The Spicy Sweet Margarita

When the temperatures drop, we love serving cocktails that feel cozy, bold, and a little unexpected. While margaritas are often thought of as a summer staple, this Spicy Sweet Margarita has become one of our favorite winter drinks to serve at Vintage Horse events. It’s refreshing yet warming, perfectly balanced between sweet citrus, smooth tequila, and a subtle jalapeño kick.

This cocktail is a crowd favorite because it’s approachable, customizable, and easy to batch for gatherings — making it ideal for winter parties, celebrations, and cozy nights with friends.

Ingredients 

Jalapeño Honey Simple

• 1 cup honey

• 1 cup water

• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, sliced

  • (remove seeds for mild heat, keep them for more spice)
    

Instructions

• Combine honey and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.

• Stir gently until the honey is fully dissolved (do not boil).

• Add sliced jalapeños and reduce heat to low.

• Simmer 10–15 minutes, tasting occasionally until desired heat is reached.

• Remove from heat and let steep another 10–20 minutes for more spice if desired.

• Strain out jalapeños and let cool completely.

Cocktail Ingredients  (Serves 8)

• 16 oz tequila

• 6–8 oz fresh lime juice

• 12–16 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 4–6 oz jalapeño honey syrup (adjust to taste)

• Sliced fresh jalapeño, to taste

• Ginger beer, to top

Cocktail Instructions  (Serves 8)

• In a large pitcher, combine tequila, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, and jalapeño honey syrup.

• Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat (start light — you can always add more).

• Stir well and chill until ready to serve.

• Pour over ice and top each drink with ginger beer for a crisp, spicy finish.

• Garnish with a grapefruit slice or jalapeño round for a little flair.

Why We Love This Drink

The citrus keeps it bright, the honey adds warmth, and the ginger beer brings just the right amount of bite making this margarita feel perfectly suited for winter events. It’s one of those cocktails that sparks conversation and keeps guests coming back for another round.

We often feature variations of this drink at our events and workshops because it’s a great example of how thoughtful ingredients can elevate a classic cocktail into an experience.

Whether you’re hosting friends at home or attending one of our upcoming events, this Spicy Sweet Margarita is a must-try winter sip.

Cheers to bold flavors, cozy gatherings, and making every season worth celebrating