1-Start by preparing your ingredients: slice the jalapeño and squeeze fresh lime juice to get everything ready for a smooth process. This step ensures you maintain the perfect flavor balance in your Citrus Jalapeno Margarita. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip it into Tajín or kosher salt if you want that extra touch.

2-Next, gently muddle the jalapeño slices in a cocktail shaker to release their heat without overwhelming the drink. Add 1 ounce of blanco tequila, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, and ½ ounce of agave nectar or orange juice to the shaker. Fill it with ice and shake until the mixture is well chilled, which takes about 15 seconds.

3-Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass filled with ice, and garnish with extra jalapeño slices for a nice finish. The whole process takes roughly 15 minutes, making it ideal for quick prep. If it’s too strong, let the ice melt a bit or add sparkling water to tone it down, as per the tips for adjusting sweetness and spice.