Easter

Cucumber-Jalapeno Margarita

April  7, 2015
4.3
3 Ratings
  • Makes 1
Author Notes

Spicy, yet refreshing, this Cucumber-Jalapeno Margarita is perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon. Smooth & cool from the cucumber, with tart lime & a spicy jalapeno kick, this drink is finished with a mild exotic vanilla flavor from extra aged Anejo tequila. This cocktail is layered & simply addictive! —Jessie @Straight to the Hips, Baby

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 ounces Anejo Tequila
  • 2 ounces Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 1/2 ounces Simple Syrup
  • 1/2 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 Fresh Jalapeno Pepper
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1/2 cup Ice
Directions
  1. Begin by washing & drying the jalapeno and cucumber.
  2. Peel half the cucumber and slice 4 pieces into 1/4 inch rounds. Reserve.
  3. Slice 3 pieces of jalapeno into 1/4 inch rounds, keeping the seeds. Reserve.
  4. In a shaker, pour the simple syrup and add the cucumber & jalapeno slices.
  5. Muddle everything together using a muddler. Smash the cucumber & jalapeno as best you can, to release the juice and oils.
  6. Next, juice your limes.
  7. Add a large handful of ice to your shaker and pour the lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila into the shaker.
  8. Close and vigorously shake for 30 seconds to blend (the shaker should become frosted on the outside).
  9. Fill a large tumbler with ice and place a small sieve over the top.
  10. Strain the cocktail into the glass, catching any seeds or pulp.
  11. Garnish with several thinly cut rounds of cucumber & jalapeno pepper. Enjoy immediately!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • LeBec Fin
    LeBec Fin
  • Jessie @Straight to the Hips, Baby
    Jessie @Straight to the Hips, Baby

3 Reviews

LeBec F. April 14, 2015
I think you absolutely hit the nail on the head in your description of the difference. I think I'm going to start by blending all the cuke and 1/3 of the jalapeno, straining and tasting that juice. If that juice can take more heat, i'll add more jalapeno and throw the puree and juices back in the blender w/ the new jalapeno piece, and then re-strain it and taste, before adding to the tequila etc. will let you know!
 
Jessie @. April 13, 2015
Thank you so much! I'm pretty thrilled! As far as blending- I found by muddling the cucumber & the jalapeno especially, I could add a subtle heat to the drink versus a full on hit of jalapeno spice. I think some of the depth might get lost in the drink by blending and the jalapeno could overwhelm the other flavors. Great question!
 
LeBec F. April 13, 2015
Really nice job; congrats! As far as muddling goes, how do you think it would affect your drink if i blender pureed the cuke/jalapeno instead, and sieved it before adding to the rest? thx much.