margarita

1. 1

   Prep rim

   Pour the coarse sea salt and toasted coconut flakes onto a small plate, spreading them so they overlap slightly. Take a lime wedge and rub it around the outside rim of 4 rocks or coupe glasses (about 8–10 oz capacity). Dip each glass rim into the salt-coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thin, even coating. Set glasses aside.

2. 2

   Prepare jalapeño

   Slice the jalapeño thinly. For moderate heat, remove seeds and membranes from at least half the slices; for more heat, leave some seeds in. Reserve one thin slice per glass for garnish and set the rest aside to muddle.

3. 3

   Muddle

   In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the reserved jalapeño slices (about 4–6 slices) and the agave syrup. Gently muddle 8–10 times — enough to release bright jalapeño oils and heat without pulverizing. If you prefer milder heat, muddle fewer times.

4. 4

   Combine liquids

   Add the reposado tequila, coconut rum, orange liqueur, guava juice, and fresh lime juice to the shaker with the muddled jalapeño. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with cubed ice.

5. 5

   Shake

   Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.

6. 6

   Strain and serve

   Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared rimmed glasses over fresh ice (use a fine mesh strainer with your shaker's strainer to remove jalapeño bits), filling each glass equally. If you like more texture or heat, you may opt for a single strain.

7. 7

   Garnish

   Float one thin jalapeño slice on each cocktail. Add a lime wheel or wedge on the rim and optionally a small sprig of cilantro or mint. For a sweet-heat contrast, add a candied jalapeño slice on top.

8. 8

   Adjust and serve

   Taste one glass and, if desired, adjust sweetness or acidity by stirring in 1/4 oz agave syrup (if too tart) or a few drops of lime juice (if too sweet). Serve immediately while chilled.