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Chili-Pineapple Margarita
The inspiration for this spicy margarita came from a cocktail we had at Hartwood, a restaurant in Tulum, Mexico. Chef Eric Werner steeped habanero chilies in tequila for over 36 hours to add kick. We simplified, infusing simple syrup with the same flavors in under 20 minutes. You’ll have enough syrup for several batches of margaritas. The smooth, round flavor of reposado tequila works best with the chilies.
2
drinks
Tip
The smooth, round flavor of reposado tequila worked best with the chilies. Steep the peppers no longer than 15 minutes or the syrup will be too spicy.
1 hour 30 minutes
20 min active
Ingredients
-
1
cup plus 1½ teaspoons white sugar
-
1
cup water
Directions
-
01In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of the sugar, the water, both zests and both chilies. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat and steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a jar, discarding the solids. Let cool.
Reviews
July 5, 2026
Best Spicy Marg I've Had
I knew you could infuse simple syrups, but I had never thought about infusing them with peppers. This is a game changer! I found the balance of heat and sweet to be perfect (I consider myself to have a low/med spice level tolerance), others I shared the drink with thought it was quite spicy, so if you have very little tolerance for heat, I would maybe reduce the amount of pepper or the infusion time.
March 3, 2024
Great balance of flavors
Just a wonderful balance of flavors. Very smooth, and yes, very dangerous.
November 12, 2022
Deceptively strong and delicious.
My new favorite margarita
September 11, 2022
CHILI-PINEAPPLE MARGARITA
Made these for Her, and she loved them.
October 28, 2022
ancho sub
for the simple syrup i swapped one dried ancho chile for the fresh peppers as i didn’t have any. i steeped for 30 minutes. wasn’t really that spicy but i loved the flavor! would probably add in some red chili flakes next time to add some heat
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Excellent margarita! I have made it infusing the simple syrup with jalapeno and habanero chili and without using the chili's in the simple syrup and both versions of the margarita tasted great. Everyone who tried it loves it!