Spicy Cantarito

Name: Spicy Cantarito Cocktail Recipe (Tequila & Fresh Citrus)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 oz jalapeño tequila; 0.5 oz chipotle tequila; 1 oz fresh lime juice; 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice; 1 oz fresh pineapple juice; 1/4 tsp agave worm salt (Sal de Gusano); Ice cubes; 4 oz grapefruit soda (like Squirt), to top; 1 large pineapple cube, for garnish; 1 tbsp chamoy sauce, for garnish; 1 tbsp Tajín seasoning, for garnish; 1 lime wedge, for garnish; 1 grapefruit wedge, for garnish; 2 pineapple fronds, for garnish

Spicy Cantarito is a Mexican tequila-based cocktail that blends jalapeño and chipotle tequilas with fresh-squeezed citrus and pineapple juices, topped with grapefruit soda and traditionally served in a clay mug. Its standout trait is the layered heat and smoke from infused tequilas balanced by bright, fresh fruit flavors.

🌍Mexican 🏷️Cantarito 🏷️Cocktail 🏷️Tequila 🏷️Spicy cocktail Pineapple

🏷️

🏷️Grapefruit

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homebarnetworkonTikTok

Total

7 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by homebarnetwork

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homebarnetworkonTikTok

Ingredients

1 oz jalapeño tequila
0.5 oz chipotle tequilaoptional
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz fresh pineapple juice
1/4 tsp agave worm salt (Sal de Gusano)
Ice cubes
4 oz grapefruit soda (like Squirt), to top
1 large pineapple cube, for garnishoptional
1 tbsp chamoy sauce, for garnishoptional
1 tbsp Tajín seasoning, for garnishoptional
1 lime wedge, for garnishoptional
1 grapefruit wedge, for garnishoptional
2 pineapple fronds, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
Chill a clay mug (cantarito) in an ice bath.
2
To prepare the garnish, place a large pineapple cube on a skewer. Dip it into chamoy sauce, then coat it completely with Tajín seasoning. Set aside.
3
Fill the chilled clay mug with ice.
4
Pour in the jalapeño tequila and chipotle tequila.
5
Add the fresh-squeezed lime, grapefruit, and pineapple juices.
6
Add a scoop of agave worm salt (Sal de Gusano).
7
Top the drink with grapefruit soda.
8
Garnish with the prepared pineapple skewer, fresh citrus wedges, and pineapple fronds before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use fresh-squeezed citrus and pineapple juices—bottled versions lack the brightness that balances the spicy tequilas.
Chill your clay mug in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
Rim the mug generously with Sal de Gusano and dip a pineapple cube in chamoy sauce before adding—this builds layers of flavor with each sip.
Pour tequilas first, then citrus and pineapple juices, then top with grapefruit soda to preserve carbonation and prevent the drink from becoming flat.

Substitutions

Jalapeño tequila → Regular tequila + fresh jalapeño slices (muddle gently; adds texture but changes consistency)
Chipotle tequila → Smoked mezcal or regular tequila with a dash of hot sauce (shifts smoke profile slightly)
Grapefruit soda (Squirt) → Jarritos grapefruit or other citrus sodas (varies sweetness and flavor intensity)
Sal de Gusano → Tajín seasoning or sea salt with chili powder (Tajín adds more complexity; plain salt is milder)

Storage & make-ahead

Cantaritos are meant to be enjoyed fresh and cold immediately after preparation. Do not store mixed cocktails.

Equipment

clay mug or rocks glass · citrus juicer or press · jigger or shot glass · bar spoon or long stirrer · silicone ice cube mold (optional, for pineapple cubes)

Common Questions

Can I make Spicy Cantarito without chipotle tequila?

Yes. Use an extra 0.5 oz of jalapeño tequila or substitute with regular tequila plus a small pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for similar depth.

What is Sal de Gusano and where do I find it?

Sal de Gusano (agave worm salt) is a traditional Mexican seasoning salt. Find it at Mexican markets, online retailers, or substitute with Tajín or regular sea salt with a pinch of chili powder.

Do I need a clay mug for this cocktail?

No, though traditional clay mugs enhance the experience and keep the drink cool. A regular rocks glass or highball works fine.

Can I use bottled juices instead of fresh-squeezed?

Fresh-squeezed is recommended for the best flavor and brightness, but quality bottled citrus and pineapple juices are acceptable alternatives.

How do I make a large pineapple cube garnish?

Cut fresh pineapple into large chunks and freeze in a silicone ice cube mold or freezer-safe container overnight. Use as an alternative to standard ice cubes.