Low-Alcohol Spicy Mango Margarita
Spicy Mango Margarita Mocktail
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cool off this summer, you can't do much better than an ice-cold, refreshing margarita. This beverage is a staple of hot weather, thanks to its tanginess and delicious sweetness that goes down smoothly.
However, while regular margaritas are always enjoyable, they're also remarkably common. If you want something bolder and more exciting, a spicy margarita might be the ticket. Even better, you can mix margaritas as virgin cocktails so you get all the flavor with none of the regret.
For that reason, we're looking at a spicy mango margarita that uses alcohol-free Tequila from Seir Hill. This delicious non-alcoholic spirit can add zest and flavor to all mocktails, but it works especially well in a margarita. So, get your shaker ready and let's see how to make a spicy mango margarita a reality.
A Brief History of a Spicy Margarita
When it comes to the history of the margarita, its origins are as muddled as a mint julep. However, when it comes to spicy margaritas, their history is much more recent and much easier to track down.
It all began in the early 2000s when infusions and mixology were really coming into their own. Bars across the country were looking for bold and unique ways to stand out, and one such bar did so by mixing spiciness with Tequila.
Julio Bermejo, the owner of a bar called Tommy's Margarita in San Francisco, is credited as the father of the modern spicy margarita. Instead of using silver or reposado Tequila, Julio started using habanero-infused spirits in his margs, alongside agave syrup instead of regular simple syrup.
These spicy cocktails were a hit, and the concept soon spread to other bars in San Francisco and beyond. However, what really put the spicy margarita on the map was when the Sweet Heat Cocktail won a Gran Centenario award at Tommy's in 2005. The recipe called for a margarita with muddled jalapenos, and within a year or so, many bars started offering similar knockoffs.
From its humble beginnings in San Francisco, the spicy margarita first started targeting other cities and states with a tradition of spiciness (i.e., Texas). However, nearly 20 years later, this cocktail has become a staple of any bar that wants to blend sweetness and spiciness as best they can. Spicy margaritas give a whole new meaning to the phrase "burns so good."
What You'll Need to Make a Spicy Mango Margarita Mocktail
Since this recipe calls for mango pieces, you'll need at least a knife to peel and chop your mango before making this drink. Additionally, we highly recommend using a cocktail shaker to ensure a smoother, colder result when drinking your mocktail.
As far as your drinking glass, you can use a regular tumbler or a margarita glass, whichever you prefer (and have on hand). For the rim, it's best to have a rim dish, but a simple plate will do as well.
Since you'll need to muddle your mango before adding the rest of the ingredients, we recommend using a traditional muddler for the occasion. Otherwise, the butt of a mixing spoon or something similar should suffice.
Here are the ingredients for this mocktail:
- 2 oz Durangold Tequila Alternative
- 1 Mango, peeled and diced
- 1 Lime
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 1 oz Triple Sec (look for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1.5 oz Fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (or agave syrup if you prefer)
- Tajin seasoning (as garnish)
How to Make a Spicy Mango Margarita With Alcohol-Free Tequila
First, you'll need to muddle your mango and jalapeno. If you don't want your beverage to be too spicy, you can remove the jalapeno seeds or switch to a milder pepper (like ancho chilies). Muddle these ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
Add ice, along with the lime juice, Triple Sec, and simple syrup. Shake the mixture until thoroughly chilled, and then strain into your favorite rocks glass.
As for the rim, you just need to rub the juice from a lime along the edge and dip the glass in a plate of Tajin. Jalapeno juice can also work well if you want some extra heat when you first take a sip.
Alternatives to the Spicy Mango Margarita
Since the spicy margarita is now a staple of modern cocktails, you can do a lot with this mocktail recipe. Best of all, Durangold is flavorful and versatile, so you can do a lot without worrying about imbibing too much. Here are some potential alternatives to kick this recipe up a notch:
- Use Other Citrus - Oranges, blood oranges, and even grapefruits can change the nature of this drink and make it more refreshing.
- Use Hotter (or Milder) Peppers - Habanero peppers are pretty much the gold standard for intense heat, but you can also experiment with other chilis and see which ones you like the best.
