11 Best Spicy Margaritas in Nashville

There is nothing quite like a cold, refreshing margarita on a hot summer’s day. Recently, spicy versions of this fan-favorite have shown up on cocktail menus all over town, offering all the classic flavors you love — with an added kick. Here at StyleBlueprint, we made it our mission to try these lip-tingling libations, taking note of our favorites along the way.

Where to Find The Best Spicy Margaritas in Nashville

bartaco

2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 289-8226
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

bartaco’s spicy margarita embodies the restaurant’s impeccable attention to detail. Made with exclusive Libélula Joven tequila, Combier, agave nectar, hand-squeezed lime juice, and freshly sliced jalapeños, you’re guaranteed to fall in love after just one sip. We recommend enjoying it alongside an order of their guacamole.

spicy margarita at bartaco — Enjoy this classically fresh, spicy margarita from bartaco with a side of cooling house-made guac. Image: Anne Henley Walker

Blanco Cocina + Cantina

530 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 • (629) 216-2510
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Located in the new Fifth + Broad development, Blanco Cocina + Cantina serves an array of citrusy margaritas, offering three spicy versions. “The Spicy Skinny” is a stand-out, combining Cuervo Silver tequila, agave, lime juice, and coconut water with serrano chiles. This almost-good-for-you version is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning margarita lover.

Blanco's spicy margarita — The “Spicy Skinny” margarita at Blanco Cocina + Cantina puts other skinny cocktails to shame. Image: Anne Henley Walker

Bottlecap

2403 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 915-0732
Hours: Monday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 p.m. to midnight; Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 a.m.

This Bottlecap option is a somewhat surprising, yet strong, contender. This 12 South neighborhood hang‘s “Margarita De Fuego” packs the perfect punch, and it’s brightened with the addition of orange juice and a smoky Tajín rim. Try one during happy hour, which takes place Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bottlecap's spicy margarita — Don’t miss Bottlecap‘s take on the spicy marg — available during happy hour. Image: Anne Henley Walker

Mas Tacos Por Favor

732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 543-6271
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday

Mas Tacos got its start serving mouthwatering tacos out of a food truck, and by popular demand, they opened a brick-and-mortar spot in East Nashville. Their margaritas are made from freshly squeezed seasonal fruit juice, and favorites include the watermelon and pineapple versions. Order yours spicy, and they’ll add a hefty amount of jalapeños and a generous sprinkle of Tajín.

Mas Tacos spicy margarita — Mas Tacos is a local favorite for getting your Mexican fix. Image: Anne Henley Walker

Nada

202 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 925-3362
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Midtown’s modern Mexican spot is home to the chile-mango margarita, the subtly spicy, upgraded version of the “Nadarita,” Nada’s namesake margarita with house-made tangerine triple-sec. And even better, they’re two-for-one during happy hour at the bar, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nada margaritas — This contemporary Mexican spot offers a number of standout cocktails, including their chile- and mango-infused margarita. Image: Nada

Otto’s Bar

4210 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 678-4086
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., closed Monday

The former auto shop turned cocktail and taco spot takes the spicy margarita to a whole new level with the addition of an authentic Mexican liqueur crafted from ancho and poblano chiles. Every Tuesday, grab one of these stellar spicy margaritas for just $6 or try one during happy hour, which takes place Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

otto's spicy margarita — Sip a spicy margarita on Otto’s intimate outside patio. Image: Anne Henley Walker

Pancho & Lefty’s

104 5th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 933-3390
4501 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 647-8763
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pancho & Lefty’s arguably slings one of the best spicy margaritas in town: the “El Diablo.” It’s made with pineapple tequila, jalapeños, and topped with pineapple juice and rimmed with a hot chicken rub, an ode to Nashville’s signature dish.

Pancho & Lefty's margarita — The El Diablo margarita features a nod to Nashville — the rim is coated with a Nashville hot chicken rub. Image: Pancho & Lefty’s

Rosepepper Cantina

1907 Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 227-4777
Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This all-around East Nashville favorite is known as a tequila lover’s mecca. Voted the home of “Nashville’s Best Margarita,” Rosepepper offers more than 80 varieties of premium tequila. The “El Fuego” margarita never disappoints. Simple and spicy, their take features El Jimador Silver tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and fresh jalapeños. Order one on the rocks, but be warned — they are very strong.

Rosepepper spicy margarita — This East Nashville spot sure knows how to make ’em. Image: Music City Margs

Saint Añejo

1120 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 736-5301
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saint Añejo, the Gulch’s upscale Mexican eatery, boasts an extensive menu of craft cocktails. Their “Fresa Diabla” margarita is a sweet and spicy concoction of Blanco tequila and strawberry puree muddled with jalapeño peppers. Enjoy half-price margarita pitchers Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saint Anejo spicy marg — We love the addition of strawberries, which provide a sweet contrast to muddled jalapeños. Image: Saint Añejo

The Gumbo Brothers

505 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 679-9063
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Monday

The Gumbo Brothers is a new New Orleans-style fast-casual spot serving up Cajun-style fare. The drink menu boasts a selection of classic New Orleans cocktails, such as housemade hurricanes and Tabasco-infused margaritas on tap. Enjoy one with a bowl of gumbo for a little taste of Cajun spice.

Gumbo Bros tabasco margarita — This delightfully spicy, Tabasco-infused margarita at The Gumbo Brothers goes great with some gumbo. Image: Gracyn Lastinger

The Twelve Thirty Club

550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 • (629) 236-0001
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Located directly across from Bridgestone Arena on Broadway, the highly anticipated Twelve Thirty Club is serving up a deliciously spicy tropical margarita made with passionfruit, hot habañero, and dried Arbol chiles. One sip of this punched-up fruity and floral cocktail, and you’ll instantly feel like you’re on vacation.

Twelve Thirty Club spicy margarita — The spicy passionfruit margarita at The Twelve Thirty Club offers up a tropical, refreshing escape from the commotion of Broadway. Image: Mix It With Merricks

Which one will you try first? Cheers!

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About the Author
Anne Henley Walker

Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.