The Franken-Rita
Spicy, spooky, and shockingly purple — this Halloween margarita is stitched together with jalapeño heat and mad scientist flair.
A Margarita Gone Mad
Step into your cocktail lab and unleash The Franken-Rita — a jalapeño-infused, neon-purple margarita that’s equal parts spooky and sophisticated. This electrified elixir glows under blacklight and delivers a spicy-sweet punch that’s perfect for Halloween parties, themed gatherings, or any night you feel like playing mixologist with a monster twist.
Why You’ll Love This Creepy Cocktail
- Spicy-sweet balance: Jalapeño tequila brings the heat; cranberry and limoncello keep it fresh.
- Gorgeous glow: The neon purple hue looks straight out of a mad scientist’s beaker.
- Party-ready: Makes 4 servings, ideal for Halloween parties or themed gatherings.
- Customizable: Easy to make nonalcoholic so everyone can enjoy the fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 4 servings
For the Jalapeño Tequila
- ¾ cup gold tequila
- 2 slices seeded fresh jalapeño pepper
For the Rim
- Small amount of water
- 2 tablespoons purple decorating sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
For the Margarita
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ½ cup white cranberry juice
- 6 tablespoons jalapeño tequila
- ¼ cup limoncello
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 drops neon purple food coloring
- Red grape halves, for garnish
How to Make The Franken-Rita
Step 1: Infuse the Tequila Combine gold tequila and jalapeño slices in a small jar. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours. Strain and discard the jalapeño slices. Tip: The longer you let it infuse, the spicier it gets. Two hours gives just the right amount of heat.
Step 2: Prep the Rims Pour a small amount of water onto one small plate. On another, mix purple decorating sugar and kosher salt. Dip the rims of four margarita glasses into the water, then into the sugar-salt mixture. Invert and let dry for a few minutes to set.
Step 3: Mix the Magic In a cocktail shaker, combine ice cubes, white cranberry juice, 6 tablespoons jalapeño tequila, limoncello, lime juice, and two drops of neon purple food coloring. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Pour & Garnish Strain into two prepared glasses and garnish with red grape halves. Repeat to make two more cocktails.
Nonalcoholic Version
Substitute white cranberry juice for the tequila and lemonade for the limoncello. You’ll still get that bright color, tangy citrus flavor, and a party-perfect presentation — minus the alcohol.
Expert Tips & Variations
- More spice: Add an extra jalapeño slice or let the tequila sit longer.
- Glow effect: Serve under a blacklight for a truly mad-scientist vibe!
- Garnish twist: Freeze red grape halves for chilling the drink without watering it down.
- Pitcher style: Double the recipe and serve in a clear pitcher for easy refills.
Serving Ideas
Serve alongside themed Halloween bites like Jack-o’-Lantern Brie, Frankenstein Spread, or Witch’s Lagoon Cocktail for a complete spooky soirée. Add a fog machine or dry ice around the serving tray for that mad lab atmosphere!
FAQs
Q: Can I make the jalapeño tequila in advance? Yes! Store it in a sealed jar up to 5 days ahead for easy mixing.
Q: What kind of food coloring works best? Gel or neon liquid food coloring gives the most vivid hue.
Q: Can I skip the sugar rim? You can — but that sparkly rim adds texture, flavor, and plenty of Halloween charm!
Final Thoughts
The Franken-Rita is your ticket to a Halloween cocktail that’s spooky, spicy, and stitched together with mad genius. Whether you’re hosting a haunted bash or mixing up a monster-worthy drink for two, this margarita gone mad is sure to electrify your night.
Shake up your next monster bash with The Franken-Rita — and don’t miss my Witch’s Lagoon Cocktail and Zombie Punch Recipe for more ghoulishly good drinks!
The Franken-Rita: A Margarita Gone Mad
A spooky, spicy twist on the classic margarita! The Franken-Rita glows neon purple, packs a jalapeño kick, and comes garnished with grape halves and a cheeky plastic spider. Perfect for Halloween parties and mad scientist-themed soirées.
Ingredients
For the Jalapeño Tequila:
- ¾ cup gold tequila
- 2 slices seeded fresh jalapeño pepper
For the Rim:
- Small amount of water
- 2 tablespoons purple decorating sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
For the Margarita:
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ½ cup white cranberry juice
- 6 tablespoons jalapeño tequila
- ¼ cup limoncello
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 drops neon purple food coloring
- Red grape halves, for garnish
Instructions
- Infuse the Tequila: Combine tequila and jalapeño slices in a jar. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours. Strain and discard jalapeños.
- Prep the Rims: Pour water onto a small plate. Mix purple sugar and salt on another. Dip glass rims into water, then into sugar-salt mixture. Let dry.
- Mix the Margarita: In a shaker, combine ice, white cranberry juice, jalapeño tequila, limoncello, lime juice, and food coloring. Shake for 30 seconds.
- Serve & Garnish: Strain into prepared glasses. Add grape halves to the drink and garnish the rim with a plastic spider.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 195Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 1895mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 0g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.