Cucumber Margarita with Jalapeño
For a refreshing cucumber margarita that’s tangy and sweet with a bit of heat, try this simple recipe made by the glass or pitcher (for a crowd). It has a chili-lime rim, jalapeno-infused tequila, fresh lime juice and Cointreau. This simple cucumber jalapeno margarita is perfect for summer poolside lounging.
Traditional margaritas are made with lime juice, agave, tequila and triple sec, but there are many ways to “margarita.” I’m partial to this quenching Watermelon Margarita Recipe, this neon Prickly Pear Margarita and this Shaken Mango Margarita.
This icy cold cucumber margarita is another delicious way to cool off. It’s quenching and refreshing with a spicy kick that’ll make your tongue tingle.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Each cocktail contains two ounces of tequila: one ounce of plain and one ounce of jalapeno-infused tequila plus Cointreau. It’s spirit-forward without tasting too boozy.
- You can make the components of the cucumber margaritas ahead of time.
- Make spicy margaritas by the glass or by the pitcher.
- This recipe uses fresh cucumber and lime juice, with nothing artificial.
- Tequila can be as spicy as you like, depending on how long the jalapenos infuse in the liquor.
Ingredients:
- English Cucumber – a.k.a seedless cucumber, these are the long thin cukes that usually come wrapped in plastic.
- Agave Nectar – is the sap from the agave plant. It’s sweeter than sugar, so you don’t need as much to sweeten the cocktail.
- Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed limes will give you the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice for this.
- Tequila—You can use your favorite blanco or reposado tequila. Blanco is more traditional, but I like the developed flavor of reposado for this cucumber margarita. Note that to balance the heat, I use an ounce of plain tequila AND an ounce of spicy tequila (infused with jalapeno).
- Jalapeno – Infusing the tequila with jalapeno adds a spicy kick to the alcohol. The longer it marinates, the spicier it will be.
- Cointreau is an orange liqueur with a subtle sweetness; I use it instead of Triple Sec, which is much sweeter and more syrupy.
- Tajin – this Mexican chili-lime seasoning makes a delicious garnish for the rim of a spicy cucumber margarita.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Cut the jalapeno into large chunks and add it to the tequila. Chill for 2-4 hours until the tequila takes on a bit of heat. Discard the spicy peppers and reserve the spicy tequila for the cocktails.
2. Squeeze the fresh lime juice and set aside.
3. Peel the cucumber and cut it into large chunks; transfer to a blender and add the lime juice and agave.
4. Puree the cucumber and lime mixture until it’s perfectly smooth.
5. Strain the cucumber mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a glass measuring cup or bowl. Stir and press on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp. It should yield about 1¼ to 1½ cups of cucumber lime juice.
6. For a single margarita, fill a shaker with ice and add 1½ ounces of the cucumber juice.
7. Add one ounce of the jalapeno-infused tequila followed by one ounce of plain tequila.
Add ¾ ounce of Cointreau to the shaker and seal it with the lid.
9. Shake the cucumber margarita vigorously for about 30 seconds until it’s icy cold and frothy.
10. Rim a cocktail glass with agave nectar and dip it into the Tajin until the seasoning adheres. Add extra ice to the glass and pour the spicy cucumber margarita to serve with your favorite garnishes.
Pro-Tips:
- Wear latex gloves when handling jalapenos; the capsaicin from the peppers will linger on your fingers and hands — even after washing them — and if you rub your eyes, they will sting and burn.
- For spicier tequila, just quarter the pepper and drop the pieces (seeds and membranes included) into the tequila and marinate for 4 hours.
- For less spicy, remove the seeds and membranes and soak for 2 hours.
- If you have a juicer, use it to make the fresh cucumber juice — otherwise the blender method is best.
Variations:
- If you don’t have English cucumber, use regular cucumbers, but peel and deseed them before blending.
- If you don’t like spicy, skip infusing the tequila with hot peppers.
- Add one or two stems of fresh cilantro to the cucumber before blending to add a fresh, herbal quality.
- Add 2 kiwis (peeled) to the blender with the cucumber mixture and puree. Kiwis are tangy and give the cucumber margaritas a more tropical flavor, plus the kiwis enhance the beautiful green color of the drink.
- Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water for effervescence and to cut the sweetness.
- Mix equal parts of Tajin and kosher salt for a salty, tangy, spicy rim.
Make ahead:
- Make the spicy tequila a few days ahead (removing the jalapenos after 2-4 hours) and keep it refrigerated in a sealed glass jar until you’re ready to use.
- Assemble the cucumber agave and lime mixture up to one day ahead. Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator.
Storage:
- Make the cucumber margarita recipe in a pitcher earlier in the day and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. (If you’re making them by the pitcher, there’s no need to use a cocktail shaker; stir the ingredients with a bar spoon).
Freezing:
- Tequila doesn’t freeze, but you can make the cucumber juice ahead and freeze it in ice cube trays. Transfer the cubes to a zip-top freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw to make the margaritas.
FAQs
Instead of adding heat to the mix, infuse the tequila with a spicy jalapeno pepper. Just quarter the pepper and let it soak in tequila for 2-4 hours. The natural capsaicin oils will flavor the spirits.
For fewer calories, swap the agave for the same amount of a stevia-based simple syrup (made from 3½ tablespoons of Stevia and ½ cups of warm water, combined until the sweetener dissolves).
The main ingredients of a spicy margarita are lime juice, tequila, a sweetener such as simple syrup, honey, agave or maple syrup and hot peppers (can be jalapeno, serrano or habanero). There are many ways to make the drink spicy. Some muddle slices of hot pepper in a glass with lime, others use spicy tequila (our method), and others add a dash of hot sauce.
Use a thin slice cucumber, lime or jalapeño. We also like to add a sprig of fresh cilantro for some herbal freshness.
More margarita recipes you’ll love:
More summer cocktails to try:
Cucumber Margarita with Jalapeno
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
- citrus juicer for squeezing lime juice
- cocktail shaker for individual margaritas
- pitcher for multiple margaritas to have ready
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE CUCUMBER LIME JUICE
- 1 English cucumber peeled
- ¼ cup agave syrup
- ½ cup lime juice fresh squeezed
FOR THE INFUSED TEQUILA
- 1 cup reposado or blanco tequila divided
- 1 jalapeno quartered
FOR A SINGLE MARGARITA:
- 1 ounce jalapeno infused tequila
- 1 ounce plain tequila
- 1½ ounces cucumber lime juice
- ¾ ounce Cointreau
FOR A PITCHER OF MARGARITAS (makes 8)
- 8 ounces jalapeno infused tequila
- 8 ounces plain tequila
- 12 ounces cucumber lime juice
- 6 ounces Cointreau
FOR THE RIM
- 1 tablespoon Tajin A chili lime seasoning
- agave
OPTIONAL GARNISHES:
- lime wedge or slice
- jalapeno slice or wedge
- cucumber thinly sliced with skin
DIRECTIONS:
FOR THE INFUSED TEQUILA (start a few hours ahead)
- In a glass container, combine 1 cup reposado or blanco tequila and 1 jalapeno,quartered. Cover and refrigerate until chilled 2-4 hours, the longer it steeps the spicier it gets.
FOR CUCUMBER LIME JUICE:
- In a blender, combine 1 English cucumber, ¼ cup agave syrup and½ cup lime juice. Blend on high until mixture is completely smooth.
- Strain the cucumber through a sieve, stirring with a spoon to extract as much of the cucumber juice as possible. You should have about 1¼ – 1½ cups of juice.
FOR EACH CUCUMBER MARGARITA:
- Add 1 tablespoon Tajin to a shallow bowl. Rim the glass with a bit of agave (I use a small pastry brush to coat the rim. Dip the rims into the Tajin mixture until it clings to the glass.
- To a cocktail shaker, add ice, 3 ounces of jalapeno-infused tequila and 2 ounces of the cucumber lime juice. Shake well and pour into glasses with a little ice. Garnish.
FOR A PITCHER OF CUCUMBER MARGARITAS:
- In a pitcher combine 8 ounces jalapeno infused tequila, 8 ounces plain tequila, 12 ounces cucumber lime juice, and 6 ounces Cointreau. Stir well and refrigerate until ice cold.Serve in ice filled glasses, rimmed with the Tajin-sugar. Garnish as desired.
NOTES:
NUTRITION:
Pin Cucumber Jalapeno Margaritas For Later!
I love sweet and spicy! These look dangerously delicious!
So perfect for summers with the cucumber and kiwi and of course tequila!
so awesome and refreshing!! love cucumber and kiwi so i know this will be a favorite with me!
These look delicious and I love the sweet and cool pairing of cucumber and kiwi. Though, I’m pretty sure Cinco de Mayo is on a Friday this year! And good thing too, it means we can all have an extra margarita without the worry of working the next morning!
This looks so refreshing and perfect for a party! I’ll definitely try it for my birthday next month 🙂
This looks Delish! I’m going to make a triple batch for my husbands birthday party Friday. Do you think I could make the tequila kiwi part the day before?
Yes, that shouldn’t be a problem! Hope your husband has a great birthday!
Bedst margaritas I’ve had in a long time.
Hmmm – what do you have in mind?
Wow! who doesn’t love a good Margarita!?!?! I definitely will trying this as i celebrate cinco de mayo! Thank you for sharing this!
I’m certainly a fan of them! Caliente!
this looks so delicious and refreshing!!
It really is, Ly! Glad you like it!
Oh My Gaud! This Margarita sounds incredible; cucumber , mint , Jalape?os.. Hello Fiesta! Perfect for this Weekend. Happy Cinco de Mayo
So glad you like it! I know how I’m celebrating Mother’s Day!
I’m not even joking, THIS looks & sounds absolutely WONDERFUL!!!! Saving & sharing!!
This sounds fantastic. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday… or anytime really! I love margaritas!!
Totally love the kick you added to this drink!
It’s a good heat!
It’s a little “caliente”, Peter!
I love margaritas…especially spicy ones…especially ones made with agave…what an awesome recipe! I can’t wait to try this!! Cheers! XO
Enjoy it Sarah!
I would have never thought to make a kiwi margarita, but what a fun way to tone down the heat!
Thanks, Rebecca. I’m really enjoying this one!
THANK YOU for a margarita that’s not cloyingly sweet! Refreshing- that’s what they’re supposed to be! And I LOVE the addition of the kiwi, I’ve never had that in a marg – perfect for Cinco De Mayo and all summer 🙂
Thanks, Tracy! I don’t like overly sweet drinks – and this one hits the spot
I don’t like overly sweet drinks and this one hits the spot!
This certainly sounds good and not just for Cinco de Mayo. I love spicy foods so the jalape?o infused tequila sounds great to me. Definitely one to try.
This is perfect for adult parties. It has a great kick by adding jalapeno. It looks so good!
Thanks, Ilona
Oh. My. Goodness. This sounds and looks incredible! I love a good margarita!!
Who doesn’t? LOL!
You’ve been known to change my taste bud’s mind on more than one occasion. I’d try it with the jalapenos. 😉
Oh, fun! Can’t wait for you to try them!
Mother’s Day???? Or do you want to come over on Thursday?