Learn how to make spicy tequila, like jalapeno infused tequila, by steeping peppers in tequila. Great for making fun, spicy cocktails for your next fiesta.
Chili Infused Tequila - How to Make Spicy Tequila!
In honor of National Tequila Day!
Tequila is wonderful for Margaritas and other drinks, but it is even better when infused with chili peppers. Chili pepper heat can be infused into alcoholic beverages easily, and tequila is one of the most popular candidates.
You can use any type of chili peppers for infusing tequila, like jalapeno infused tequila, habanero infused tequila, and even hotter peppers.
Let's talk about how we infuse tequila with spicy peppers, shall we?
Ingredients and Equipment Needed to infuse Tequila
- Tequila. Use anywhere from a whole bottle of tequila or even just an ounce or 2 for making a quick cocktail. Use your favorite brand. This will work with any tequila.
- Chili Peppers. You'll need fewer peppers for smaller infusions, or many for larger infusions. If using superhot peppers, like scorpion peppers, 7 pot peppers or the Carolina Reaper, only a single pepper can add a lot of heat to a whole bottle.
- Jars or Bottles. Use larger jars that you can cap, or use the bottle itself.
- Strainer. You'll need a strainer to remove the peppers once your infusion is completed.
How to Infuse Tequila with Chili Peppers
Choose Fresh or Dried Peppers. Always choose the freshest chili peppers for your infusions. Dried chili peppers also work great.
Wash and Slit the Peppers. Wash the peppers and slit them lengthwise so they do not float. You can also chop or thinly slice them into smaller pieces for a stronger infusion. Habanero peppers are ideal for infusions as they pack a great deal of heat and flavor, but you can realistically use any type of chili pepper, like the fabulous jalapeno pepper or the smoky chipotle pepper.
Infuse the Tequila. Drop the sliced or dried peppers down the neck of the bottle of tequila you wish to infuse. You may need to make a bit of room. The amount of chili peppers will depend on your preference, though you can use anywhere from 1 chili pepper for a milder infusion to a dozen for a flavor blast. 2 to 3 peppers are typical.
The chili peppers will eventually sink and your infused alcohol will be ready for consumption in 1 hour to 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how strong your preference.
How Long Should I Infuse my Tequila?
Infuse your tequila for anywhere from 1 hour to several weeks, depending on how strong you'd like your infusion. If making jalapeño infused tequila with jalapeño peppers, a week is a good amount of time.
24 hours will give you a good level of heat and flavor.
If using very hot peppers, like habaneros or even ghost peppers, you can do a quick infusion by shaking several ounces of tequila with sliced peppers in a cocktail shaker.
Serving Your Spicy Tequila
Mix up any and all manner of spicy drinks and tequila cocktails with your chili infused tequila. Consider wonderfully spicy margaritas, like this jalapeno margarita or this spicy mango margarita with habanero. Extra lime juice for me, please! So good!
Looking for some great spicy margarita recipes? Here you go!
Try These Infused and Other Spicy Cocktail Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Chili Infused Tequila Recipe - How to Infuse Tequila with Chili Peppers
Ingredients
- 16 ounces alcohol Use vodka, tequila, bourbon or whisky, gin, moonshine, or your own favorite type.
- 3 chili peppers Medium Sized. Use jalapeno peppers for milder heat serrano pepeprs for mid-level heat, habanero peppers for hot, or ghost peppers or hotter for a truly hot and spicy alcohol.
Instructions
- Always choose the freshest chili peppers for your infusions. Dried chili peppers also work great. Wash the peppers and slit them lengthwise so they do not float. You can also chop them into smaller pieces for a stronger infusion. Habanero peppers are ideal for infusions as they pack a great deal of heat and flavor, but you can realistically use any type of chili pepper, like the fabulous jalapeno or the smoky chipotle pepper.
- Slice the chili peppers and drop them down the neck of the bottle you wish to infuse. You may need to make a bit of room. The amount of chili peppers will depend on your preference, though you can use anywhere from 1 chili peppers for a milder infusion to a dozen for a flavor blast. 2 to 3 peppers are typical. The chili peppers will eventually sink and your infused alcohol will be ready for consumption in 3 to 4 weeks.
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This post was updated on 9/4/20 to include new information and photo. It was originally published on 7/14/12.
DT says
Made this and it’s good but too spicy. How can I lessen the heat. Thanks
Mike Hultquist says
DT, the best way is through dilution. Add more tequila.
Michael Burton says
I use Bicardi rum or a nice vodka.i usually slice fresh 7 pot chillies, the out in bottle. I steep them in a cupboard until the chillies go white. then the liquor is ready to take to parties and have some real fun. The Bicardi is particularly nice and very popular, especially when using Brain Strain chillies. Is there any issues leaving the chillies in until they go white that I don't know about?
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome! The main issue with leaving in the peppers is that they can break down and particles can float around, hurting the consistency.
M says
There used to be a tequila called "TQ hot" it had heat, but also a hint of citrus. How can I replicate this?
Mike Hultquist says
I haven't tried it, but you can add chilies + limes to the tequila and let it steep a bit.