Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and jalapeño a few hours ahead and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, pour over crushed ice, add club soda, and garnish with fresh mint and Fresno chile.

Is a Fresno chile very spicy?

Fresno chiles are usually similar in heat to jalapeños but tend to have a slightly sweeter, fruitier flavor. Their bright red color also makes them an excellent garnish

Can I use simple syrup instead of agave?

Absolutely. Simple syrup works perfectly in this recipe. Agave simply complements tequila a little more naturally because they're both derived from the agave plant.

What's the best tequila for this cocktail?

A good-quality blanco tequila is the best choice because its crisp, clean flavor lets the mint, lime, and fresh chiles shine. Save aged añejo tequilas for sipping on their own.

Spicy Tequila Mojito - Nibbles and Feasts

Description

The mojito gets a Mexican-inspired makeover with crisp blanco tequila, cooling mint, fresh lime, and just enough jalapeño to wake up your palate. A vibrant Fresno chile garnish adds a touch of sweetness, a hint of heat, and a beautiful pop of color. Served over crushed ice with a splash of sparkling water, it’s the kind of cocktail that disappears long before the ice melts.

Ingredients

Scale

Tajín, for rimming the glass (optional)
Lime wedge
2 thin jalapeño slices
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
¾ ounce agave syrup or simple syrup
2 ounces blanco tequila
Crushed ice
2 to 3 ounces chilled club soda
1 lime wheel
1 thin Fresno chile ring

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Instructions

Rub the rim of a rocks glass with the lime wedge and dip half of the rim into Tajín.
Add the jalapeño slices, mint leaves, lime juice, and agave syrup to the glass. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press the ingredients together just until the mint becomes fragrant and the jalapeño releases a bit of its heat. Be careful not to over-muddle the mint, as it can become bitter.
Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice. Pour in the tequila and stir gently until well chilled. Top with the club soda and give the cocktail one final, gentle stir to combine.
Nestle the mint sprig into the ice, garnish with the lime wheel and Fresno chile ring, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a milder cocktail, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before muddling. Want a little more heat? Leave the seeds intact or add an extra slice.