This jalapeño cucumber margarita is a fresh and spicy kick on the classic – a perfect summer cocktail! It’s made with tequila, cointreau, lime, cucumber, mint, and fresh jalapeño slices. The end result is a cool, crisp and refreshing cucumber margarita with just the right amount of heat.
Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Cucumber – Feel free to use more or less depending on how much cucumber flavor you want.
- Jalapeño – Make sure to remove the seeds before mixing the jalapeno slices into the cocktail so they don’t end up in your drink.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Add an extra lime slice to your cocktail shaker if you like your margaritas with a bit more pucker.
- Mint (optional) – Don’t sweat it if you don’t have fresh mint leaves! They add a subtle, herby brightness but it’s totally optional.
- Tequila – Ultimately you can use whatever type of tequila you like. I recommend blanco tequila (aka white or silver tequila) as it’s the typical tequila go-to.
- FYI: Gold tequila has a darker color due to its ageing and flavouring process. The added flavors *may* pose a potential gluten contamination risk (caramel coloring and/or barrel ageing).
- Orange Liqueur – Try this with cointreau, triple sec, grand marnier or curaçao liqueur.
- Sugar – Instead of making a simple syrup, I decided to go with granulated white sugar for a quick & easy option. Feel free to use agave syrup, honey or a classic simple syrup instead.
- 🔥For an extra spicy cocktail 🔥 – make a honey simple syrup using hot honey!
Recipe Steps
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredient list + steps.
- Muddle: Add cucumber slices, mint, lime, tequila, cointreau and sugar to a cocktail shaker or glass. Muddle (gently mix & bash) everything together. The goal is to bash up the cucumber up so it releases its flavor into the drink.
- If you don’t own a muddling tool, just use a wooden spoon or something similar to mix & bash.
- Add jalapeño & shake: Add the sliced jalapeños to the cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Cover and shake for a minute or so – the longer you shake, the spicier it will be.
- Pour: Divide between two, prepared glasses. Add extra garnishes and/or lime juice and enjoy.
Salt Rim
Salt is an excellent flavor enhancer. It’s great at amplifying sweetness, reducing bitterness and balancing flavor by rounding out the tangy lime & sharp tequila.
Adding a salty seasoning to the rim of the glass is optional, but they’re worth the extra 2 minutes of prep!
🧂Salt Rim Flavor Options🧂
- Classic Salt: 1-2 tbsp flaky sea salt
- Chili Salt: 2-3 tsp ancho chile powder + 2-3 tsp flakey sea salt
- Sumac Chili: 1 tsp sumac + 1 tsp chili powder + 1 tsp flakey sea salt
- Cinnamon Sugar: 1 tsp white sugar + 1 tsp sea salt + 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Lime Zest: Add fresh, grated lime zest to any of the combos above
- Tajín: 1-2 tbsp Tajín chili-lime seasoning – it’s chili, salt & lime zest so it’s perfect as a salt rim alternative.
🌟Make this Next🌟
Inspired by the traditional Mexican Guacachile (fake guacamole) – this zucchini salsa recipe is made with blistered jalapeños, sautéed onion, garlic, zucchini, cilantro & lime. It’s vibrant, creamy, spicy and absolutely delicious! Enjoy with chips, tacos, burritos & more!
More Refreshing Cocktail Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Kiwi Gin & Tonic
- Ginger Beer Paloma Cocktails
- Pimm’s Cup
- Apple Bees Knees Cocktail
- Frozen Pineapple Margaritas
- Star Anise Spiced Apple Margaritas
Enjoy!
Let me know if you try this spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita! Leave a comment and review with your thoughts. I always appreciate the feedback and serving suggestions that you come up with!
Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita Recipe
A crisp, spicy take on a classic margarita, made with cucumber, mint, jalapeño, lime juice, tequila and orange liqueur. Refreshing, fiery, and easy to shake up.
Ingredients
Salt Rim
- lime wedge
- 1-2 tbsps salt mixture (see notes)
Margarita
- 5-6 cucumber slices (about ¼-inch thick)
- 5 fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 2 ounce lime juice (35ml)
- 4 ounces blanco tequila (120ml) - white or silver tequila
- 2 ounce cointreau (60ml) - or your preferred orange liqueur
- 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar - depending on how sweet you want it
- 5-6 jalapeño slices, seeds removed
- ice
Instructions
Salt Rim
- Mix together 1-2 tbsp of your preferred salt rim mixture on a small plate (see options in notes).
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten edge. Dip the rims into the salt mixture, then set aside while you prep the drink.
Margarita
- Muddle: In a cocktail shaker add cucumbers, mint, tequila, orange liquor, lime juice and sugar. Muddle together to release the cucumber juices and dissolve the sugar.
- Add the jalapeño slices & shake: Fill with ice and shake until well combined, about 30 seconds to a minute. The longer you shake, the spicier it will be.
- Strain & enjoy: Pour into your prepared margarita glass. Garnish as with cucumber slices, mint, jalapeño and/or lime juice if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- No Cocktail Shaker: Make this using a mason jar or similar container with a lid.
- Sweetener: Instead of sugar you can use agave nectar, honey or simple syrup.
Salt Rim Options
- Classic: 1-2 tbsp flaky sea salt
- Chili Salt: 2-3 tsp ancho chile powder + 2-3 tsp sea salt
- Sumac Chili: 1 tsp sumac + 1 tsp chili powder + 1 tsp sea salt
- Cinnamon Sugar: 1 tsp white sugar + 1 tsp sea salt + 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Lime Zest: Add fresh, grated lime zest to any of the combos above
- Tajín: 1-2 tbsp Tajín chili-lime seasoning
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