Spicy Strawberry Mockarita: A Non-Alcoholic Margarita

Non-alcoholic margarita mocktail idea garnished with a fresh jalapeno

This drink complements any party event, giving you that kick of spice you need from a favorite cocktail, and the muddled strawberries give it such a great color it will never be boring.

It is always nice to be able to offer a mocktail idea to friends and family. Warm your guests up with this spicy mockarita. Your non-drinking guest will feel special instead of outcasts when they don't drink.

The spicy flavors pair well with tacos, nachos, wings, or on a hot day.

Why a mocktail?: A Non-Alcoholic Margarita

Mason jar with an easy recipe for a margarita with fresh strawberries and jalapeno.

Fewer calories and sugar than a margarita/

No alcohol, so no hangover.

Fresh fruit = winning!

When making a mocktail that equals the classic cocktail, there are 3 elements to include:

  1. Muddle fresh berries or herbs
  2. Use a citrus juice
  3. Add a bit of sweetness with a simple syrup

This easy recipe for a margarita uses all three, fresh strawberries, lime, and grapefruit juice, as well as honey.

Before muddling, I rim the glass with a mixture of salt and lime zest. Then I start to muddle.

Muddling is a culinary term that means crushing fruit and herbs to draw out the flavor. Use a twisting motion with gentle pressure (rather than pounding) to bring out the best in your mixology.

When the ripe strawberries are muddled, the aroma smells divine. (For my guests that do not like things hot, I will skip adding the fresh jalapeño slices.)

To make the Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita, I like to muddle the jalapenos with the already muddled strawberries so that the jalapeno oil can flavor the entire fiery drink.

Once muddling is complete, add the citrus. Grapefruit juice is used for this cocktail recipe, but I have made it with orange juice before, which is fantastic. Squeeze a bit of lime juice in the glass, add some honey if desired and enjoy.

Is this mocktail healthy?

  • The ingredients when using fresh herbs and fruit can actually be good for your health
  • Fewer calories
  • It won’t affect your sleep
  • Generally have a nice amount of vitamin C
  • Hydrating
  • Safe for everyone

Enjoy that you are making a cocktail that is not only a bit against the norm, but it also has some healthy perks.

Mealtime conversation starters for a group of friends

Cartoon smiling zucchini that is used as an icon for mealtime conversation starters at a party

Even if you enjoy people, thinking of what to say can be exhausting, even if those people are your friends and family. Being with people means conversations. It's all about enjoying the time you have with the people that are surrounding you.

That is why we like to add a bit of whimsy to all of our recipes. So try out this Party Conversation Starter and let the fun times roll. You may discover something pretty cool about yourself or deliver one of the best compliments a person has ever had. No matter how you play it, it will be a good time.

Party Conversation Starter - Think outside the box.

Offer a compliment, the more genuine, the better.

Do you like the way they talk? Their style? Their smile?

We LOVE humans and really enjoy hearing from you. Let us know, how did you like this mocktail idea?

Are you a fan of conversation starters for a group of friends? How did the conversation go?

Let us know in the comments at the end of the article below the recipe.

Non-alcoholic margarita in a glass with a fresh jalapeno for garnish and muddled strawberries.
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4.78 from 9 votes

Spicy Strawberry Mockarita

A mocktail idea that blends sweet and spicy using muddled strawberries and jalapeno to create an easy cocktail everyone can enjoy.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 90
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican

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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup strawberries fresh, sliced and muddled
  • cups ice
  • ½ each jalapeno thinly sliced, plus additional amount for garnish
  • ½ cup grapefruit juice freshly squeezed (about 1 fruit)
  • ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tbsp raw honey to taste (optional)
  • splash sparkling water
  • dash coarse sea salt optional, for the rim of your glass

Instructions

  • Wash the fresh strawberries and limes.
  • Place strawberries in drink shaker or mason jar.  (see notes for blender option)
  • Using the back of a wooden spoon or a muddler, press and twist to crush the fruit and express the juice.
  • Add the jalapeno slices (except garnish) and honey, along with the lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a few pieces of ice. Cover and shake vigorously.
  • If you are using salt, sprinkle it on a small plate. Moisten the rim of two serving glasses, then press lightly into the salt.
  • Divide the shaker contents equally between them, then add ice.
  • Top with a splash of sparkling water.
  • To garnish, add a ring or two of jalapeno to the rim, or a strip poked into the ice

Notes


Using a Shaker:

In a shaker add cut strawberries and sliced jalapenos. Muddle. Add a few ice cubes and shake. Add the remaining ingredients to the shaker and shake well for about 15 seconds. Pour into your glasses top with more ice and enjoy.
Using a Blender:
Combine the strawberries and jalapeno pepper in a blender and blender until desired consistency. Divide the mixture into 2 serving glasses, add ice and pour the remaining ingredients in the jar. Stir and enjoy.
Honey:
I omitted the honey mentioned in the recipe when I made them and found this to be awesomely spicy and not sweet.

Hand Size Portions

Nutrition Facts
Spicy Strawberry Mockarita
Amount per Serving
Calories
90
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Sodium
 
12
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
247
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
23
g
8
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
19
g
21
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
31
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
68
mg
82
%
Calcium
 
26
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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MFP barcode for Spicy Strawberry Mockarita recipe
Palm: 0
Fist: 0
Handful: 1.25
Thumb: 0

Hand Portions

When you look at the nutritional values of a meal to log what you are eating, that is called tracking macros. A lot of people use this method to reach their health goals.

Looking at hand portion size and using this method to gauge how and what you eat is also a great method to help you reach your health goals. Many people who use this method often think this form of tracking meals is easier and more sustainable for a lifetime.

Want to learn more about hand portion size and how to use it to reach your goals? Check out the article How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.

Chaos Tamer Brandy Monge guides busy professionals to find balance between the chaotic life of a successful career and the desire to be healthy, fit, and energetic. She shows professionals that they don’t have to choose between being successful or being healthy. Brandy is a nutrition coach, gym owner, and fitness trainer who has a start with what we love approach to nutrition and fitness. Find other articles written by Brandy on her coach profile and start creating systems and habits to get your body in tip-top shape just like your career.

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  • Tim says:

    Shared this recipe with a co-worker. We both enjoyed it. We want more!!!!!

  • Sara says:

    Made this today. 🎉

  • Michelle says:

    Make this while my son and his girlfriend were in town. It was a nice way to enjoy a cocktail without the alcohol.

    The aroma that came from muddling the strawberries was divine. I had no idea that muddling could bring forth such a great smell. Most of us enjoyed the drink with the addition of the jalapeno, but for those that don’t enjoy spicy- I left it out, and it was yummy too.

    I would love to see more recipes like this one.