There are so many things that define summer. Beach days, lazy afternoons by the pool, and carefree evenings gathered with friends that last long into the night. But in Austin—where tacos are a summertime staple—nothing beats kicking back and sipping a spicy margarita. They’re fruity, just sweet enough, and boast a touch of heat to seal the deal. And trust: this recipe is a far cry from a pre-packaged mix. If you’ve been let down in your search for the perfect spicy margarita recipe, take heart: she’s right here.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Margarita
There are countless ways to mix up a margarita. You can keep it classic with tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice, Cointreau, and agave syrup. Or, you can play things up with unexpected flavors like prickly pear syrup, blended frozen watermelon, and even celery juice. But there’s something undeniably delicious about the simple but standout zing of a spicy margarita.
It delivers a little heat while still managing to quench that warm-weather thirst. This spicy margarita recipe is tradition taken up a notch. As someone who loves nothing more than dousing *anything* with a healthy shake of hot sauce and never turns down a side of salsa, this spicy margarita is everything I’ve ever wanted in a glass. Oh, and that Tajín rim? Trust me: once you sip, it’s hard to stop.
What You’ll Need to Make This Spicy Margarita Recipe
This spicy margarita recipe is a leveled-up take on the classic drink. We have all the staples—tequila, lime juice, and a little sweetener—but a few more ingredients get added to the mix to really send it over the top.
Tequila blanco. I live by one rule: good tequila, always. But thankfully, to make this spicy margarita recipe, you don’t need to shell out on the most expensive bottle. Here, we used LALO tequila blanco, but we also love Flecha Azul and Casamigos.
Lime juice. Only opt for freshly squeezed. Yes, using the bottle cuts corners, but it’ll also leave you with a slightly stale-tasting margarita. Not ideal.
Orange juice. Like the lime juice, we’re sticking to the fresh stuff. The resulting flavor is bright, citrusy, and with just a touch of acidic sweetness to balance out the heat.
Honey or agave. Depending on how you like your spicy margaritas, you can add more or less of your sweetener. This will balance out the slight burn you get from the tequila, keeping your drink tasting smooth and delish.
Tajín. The star ingredient of this spicy margarita recipe. Tajín is a Mexican seasoning blend comprised of chile powder, salt, and dehydrated lime. The flavor is complex, with a bit of citrusy tang, a slight saltiness, and of course—heat. It sends the spice factor home without overwhelming the drink.
Sliced chili pepper. Use this to garnish. It adds a nice pop of color for a vibrant, spicy finish.
How to Make a Spicy Margarita
The good news is that there’s little between you and the best spicy margarita of your life. Mixing up this recipe is a simple matter of shaking your ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pouring into a rimmed glass. Here’s how it’s done.
Rim your glass. For the Tajín rim, pour the Tajín onto a shallow plate. Run a lime wedge along the rim of your glass. Dip into the Tajín until coated.
Shake your ingredients. Add tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and your choice of sweetener to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until your shaker is cold, about 30 seconds. Pour into your glass and garnish with sliced chili pepper. Top with sparkling water if needed. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Spicy Margaritas
While delicious on its own, this spicy margarita recipe knows how to play well with others. Guacamole is a classic, of course, but you can also enjoy it alongside your favorite warm-weather meals. These are go-to pairings.
Consider this your go-to spicy margarita recipe. With good tequila, a mix of citrus juices, and a Tajín rim, it’s pretty close to perfection.
1.5ounces tequila blanco
1ounce lime juice
.5 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons honey or agave
Top with a splash of sparkling water if needed
Tajín rim
Sliced chili pepper to garnish and add spice (can use jalapeño or a ghost pepper for added spice)
To a cocktail shaker, add tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and your choice of sweetener. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
For the Tajín rim: Place Tajín on a small plate. Run a lime wedge along the rim of your glass and dip the rim into the Tajín to coat.
Fill the glass with ice and pour in the margarita. Top with a splash of sparkling water if needed. Garnish with sliced chili pepper. Serve immediately.
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All your beauty questions—answered. Our resident dermatologist, Dr. Geddes Bruce breaks down the biggest topics in beauty, from hair loss to Botox and everything in between. Send us a DM @camillestyles with your own burning q’s and we may address it in a future column.
Peptides are everywhere. In buzzy, whipped moisturizers, celeb-approved lip treatments, and in serums and skin milks. Skincare trends come often and fade fast, but sometimes, hero ingredients emerge and become top-shelf staples. For so long, they were ignored and mispronounced. Now, they’re in even the most streamlined skincare routines. Are we witnessing the birth of a skincare star with peptides for skin? This science-backed, dermatologist-approved ingredient is having a real moment. And this moment is poised to last.
If you’re wondering what using peptides for skincare looks like, you’re not the only one. I vaguely remember hearing about them in science class, but I can’t be trusted to recall anything beyond: “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.” Now that peptides for skincare have taken over the labels of all my favorite brands, I figured it was time to dive into this newfound skincare hero with the help of a skincare expert.
Peptides for Skin: Everything To Know About This Anti-Aging Ingredient
Over the past year or so, I have noticed many brands introducing peptide-based products. I’ve seen them in every type of skincare product, but what do they do? (And what exactly are they?) Could you share insights into how to integrate peptides into our skincare routine and which products might be the best?– Kristen S.
I’m not the only one intrigued but overwhelmed by the sudden revelation that, apparently, we all need to be flooding our skin with peptides. Maybe we’ve all been served the same social media ads. Or perhaps they are poised to take over from holy-grail ingredients such as niacinamide and ceramides as beauty’s next big thing. To unravel the mysteries of the beauty universe, we’ve called upon board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, to explain what’s up with peptides.
Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD
Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. She views cosmetic dermatology as synergistic to a happy, healthy lifestyle and regularly counsels her patients in a balanced, natural approach to both cosmetic and medical dermatology.
What are peptides?
Peptides are small chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks that make up proteins. If amino acids are the bricks, the peptides are the brick wall, and the whole building is a protein. Different combinations of amino acids create peptides with widely varying functions from cell signaling to microbiome defense and more.
can also help protect the skin from environmental damage
Almost everyone can benefit from using peptides, and most are easily tolerated. There are formulations to address a number of issues. The real question is: How effective is the product? Have there been scientific studies to back up the claims?
Note that products with peptides can be pricey. Before purchasing, ask: do the costs justify the degree of improvement?
Ingredients to Use With Peptides
Peptides pair really well with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, ingredients that work to promote skin hydration and moisturization. You can also find peptides in products containing antioxidants, acids, and retinols. However, it’s important that they are formulated correctly because harsher ingredients can interact and lead to peptide degradation.
The best peptides products with hyaluronic acid:
How to Choose Peptide Products for Your Skin
Ideally your product will contain a high concentration of peptides and be from a reputable brand that has clinical studies to back up its efficacy. It will be packaged in a way to preserve the integrity of the peptides, which can be super sensitive to environmental factors like higher temps and air.
The specific sequence of amino acids in the peptide is crucial to its function. With countless combinations possible, it’s exciting to think we may have only scratched the surface of what can be accomplished.
The Best Peptide Products, According to a Derm
Alastin Skincare
I absolutely love Alastin skincare products with their TriHex technology that contains peptides to promote the removal of old damaged collagen and elastin and facilitate the promotion of new. Their Nectar helps my patients heal quickly after procedures and achieve incredible results. And their eye cream is my personal favorite.
Revision skincare also has an incredible selection of peptide rich products, including Revox 7 that decreases expression lines (I’ve heard it be called “Botox in a bottle”) as well as the cult-favorite Nectifirm that has peptides that work to tighten saggy skin on your neck.
The Ordinary brand is an affordable skincare line that also has some peptide fan favorites, including their Copper Peptides serum (for firming) and Argireline solution (to target dynamic fine lines).
Recently, a good friend called me in a near-panic: “I’m having eight friends over tomorrow night—what in the world should I make for that many people?” I’ve been there, and it can be tough to think of dinner party menu ideas that are elevated and elegant for your evening crowd. Especially if you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen and/or lose your mind in the process.
But thanks to the fact that I started my career in catering (combined with the countless dinner parties I’ve thrown over the years), I’ve assembled quite a collection of dinner party menu ideas to feed a crowd that check all my required boxes. All of these dinner party recipes are:
Crowd-pleasing dishes that almost everyone loves.
Leverage large-batch cooking, like a sheet pan or grill, so that I’m not laboriously sautéing 16 individual fish fillets or frying 12 eggs to top salads.
And most importantly, I can do almost all the prep in advance so that by the time my guests arrive, I can join the party with them.
I divided this post into recipes that I make for dinners with 4-6 guests (due to the cooking techniques, or the fact that they incorporate pricier ingredients), and the recipes that are really easy to double or triple to feed a true crowd. These leverage larger cuts of meat, build-your-own components that let guests adapt to their dietary needs, and less expensive ingredients so your party budget doesn’t get out of control.
The next time you find yourself hosting an evening get-together and wondering what to make, bookmark this post for 24 easy dinner party menu ideas to feed a crowd. Trust me: all these recipes will leave your dinner guests happy, satisfied, and waiting for when their next invite arrives in the mail.
What makes it party-ready: At first glance, a pasta dish might not seem special enough for a dinner party meal. But this isn’t just any pasta recipe. While it’s easy to prep and cook, it makes the most of a few flavor-packed ingredients that’ll take your meal up a notch. Plus, the pop of green it brings to your table rivals any floral centerpiece. Major wow-factor.
What makes it party-ready:Everyone loves roast chicken. This one has just enough interesting and surprising flavors to make it feel dinner party-worthy. Those charred lemons—yum! Watch me make it start to finish.
Make it a feast:
What makes it party-ready:My grilled pizza is truly made for a party. But I’ll admit, it’s a little chaotic to make for more than six people. That’s why I usually bring it out at more intimate gatherings where everyone can get involved. (This pizza party was one of my favorite gatherings ever.) The recipe above is for my homemade pizza dough. Make several dough balls in advance—I usually plan on three doughs for six people—let them rest at room temp for a couple hours before party time and proceed with your favorite pizza toppings and method of cooking.
Make it a feast:
What makes it party-ready: This is probably mine and Adam’s most frequently-made meal for a dinner party. It’s incredibly easy to pull together and fun for everyone to hang out down by the grill while we make it. I usually buy one large New York Strip for every two people. Slice into 1″ pieces and serve on a big platter surrounded by grilled tomatoes. Since this is a pricier cut of meat, it feels really special and I typically reserve it for a smaller dinner party. For a bigger gathering, an affordable cut of steak like flank is a great option, too. (You’ll just want to marinate it beforehand and adjust the cooking time.)
What makes it party-ready: These salmon bowls are a great meal for a summertime gathering on a hot day. They feel so light and refreshing, but still really special. For a girls’ night, I love to set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own bowls. Not only is it a fun way to get people interacting, but it also allows guests with other dietary restrictions to pick and choose their ingredients.
Make it a feast: One of the beautiful things about this dish is that it’s truly a complete meal in a bowl. The only thing I’d add is refreshing scoops of mango sorbet (or mango-basil ice cream) for dessert!
What makes it party-ready: Sometimes, a party just needs pasta. That said, it’s not ideal for serving a super large group since it does need a bit of last-minute attention (plus, you’d need a really big pan for tossing it all together). This streamlined zucchini pasta combines simple ingredients into one luscious and luxurious bowl that everyone loves.
What makes it party-ready: I make this one when my mother-in-law comes over since she loves pork tenderloin. This dish is perfect with a double dose of carrots. It’s a great one to make outside on the grill, but in the cooler months, you can also roast it all in the oven. Pork tenderloin is one of those cuts of meat that is made for serving a crowd. You could easily scale this recipe depending on your guest count, then slice it up and arrange on a big family-style platter.
Make it a feast: The carrots are a super satisfying side dish on their own, and the pesto adds richness and flavor, so you’re almost already in feast territory with just this recipe. For a dinner party, I’d add some herb-roasted potatoes or a simple kale salad.
What makes it party-ready: This is one of those super satisfying recipes that feels way fancier than it is. And in my experience, salmon is one of the most universally loved fish dishes. Bonus: it’s foolproof! Grilling salmon on a cedar plank is an easy way to infuse this fish with smoky flavors while ensuring it stays tender and moist. Plus, that stone fruit salsa adds the perfect bit of sweetness to complement the charred fish.
Make it a feast:
I like serving this salmon with a side of herbed quinoa or wild rice. The fluffy texture and nutty flavor offer a satisfying contrast.
For a lighter side, toss together a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to add some tang to the mix.
What makes it party-ready: Here is one of those super-impressive meals that also happens to take very little effort. Why? Because halibut is one of the best fish ever. Plus, the fact that this is made on a sheet pan allows you to easily make several fillets at once. It has a light, clean flavor and buttery, flaky texture, so it doesn’t take much for it to be delicious. I simply roast mine with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then top it with a bright Italian salsa verde.
Make it a feast: Add some potatoes that can roast right along with the fish on a separate baking sheet. Or, you can opt for a little more green and serve it with a big kale salad.
What makes it party-ready: If you haven’t tried marinating your chicken in Greek yogurt, this recipe will change that fast. It’s beyond easy (and inexpensive) to throw chicken thighs in a delicious marinade and grill for a crowd. Fresh herbs and honey add a bit of zest and sweetness that complement this juicy chicken.
Make it a feast: Serve this protein with a side salad or crispy roasted potatoes for an all-around simple and delicious meal that everyone will be gushing about.
What makes it party-ready:Everyone always asks me for this braised short rib recipe after dinner parties, and they’re always shocked to learn how simple it is. I like to add some fresh herbs over the top along with red onion and lemon zest to brighten up the plate. Because presentation matters.
What makes it party-ready: Toastadas are a go-to for a few reasons whenever I’m looking to impress my guests with easy dinner party menu ideas. They’re customizable, so everyone can pick and choose what they want to add. This recipe is also a winner for gluten-free guests. Simply swap in a Siete tortilla baked in the oven for a grain-free and gluten-free tostada.
Make it a feast: This Mexican chopped salad is just hearty enough to round out your meal.
What makes it party-ready: Lasagna can lean a little labor-intensive, but take heart: this dish can be made in advance. In my experience, all variations on the classic lasagna are winners—but this spin is my favorite take yet. It’s hearty and warming without any meat, and the filling makes the most of everyone’s favorite fall veg, butternut squash. The flavors are rich and complex—and if you’re feeling up to it, the recipe also shows you how to make the pasta yourself. It’s a dish worth bragging about.
Make it a feast: Cut the lasagna’s richness with a bitter side, like this radicchio salad. Or, if you want to send the fall flavors home, this apple and arugula salad is one of my favorites.
What makes it party-ready:When the colder months hit, I love serving dishes that evoke elevated comfort. They’re simple and warming, but just special enough. This flavor-packed chili comes courtesy of Danielle Walker, our go-to for paleo-friendly, delicious recipes. If you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the turkey and bump up all the veggies. Danielle suggests either diced zucchini or minced portobello mushrooms. Yum!
Make it a feast: Salty tortilla chips or your favorite cornbread are ideal for dipping. Top each bowl with sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime
What makes it party-ready:Even those who aren’t well-versed in Indian cuisine will love chicken tikka masala. Although I frequently make this recipe on a busy weekday for our family, it’s also perfect for a big feast. (Triple or even quadruple the recipe—your slow cooker can handle it!) Plus, the fact that you make this several hours before dinner and it cooks away while you’re free to do other stuff is pretty awesome.
What makes it party-ready: I’ve made this soup for countless book clubs, family gatherings, and friends who have just had babies. Everyone says it’s the best chicken tortilla soup they’ve had, and it’s just as easy to make a big batch by scaling the ingredients. Sure, a pot of soup may not sound like a party, but watch me make it here and see for yourself how festive all those beautiful ingredients look together. Plus, the smorgasbord of colorful toppings lets guests have fun building their own perfect bowl of soup.
Make it a feast: I usually serve this soup on its own—with all the toppings, it feels complete! But it’s never a bad idea to kick off a Mexican-style feast with really good chips, a couple of great guacamoles, and salsa.
What makes it party-ready: During my catering career, I learned that one of the best ways to feed a crowd elegantly is with a big roasted side of salmon. It looks impressive coming out of the oven and is the perfect centerpiece to a buffet. If you’re intimidated by buying a side of salmon, don’t be! There’s nothing to it, you literally just ask the fishmonger for “a side of salmon”—I usually plan for five to six ounces per person. (You may even be able to convince them to remove the skin for you!) This one, with roasted citrus slices, is a great main course option for Easter or Mother’s Day. I’ve also served it with great success for cozy girls’ nights with a bottle of pinot noir.
What makes it party-ready:I love a taco night-themed party. When it comes to dinner party recipes, few dishes are more festive, and this surprisingly delicious combo of chicken, jicama, avocado, and mint elevates the entire setup. For a group, I usually set out a couple of big platters on the table with all the ingredients, pass around the tortillas, and let everyone assemble their own tacos family-style.
Make it a feast: For a larger group, I like to offer a vegetarian option since there’s usually at least someone who’s not eating meat. Taco night makes it easy: you can roast some cauliflower and let guests build these delicious all-veg tacos if they so choose. I love them just as much as the chicken, so I’ll usually eat one of each.
What makes it party-ready:A couple of years back, chef Seamus Mullen served these unbelievably delicious lamb meatballs as the centerpiece to a dinner party he hosted in Santa Monica. As someone who doesn’t cook with lamb very often, I came home feeling inspired to make this spicy lamb meatballs recipe for my next gathering. Although they feel special occasion-worthy, they couldn’t be simpler.
What makes it party-ready:The last thing we want to be doing at a party is worrying about lots of different meal components coming out of the oven at exactly the right time. One solution? A dinner board that contains everything guests need to build their own perfect plate. This easy and flavor-packed pita and kebab version is not only gorgeous, but it’s also perfect for satisfying a range of dietary needs. Vegetarians on board? Make them meatless. Gluten-free friends can skip the pita. The list of variations is truly endless.
Make it a feast: This board has it all: hummus, feta, roasted tomatoes, olives, sliced cucumbers, diced veggie salad, and roasted garlic. What more could you ask for?
What makes it party-ready:Oaxaca has quickly become one of my favorite places to visit. With its vibrant culture and diverse food scene, there’s so much for travelers to soak up. Alongside all the beautiful, artisan-made goods I’ve sourced for Casa Zuma, I’ve also found inspiration in the many meals I’ve happily devoured. Case in point: bold and bright carne asada tacos that benefits from a mix of herbs, garlic, and plenty of spices. These are perfect for al fresco dining season.
What makes it party-ready: This stew is a stealth pick for party food. It feels like the comfort food your mama might have made, but when presented with as much style as Shelley Armistead did at her beach dinner, it’s suddenly elevated to special occasion status. What makes this dish perfect for a crowd is that you can truly throw everything in the pot and walk away. An hour later, dinner is served. Shower with herbs and edible flowers—both for flavor and a gorgeous presentation.
What makes it party-ready: These shrimp have been on repeat in my kitchen this summer. Their flavor is incredible and the endless amount of toppings makes it perfect for just about everyone. Trust me, this is THE grilling recipe for all of your outdoor dinner gatherings.
Make it a feast:Guacamole, or any other Mexican-inspired dip, can be served either on your taco or as a side dish with chips. I also love serving these tacos with a Mexican chopped salad to add some extra greens to the table.
What makes it party-ready: One-pan dishes that serve a crowd make dinner party hosting incredibly easy. If you’ve never tried eggplant lasagna, this recipe is a great place to start. It turns a classic dish into something both stunning and healthy. You’ll never cook your lasagna the same again.
Make it a feast: With a heavier dish, I always serve something on the lighter side as my side dish or appetizer. Perhaps an easy bruschetta or a simple salad to spruce up your table and keep guests wanting more.
