I feel like we've earned a cocktail this week, don't you think?
I think we have. That's my vote. I'm going to be frank with you and let you know that I'm not a margarita girl. Not one bit.
I'm more of bourbon on the rocks girl. I'm a fancy (or even cheap) kinda beer girl. I can be a wine girl, sometimes. Definitely a gin and tonic kinda girl. But never a girl who craves margs. But if I am gonna be that girl, the drank has gotta be spicy. I love a spicy margarita...but not too, too spicy either or else I'll be that girl who eats all the chips trying to extinguish the jalapeño fire. I'm complicated.
I drank the last of this while watching this week's Nashville and almost freaked out. If you're not watching this show, you're missing out on so much scandal, big hair, sequins and country music. It really is a dream of a show.
Look at this demon! She's so nosey.
She's also my trusty blogging partner. She usually gets a taste of something (if it's deemed safe). On this day it was a few slices of cucumber. No jalapeño! No tequila! (She's not of age.)
This is perfect for dieciseis de mayo. (Do you see what I did there?) I understand that this margarita probably should've posted around cinco de mayo but seriously who cares. These are perfect for right now.
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons triple sec
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice 3-4 limes
- 1 jalapeño sliced
Glass Rim:
- 2 tablespoons Maldon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
Instructions
- To the jar of a food processor, add the chopped cucumber and pulse until the mixture turns smooth. Run the puree through a sieve, discarding the pulp, and reserving the cucumber juice. You should end up with 1 ½ cup of cucumber juice; set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat on medium low until the sugar dissolves.
- To a pitcher, mix together the cucumber juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and jalapeño . Add half of the simple syrup and do a taste test. Adjust according to taste: add more simple syrup if you'd like it to be a bit sweeter.
- Transfer to the refrigerator so the jalapeño has time to spice the mixture. Check the mixture every 15-20 minutes and do a taste test. I was happy with the spice level at the 1 hour mark.
- On a plate, mix together the salt, sugar and lime zest. Run a lime around the edge of the glasses to moisten; dip the rims in the salt and sugar mixture. Add a few ice cubes to each glass and divide the margarita mixture between the glasses. Garnish with a few slices of jalapeño or lime or even a few slices of cucumber.
Monica says
Wouldn't it work just as well to juice the cucumbers? This sounds great!
Adrianna Adarme says
Sure! Most people don't own juicers so that's why I did it this way.
Lesley says
This recipe is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing.
Instead of making and using simple syrup, I substituted it with agave nectar to taste. The agave works nicely with the tequila, plus it's one less step.
I will be making this many times this summer, especially when I have a plethora of cucumbers from my garden. Cheers!
Adrianna Adarme says
Oh awesome. I'm going to try this with agave--I bet it works wonderfully. So glad you loved it!
Connie says
What a fancy idea!
Stacey says
Spicy margaritas are my jam! A few weekends ago I infused some Don Julio with a habenero and made mango margaritas. My heart felt like it had burst into flames. Spicy, burn-y, delicious flames. I love the idea of adding cucumber! Cool it on down.
dervla says
1. Did Amelia like the cucumbers?
2. I'm a beer and g&t girl too and this still looks amazing
3. I'm an episode behind on Nashville, i've literally watched the entire season in a week --- heaven!!
Adrianna Adarme says
1. Amelia LOVED the cucumbers. But today she had cherries and loved them more. 2. YAY! 3. You're in for a real treat!
Danielle says
Oh my, we've definitely earned one (or two) of these this week! Looks fabulous! I am a margarita girl and this extra spicy version is making my mouth water!
I have to start watching Nashville! I've heard so many good things about it! : )
Eileen says
Just add salsa and chips and life is good! I love cocktails 🙂
karen says
I had *one of those nights* last night so the thought of alcohol is making me queasy right now hahah. BUT this still looks so refreshing! Maybe I'll try a virgin version [wtf am I becoming??!] I love that blue and white tray btw!