Mango Chili Margarita: A Sweet and Spicy Mocktail

If you love the combination of sweet and heat, this Mango Chili Margarita is the perfect mocktail for you.

It blends juicy, ripe mango with zesty lime and a touch of spice, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and bold. The sweetness of mango balances perfectly with the heat from fresh chili or Tajín, making every sip smooth, vibrant, and exciting.

This non-alcoholic margarita is great for Cinco de Mayo, summer BBQs, taco nights, or anytime you’re in the mood for something tropical with a kick. Serve it in a Tajín-rimmed glass, garnish with fresh mango slices or a chili pepper, and enjoy a drink that’s both refreshing and fiery—without the alcohol.

The best part? It’s easy to adjust the spice level, so you can make it as mild or as bold as you like. Grab your blender or shaker, and let’s make this irresistibly sweet and spicy mocktail.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and spicy: Juicy mango and zesty lime contrast beautifully with the subtle heat from chili.
• Customizable spice level: Make it mild or fiery—adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste.
• Refreshing and tropical: A smooth, fruit-forward margarita with a bold kick.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on the rocks or frozen, with a Tajín or salt rim for extra flavor.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for Cinco de Mayo, summer BBQs, taco nights, or poolside sipping.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh mango purée – Blend fresh mango or use Lakewood Organic Mango Juice for convenience.
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice – About 2 limes, for a tangy citrus kick.
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup or honey – Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your mango.
• ½ cup sparkling water or club soda – Topo Chico or Perrier add a crisp, bubbly finish.
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder or 1 sliced fresh chili – Adjust based on how spicy you like it.
• Ice

Optional Garnishes

• Mango slices – A tropical finishing touch.
• Lime wedges – Enhances the citrus flavors.
• Tajín or chili salt for rimming – Adds extra heat and depth.

Tools You’ll Need

• Blender or cocktail shaker – Blend for a frozen margarita or shake for a smooth version.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh lime juice makes a big difference.
• Small plate for rimming glasses – For salt, Tajín, or chili sugar.
• Margarita glasses or rocks glasses – A classic margarita glass enhances the experience, but a simple tumbler works too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glasses

A well-rimmed glass enhances both the presentation and the first sip.

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass to moisten it.
2. Pour Tajín, chili salt, or regular salt onto a small plate.
3. Dip the rim of the glass into the seasoning, gently rotating to coat evenly.
4. Fill the glass with ice to chill while you mix the drink.

Pro Tip: For a hint of sweetness, mix sugar with chili powder for a unique rim flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Margarita

1. In a cocktail shaker or blender, combine:
   • 1 cup fresh mango purée
   • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
   • 2 tablespoons agave syrup (or adjust to taste)
   • ¼ teaspoon chili powder or 1 sliced fresh chili (adjust for spice preference)
2. Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice.

For a frozen version, blend all ingredients with 2 cups of ice until smooth, then pour into glasses.

Step 3: Add Sparkling Water & Garnish

1. Top with ½ cup sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing, bubbly finish.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Garnish with a mango slice, lime wedge, or fresh chili for a bold finishing touch.

Pro Tip: If you love smoky flavors, try a pinch of smoked paprika in the rim mixture for extra depth.

Variations and Customizations

• Frozen Mango Chili Margarita: Blend all ingredients with 2 cups of ice for a smooth, slushy version.
• Extra Spicy Margarita: Add more chili powder or muddled jalapeño slices to intensify the heat.
• Mild and Sweet Version: Reduce or omit the chili and add an extra splash of agave for a fruitier taste.
• Tropical Twist: Replace half the mango purée with pineapple or passion fruit juice for an exotic flavor boost.
• Zero-Sugar Option: Swap agave syrup for a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.

Pro Tip: If you enjoy smoky flavors, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or using smoked salt for the rim to give the drink extra depth.

Batching Tips

Making this Mango Chili Margarita for a crowd? Here’s how to prepare a large batch while keeping the flavors balanced and fresh.

For a Large Batch (8 Servings):

• 4 cups fresh mango purée (blend fresh mango or use store-bought mango juice)
• 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6–8 limes)
• ½ cup agave syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or 2 thinly sliced fresh chilies (adjust for spice preference)
• 4 cups sparkling water or club soda
• Ice as needed

How to Prep Ahead:

1. Juice the mango and limes ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
2. Mix the citrus juice, mango purée, agave syrup, and chili in a pitcher, keeping it chilled until ready to serve.
3. Just before serving, pour over ice and top with sparkling water to maintain freshness and fizz.
4. Set up a DIY garnish station with mango slices, lime wedges, and Tajín-rimmed glasses so guests can customize their drinks.

Pro Tip: If making a frozen version, blend in smaller batches to keep the texture smooth and avoid overloading the blender.

Perfect Pairings

The Mango Chili Margarita pairs beautifully with bold, spicy, and tropical flavors. Whether you’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo party, taco night, or summer BBQ, these pairings will enhance the drink’s sweet-heat balance.

Savory Pairings

• Carne Asada Tacos – The smoky, grilled flavors pair perfectly with the sweet mango and spicy chili.
• Spicy Shrimp Ceviche – The citrus and chili notes in the margarita complement the bright, zesty flavors of ceviche.
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – The creamy, chili-lime corn contrasts beautifully with the fruity drink.
• Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers – The flavors mirror the margarita’s spicy, citrusy profile.

Sweet Pairings

• Mango Sorbet with Tajín – A light, cooling dessert that matches the drink’s tropical notes.
• Dark Chocolate with Chili Flakes – The richness of dark chocolate balances the heat in the margarita.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – A caramelized pineapple dessert pairs well with the margarita’s fruitiness.

Pro Tip: For a fully tropical-themed spread, serve this margarita with a fruit platter featuring mango, pineapple, and coconut chips, drizzled with a little lime juice and Tajín.

Give It a Try!

This Mango Chili Margarita is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tropical flavors in one refreshing drink. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, serving it at a summer BBQ, or just craving something bold and fruity, this mocktail delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness—without the alcohol.

The best part? It’s easy to customize! Make it extra spicy, frozen, or tropical with simple adjustments. However you enjoy it, this fiery margarita will be a standout at any gathering.

If you try this recipe, save it for later, share it with friends, or let me know how you customized yours! Cheers to sweet, spicy, and refreshing flavors!