Spicy Jalapeño Margarita Mocktail

A feisty, non-alcoholic margarita made with muddle jalapeños and a chili salt rim.

I am a self-proclaimed margarita lover. But unfortunately, tequila and I had to breakup this year. Sigh. Much to my surprise, with this non-alcoholic recipe I actually felt like I was drinking the real thing. The combination of fresh citrus, subtle sweetness, and the kick-in-your-pants fire makes it perfectly balanced, so much so that you won't notice the tequila is gone. No, really.

Give this recipe a try and I promise you won't notice the booze is missing. Just your headache the next morning.

Spicy Jalapeno N/A Margarita

5 Tips for Non-Alcoholic Margaritas

1. Make sure to use fresh limes instead of store-bought lime juice on this one. The brightness of the fresh citrus makes a huge difference in the recipe.

2. I did cheat and use bottled orange juice instead of fresh-squeezing it. Everything in moderation I always say - I can fresh squeeze the lime but I draw the line there, and it still tasted incredible.

3. Try swapping out the orange juice for pineapple juice if you love a slightly sweeter, more tropical flavor.

4. A homemade salt rim can sound a little intimidating but it's a snap and makes a huge difference in terms of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Any leftover chili salt can be stored in a ziplock bag.

5. When you muddle, spend at least 30 seconds really digging in to break down the jalapeños so that the capsaicin is released. Capsaicin is the juice that gives jalapeños their heat.

6. If you are missing the tequila flavor profile in this one, try adding in one ounce of non-alcoholic tequila with the orange juice.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 jalapeño

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 1/2 lime, juiced

• 1/2 ounce agave or simple syrup

• 1/4 C orange juice

• Soda water to top (I recommend lime or plain)

• Chili salt rim: 1t kosher salt, 1/2t chili powder, dash of smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare the chili lime salt in small dish. Make sure the dish is large enough for the entire rime of your glass to fit in. Set aside.

2. Slice your jalapeño and place in shaker.

3. Squeeze lemon and lime into shaker.

4. Add agave.

5. Muddle for at least 30 seconds to breakup the jalapenos.

6. Add orange juice and shake that baby up.

7. Take fresh glass and coat the rim in lime juice. Dip in chili salt and add ice.

8. Strain shaker mixture over ice and top with club soda to taste.

You can also watch a 30-second, step-by-step video of this recipe on my Instagram. Cheers!