Looking for a spicy margarita with just the right kick? Montreal’s vibrant cocktail scene has you covered. Whether you're into authentic Mexican flavours or expertly crafted drinks, there are some standout spots across the city serving up bold, heat-packed takes on this modern classic. You’ll also find a simple recipe below using our own jalapeño syrup so you can recreate the experience at home.
Prefer to bring the margarita magic to your own space? Spicy margaritas are one of our specialties at MTL Craft Cocktails. We craft them fresh at private events with custom menus and professional service. Learn more if you're after a different kind of spicy marg experience.
A spicy margarita builds on the classic trio of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, adding heat for depth and excitement. Some versions rely on muddled jalapeño or serrano peppers to infuse spice directly into the drink. Others add a dash of heat through garnishes or rimmed spices like Tajín, offering a mild kick as you sip. The best versions strike a balance of heat that enhances without overpowering the citrus and agave base; fresh ingredients; quality tequila; and careful preparation.
Careful preparation goes beyond just mixing ingredients together. It involves understanding how different chili peppers behave in alcohol, how long to infuse them, and how much heat is appropriate for the overall drink balance. A seasoned bartender knows how to control extraction—whether by lightly muddling the pepper to release its oils or by shaking with infused syrup to ensure a consistent level of spice. Precision matters with citrus as well: hand-pressed lime juice offers far more brightness and depth than anything pre-bottled. Even ice selection and shake timing affect dilution and texture. A proper spicy margarita should be well chilled, frothy from the shake, and balanced so that the spice lingers without overwhelming the palate. It's this kind of technical attention that transforms a decent spicy marg into something memorable.
The classic margarita dates back to the 1930s or 1940s in northern Mexico, evolving from the “daisy” cocktail style. The spicy twist emerged later, popularised in the late 1980s in bars along the Mexico-US border. Mixologists leaned into bold flavours, blending peppers with lime and tequila for a contemporary spin on this iconic drink.
Restaurant Mañana (Saint-Denis)
Known for innovative Mexican cuisine, Mañana serves a spicy margarita with notes of jalapeño and balanced acidity
Ta Chido Snack-Bar (Plateau)
This cozy spot offers a rotating menu of five margarita styles—one of which is jalapeño-spiked and highly rated by locals .
Tittle Tattle (Old Port)This speakeasy-style bar offers rotating innovative cocktails, including a peppery margarita with mezcal undertones.
Coldroom Bar (Old Port)Known for its focused cocktail list, the bar’s spicy margarita is consistently praised for its clarity and balanced heat.
Clandestino (Old Montreal)
One reviewer confessed: “I order a spicy marg almost everywhere I go and this might be the best one I’ve ever had” restomontreal.ca. Their blend is refined yet fierce.
If you’d rather enjoy the spicy margarita vibe at home, our craft jalapeño syrup makes the process simple and delicious. Use this recipe:
Spicy Margarita Recipe
Instructions
You can also make a mocktail version simply by skipping the and adding 2oz of water. Our jalapeño syrup brings the spice and flavour you want in a non-alcoholic version.
Who says spicy margaritas are just for Cinco de Mayo? At MTL Craft Cocktails, we offer private bartending services that fit your event theme, whether you're throwing a summer fiesta, hosting an office 5 à 7, or celebrating a milestone with close friends.
We provide everything you need for a seamless experience: high-quality spirits, our signature jalapeño syrup, glassware, ice, and a personalized cocktail menu. Spicy margaritas can be served with alcohol or as a zero-proof option, depending on your guest list.
We’ll help you plan quantities, prep your space, and make sure the drinks keep flowing from start to finish. Let us bring the spice while you enjoy the party. Contact us to hire a bartender for your next spicy celebration.
.png)
.png)
