18 Spicy Cocktails Recipes Worth Trying

A variation of the classic Bloody Mary, a Bloody Maria, uses tequila instead of vodka.

In some recipes, this is the only change, but I like this recipe because it makes additional changes to complement the tequila.

Horseradish brings extra heat, and garnishes like jalapeno slices topped with queso fresco add to the vibe of this spicy tequila cocktail. 

These martinis use vodka or gin as a base.

Try gin for a spicy cocktail with more complexity, or keep it simple with vodka to taste more of the heat.

The combination of cucumber and lemon provides a refreshing contrast to the wasabi paste that makes this cocktail hot. 

One of the best spicy cocktails to enjoy during cold weather, Fall Spice Cordials are sweet and warming with a subtle hint of heat.

Bourbon adds rich notes of baking spices like cloves and nutmeg, while chipotle-orange syrup adds a citrusy element with hot pepper flavors.

Vanilla liqueur and orange bitters round out the cordial for a satisfyingly balanced cocktail.

Check out other fall cocktails with similar flavors.

Margaritas are one of my favorites to dress up with a bit of spice.

Blood orange adds complex citrus notes to the cocktail and a hint of bitterness.

One habanero pepper brings a lot of heat to this cocktail.

Additional citrus from lime juice and the sour mix even out the hot pepper, creating a spicy drink perfect for summer nights. 

Another drink that adds heat from the spicy pepper, Habanero Martini, is a hot twist on the classic cocktail.

While dry vermouth is still used, the recipe swaps vodka or gin for a reposado tequila.

In this cocktail, the pepper is used as a garnish, adding only a slight burst of heat to the complex-rested tequila. 

Some of the best spicy cocktails add only one ingredient to switch up a classic.

This recipe adds jalapenos to a standard margarita to enhance the citrus and spirits.

Something else I appreciate about this recipe is that it provides options for a lower-calorie cocktail while still keeping a spicy edge and a nice amount of sweetness. 

A tropical drink with a hint of heat, Mango Spice also incorporates jalapeno into its recipe.

Some of the pepper is muddled in the drink, along with mango and agave nectar, creating a sweet and spicy base for this cocktail.

Lime juice adds a citrus punch to the drink, while flavored mango vodka enhances the tropical taste. 

Michelada is a great cocktail if you’re searching for a savory drink.

Start with a base of your favorite Mexican beer and mix in tomato-based juice.

Worcestershire and the hot sauce of your preference bring the heat to this cocktail.

A small amount of soy sauce brings out rich notes of umami in this spicy cocktail. 

One of my favorite spicy margaritas, this cocktail combines the sweet, acidic pineapple with chili spice to jazz up the classic.

Hot sauce in the cocktail adds a punch of heat.

Use your favorite sauce; don’t be afraid to add a little extra if you like spice.

The lime and pineapple's sweetness allows for extra heat without overseasoning the drink.

The Red Pepper Sangrita Margarita is an intriguing combination of a bloody mary, margarita, and sangrita.

This is an excellent option if you love the refreshing taste of peppers but could do without the heat.

Like a bloody mary, this cocktail uses tomato juice and adds red pepper puree with a dash of hot sauce to create a complex tequila cocktail.

You’ll need a good Blanco tequila and grapefruit soda to craft this hot take on the standard Paloma.

Fresh lime and grapefruit juice add more citrus layers to the bubbly cocktail.

Jalapeno incorporated into the simple syrup adds sweet heat to the Spicy Paloma. 

This drink is intriguing without tequila, so it’s a great option if you want to make a spicy mocktail. 

Seasonal summer shandies are one of my favorite ways to end a hot day.

Make your own with this Spicy Pineapple Shandy recipe for a tropical twist with a punch of heat.

Use any shandy as a base, or mix your own using pale ale and lemon juice.

Jalapeno simple syrup highlights bitter notes in the beer with a contrast of heat and sweetness.  

Try this cocktail for a perfect balance of hot peppery flavor and sweet agave nectar.

Habanero brings the heat to this recipe, enhancing the building spiciness from the ginger vodka.

Agave provides sweetness and pleasing herbal notes that make this cocktail more complex than you’d expect. Lime juice adds a citrus note that brightens the drink.  

A staple of Texas dinner parties, this classic cocktail comes together simply.

Use Topo Chico sparkling mineral water and lime juice for the best results.

These elements bring refreshing flavor to Spicy Ranch Water.

Heat comes from chili lime seasoning on the rim and the jalapeno mixed in the cocktail.

This Spicy Margarita differs from others on the list due to the type of pepper used in the cocktail.

Rather than jalapeno or habanero, this twist on the margarita showcases serrano peppers.

This variety has a building heat that hits a different part of the palate than others. Add a spicy rim for additional heat up front. 

Cayenne pepper plays a key role in this spicy cocktail.

The heat from the spice plays off the white crème de menthe, creating a cocktail with minty and peppery notes.

Brandy gives the drink its color and lends a subtle sweetness.

Though this drink might not suit everyone’s tastes, it’s a unique cocktail worth trying at least once. 

Gimlets, with a simple combination of lime and gin, are easy to dress up with additional flavors.

This spicy take on the cocktail uses jalapeno simple syrup to add sweetness and heat.

Though this pepper is a great complement to lime, feel free to switch things up and try different peppers to your preferred heat level.  

The Hot Honey Margarita has a perfect balance of mellow sweetness without being overly acidic.

Hot honey takes the place of sour mix in the margarita, creating the ideal balance of heat, sweetness, and citrus from fresh limes.

The type of tequila you use can alter this cocktail, so if you like it, there are plenty of ways to try it!