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Add some heat to your favorite drink with this cucumber jalapeno margarita! It’s cool and crisp, with a spicy finish.
Here’s a cocktail that’s a study in contrasts: try the Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita! This drink effortlessly pairs crisp and cool with spicy hot. And this marriage of flavors could not be more delicious. Each sip is refreshing and spa-like on the front end, but the finish gives a kick of heat! This one is a spin on our tasty Cucumber Margarita, and we must say: adding jalapeno makes it infinitely tastier.
What’s in a cucumber jalapeno margarita?
Of course, the two main ingredients in this recipe are in the title itself! These fresh vegetables are the perfect pairing with one of the most classic cocktails of all time. Invented in Mexico in the 1930’s, the margarita has enjoyed massive worldwide popularity since it was invented. The classic definition of this famous cocktail is outlined by the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails: just tequila, triple sec and lime juice. For this spin, you’ll need:
- Cucumber slices
- jalapeño pepper slices
- Tequila
- Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
- Lime juice
How spicy is this margarita? Jalapeño peppers vary
If you’re used to using jalapeno peppers, you’ll know that peppers can vary in heat level! So this drink varies depending on your pepper and how many slices of peppers you use. Here are some guidelines to use as a rule of thumb:
- 3 thin jalapeno pepper slices make a medium spicy drink. Add more for a very spicy drink, or use less for mild heat.
- Remove the seeds for a milder drink. This takes down the heat even more. Some peppers have areas with less seeds. If you do want the seeds, cut more slices and use slices that have more seeds.
Tips for how to muddle
The way to get the cucumber and jalapeno flavor in this margarita? Muddling! Muddling means mashing fruits, vegetables, or herbs before using them in a drink. It releases the juices (or essential oils for herbs) so you can taste them in the drink. Here are a few tips on how to muddle:
- Do it right in the cocktail shaker. Place the cucumber and jalapeno slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have one, you can use a large metal cup or bowl.
- Use a wooden cocktail muddler or unfinished wooden spoon. Then gently mash the veggies a few times to release the juices right into the drink. Leave them inside the cocktail shaker while you shake the drink.
How to make a cucumber jalapeno margarita
Once you’ve got your fresh ingredients, grab your tequila, triple sec, and let’s get mixing! If you need more details on the best alcohol to buy, see Best Tequila for Margaritas and Best Triple Sec for Margaritas. Then, do the steps below!
- Rim the glass with salt. Use a cucumber slice to wet the rim (since you already have them on hand!). Then dip the outside of the glass rim in a plate covered in salt.
- Thinly slice the jalapeno pepper. Make sure to wash your hands afterwards! You don’t want that spicy juice getting in your eyes later (or other places…just saying!).
- Shake in a cocktail shaker. Shake the ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker! Don’t have one? Use a covered jar with a lid.
- Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain it into a glass and serve with ice. That’s it!
When to serve a cucumber jalapeno margarita
This spicy cucumber jalapeno margarita is festive and unique! It works as a:
- Happy hour drink
- Dinner party drink
- Late night drinks drink
- Taco night or Cinco de Mayo drink
- Guys or girls night drink
- Cocktail hour drink
Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita
Add some heat to your favorite drink with this cucumber jalapeno margarita! It’s cool and crisp, with a spicy finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 6 slices cucumber, cut 1/8″ thick, plus more for garnish
- 3 to 4 jalapeño pepper slices
- 2 ounces* tequila
- 1 ounce triple sec (or Cointreau)
- 1 ounce lime juice
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
Instructions
- Rub the rim of a lowball glass with a cucumber slice. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
- Slice the jalapeño pepper into 3 to 4 thin slices. If you prefer a more subtle heat, remove the seeds.* (Wash your hands well afterward.)
- Add the cucumber and jalapeno slices to a cocktail shaker and muddle them (gently mash) to release the juice.
- Add the tequila, triple sec and lime juice and fill the shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake for 15 seconds until cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass, and fill it with ice. Garnish with cucumber slices.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
More margarita recipes
There are so many different variations to try! Try each one of our margarita recipes:
- Classic: Simple Margarita, Patron Margarita, Casamigos Margarita, Texas Margarita or Cointreau Margarita
- Light: Skinny Margarita, Virgin Margarita, Vodka Margarita or Frozen Margarita
- Boozy: Mezcal, Hennessy, Grand Marnier or Cadillac Margarita
- Fruity: Mango, Peach, Blueberry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Watermelon, Pineapple, Blood Orange, Orange, or Grapefruit Margarita
- Spicy: Jalapeno Margarita or Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
- Unique: Italian, Coconut, Blue, Prickly Pear, Hibiscus, or Beer Margarita
