Mix, Sip, and Win $150 — Join October’s Challenge!


Hi Reader,

It’s officially Marigold season—one of the most beautiful symbols of Día de los Muertos! These bright orange blooms (called Cempasúchil in Mexico) aren’t just stunning on altars—they’re also deliciously floral in cocktails.

This month’s Challenge Ingredient is all about celebrating those golden petals in a totally new way—with Marigold Margaritas! 🍹


October Challenge Recipe:

Celebrate the beauty of Día de los Muertos with a cocktail that’s as meaningful as it is delicious. This Marigold Mezcal Margarita is inspired by the cempasúchil flower—Mexico’s iconic marigold, known as the “flower of the dead.”


Its bright orange petals symbolize the sun and guide loved ones home, and now, they bring their golden hue and floral aroma to your glass.

Smoky mezcal, zesty lime, and homemade marigold syrup come together in perfect harmony—earthy, citrusy, and lightly sweet with a touch of warmth. Whether you make it boozy or non-alcoholic, this drink is pure fall magic—meant to be shared and savored. 😊


How To Join the Marigold Challenge ✨

🍸Start With the Recipe
This month, we’re celebrating cempasúchil—the iconic marigold flower of Día de los Muertos. Bright, floral, and full of life, it’s the star of this month’s recipe: the Marigold Mezcal Margarita (plus a non-alcoholic version, too!). Floral, citrusy, and a little smoky—it’s the perfect sip for fall.

📸 Send Us Your Creation
Shake up your margarita, snap a photo, and send it to kate@holajalapeno.com. Then, leave a ⭐️ star rating and a quick comment on the recipe page (using the same email)—that’s your ticket to enter the challenge!

📅 Enter by October 31
You’ve got until 11:59 PM PST on October 31 to join in. One lucky participant will win a $150 Amazon gift card! 🎁🎉

✨ Want inspiration? [Browse past challenge recipes here »]

I can’t wait to see how you bring this marigold-inspired cocktail to life—it’s golden, festive, and full of flavor. 🌼💛

¡Hola! Jalapeño Newsletter

¡Hola! Jalapeño is a recipe website dedicated to celebrating Mexican flavors. Created by professional chef, Kate Ramos. Inspired by her love for Mexican cuisine she creates authentic Mexican recipes with modern twists that are loved not only by her Mexican-American family but thousands of readers. Her recipes have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Parade, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Shape, and more!

Read more from ¡Hola! Jalapeño Newsletter

Hi Reader, The air is filled with color, candles, and the scent of marigolds — it’s one of the most beautiful times of the year! Día de Los Muertos is all about celebrating life, honoring loved ones, and sharing good food with family and friends. 🌼💛 If you’re planning a last-minute gathering or simply want to add something delicious to your table, here are a few quick and crowd-pleasing dishes you can whip up today! Quick Recipes You Can Make Now Green Chile Queso Creamy Monterey Jack cheese...

Hi Reader, As we gather to honor loved ones and celebrate their lives, no fiesta is complete without a few special drinks to toast the occasion. From warm, comforting classics to bright, floral cocktails, these recipes bring a perfect balance of tradition and creativity to your altar or gathering.✨ Mezcal Marigold Margarita A floral, citrusy showstopper inspired by the season’s iconic cempasúchil. Think tamarind tang, orange sunshine, and a rim that sparkles like candlelight. The perfect...

Hi Reader, If you’ve ever admired the colorful paper flowers on Día de Los Muertos altars and thought, “I wish I could make those,” this one’s for you! 🌼This easy DIY paper flower tutorial will show you how to create bright, beautiful blooms that last all season long—no watering required. 😉 A Handmade Touch For Día de Los Muertos How To Make Paper Flowers Bright, cheerful, and full of meaning — these DIY paper flowers bring the spirit of Día de Los Muertos to life! 🌼 Easy to make and stunning...