There isn't a better drink than a cucumber jalapeño margarita! This refreshing margarita with a hint of spice is the perfect easy cocktail to make at home.
Jump to RecipeA Year Round Cocktail
It is no secret that margaritas are a popular alcoholic beverage. Their base of tequila, lime juice, and triple secs makes the margarita the ideal cocktail to enjoy year round. No matter the season, a refreshing margarita just always seems to hit the spot! What makes this drink a perfect refreshment though is how easily it adapts to the four seasons. You can make a margarita with just about any fruit that is in season and customize it to your like! The result is a simple, yet delicious cocktail that makes for the perfect drink.
If you're looking to change up the classic margarita, this recipe is for you! This recipe utilizes fresh cucumber and jalapeño to create a balanced combination of flavors. The mild, sweet taste of the cucumber with the heat from the jalapeño compliments one another beautifully. Furthermore, these flavors mixed with chilled tequila and zesty lime juice makes for a refreshing cocktail that yields a hint of spice. The result is an upscale bar quality aperitif from the comfort of your home!
This cucumber jalapeño margarita recipe not only elevates the traditional margarita, but is sure to surprise and delight guests! As well, it's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe walks you through, step by step how to create the blend of flavors. All it takes less than 30 minutes! Not to mention, it pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of recipes. You can't go wrong serving this cocktail alongside a good dip, appetizer, or entree. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this invigorating drink! The classic margarita will never tastes quite the same after you try this recipe.
What is a Margarita?
Since we are about to make a cucumber jalapeño margarita, let's first talk about the origins of the first margarita. It's believed that the origin of the margarita came about in the summer of 1942. Francisco "Pancho" Morales is credited with inventing the margarita that we know and love today. The first margarita was served at Tommy's Place on Juarez Avenue in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Furthermore, it's said that the drink came about after a woman ordered a "magnolia". Unable to remember the exact recipe, Pancho combined cointreau, lime, a spirit base, and tequila.
The ingredients of a traditional margarita are similar to its origin with just a few changes. The cocktail uses tequila, triple sec, and lime juice to create the base. It's then often served with a salted rim. This drink is part of the sour cocktail family as the limes incorporated yield a very sour taste. The word "margarita" is actually a Spanish word that translates to "daisy". Taking it back to the drink first known as a tequila daisy, or tequila sour. It wasn't until later that we started using the term "margarita" to identify this refreshing tequila drink.
Today, the margarita is enjoyed in many different forms. We have all kinds of margaritas to choose from which makes it all the more fun to drink! Nowadays, we can enjoy our margaritas frozen, blended, spicy, traditional, and so much more. We have found ways to incorporate various fruits and flavors into these delightful drinks making them more customizable to your likings. With such a simple base, it truly is a flexible drink that bends to the likings of just about everyone.
Further History of the Margarita
There is some interesting history behind our cucumber jalapeño margarita, or more particularly a margarita in general! While the margarita we know today did originate in Mexico, the basis of the drink is actually derived from a different country. Interestingly enough, the earliest version of a margarita comes from a British ancestor called the Picador. The Picador has identical proportions to the margarita we know today. So, you could actually say that the margarita came from the British.
In 1939, the tequila sour made its debut. It was first mentioned in a cocktail book and compared to the Picador as the two share a list of similar ingredients. However, the tequila sour included agave syrup to sweeten the drink. Although this was just one small change, that's all it took to differentiate the two. Thus, the tequila sour was born! And that same tequila sour was often referred to as a tequila daisy as well.
In 1953, The Press Democrat - a newspaper from Santa Rosa, California- used the term 'margarita' in one of their articles. Previously referred to as a tequila sour or tequila daisy, this was the first mention of the margarita in the United States. It didn't take long for the term to gain traction and the margarita to grow in popularity across the country. Today, the margarita is the most popular cocktail in the United States. And for a good reason! This delicious blend of flavors yields a drink that is refreshing, zesty and full of flavor.
Why Jalapeño & Cucumber are the Perfect Combo
Derived from the original recipe, this cocktail uses jalapeño and cucumber to create a spicy flavor profile. So, why do we use jalapeño and cucumber together? First, the two ingredients perfectly compliment the taste of one another. The refreshing, light taste of the cucumber combined with kick of heat from the jalapeño makes for a balanced profile that's easy to drink. Compared to other peppers, jalapeños are pretty mild in heat, so they add the perfect amount of spice. However, add the seeds and you can really turn up the heat!
Second, as cucumbers are made up of 96% water, they have the perfect crispness to them. This makes the sometimes overly sweet or salty margarita, more fresh and earthy. While I love to sip on this cucumber jalapeño margarita anytime of year, it's especially delicious in the summer. The cool, crispness of the cocktail makes it the perfect way to beat the summer heat.
Finally, One of the great aspects about this recipe is that you can customize your drink to fit the spice level you desire. As mentioned, if you add the seeds then the cocktail will have more of a kick. You can also add more jalapeños to garnish your margarita, which will elevate the spice. You have the power to create a drink that has just a hint bit of spice or a cocktail that is heavier on the heat. The choice is yours!
What is Simple Syrup?
Like any good cocktail, the margarita is about balancing flavors to ensure the perfect result. While traditional margaritas use triple sec as the sweet component, agave nectar or simple syrup can also be used. For this recipe, we'll be utilizing a homemade simple syrup in place of triple sec. This will balance the zest of the lime juice along with the heat of the jalapeño. Plus, simple syrup actually uses less sugar than triple sec! So, it's a healthier alternative to the classic margarita recipe.
So, what exactly is simple syrup? Simple syrup is one of the most used sweeteners in mixed drinks. Just as the name implies, it is a simple syrup. It uses few ingredients to create a syrup-like consistency. Often, only water and sugar are used but fruits or herbs can also be added. As well, it only takes a few minutes to make; furthermore, you can make as much or little as you please. This means that it is so simple to make at home! No need to go out and purchase from the store.
Simple syrup is not only used in cocktails, but many drinks and dessert recipes as well. Did you know that you can use a simple syrup in cake recipes to keep them moist? As well, simple syrup is often added to coffees, teas, and lemonades to infuse the drink with a variety of unique flavors. From lavender to rosemary and even jalapeño, the flavor variations of simple syrup are endless!
How to Make Simple Syrup at Home
As mentioned, simple syrup is quick and easy to make at home. All you need is a pot, sugar, water, and the ingredient of your choice! For this recipe, we'll be adding in sliced jalapeños to our homemade. simple syrup. The jalapeños will infuse the sweetener with hints of spice; which, will provide the heat to our cucumber jalapeño margarita. Furthermore, this adds depths of flavor to our drink that yields a more complex taste.
First, combine the water and sugar in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then add one sliced jalapeño. This is where you can customize the heat! Keep the seeds if you would like the syrup to be a little spicier. Discard the seeds if you would like the syrup to just have a hint of spice. Now, lower the heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and remove from heat once all the sugar has dissolved. Pour the simple syrup into a mason jar (with the jalapeño slices) and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
It's that simple! All it takes is three ingredients and ten minutes to make this delicious sweetener. Making simple syrups at home not only saves money and is healthier, but allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, you can make us much or as little simple syrup as you'd like! Just double or triple the recipe if you're batching this cucumber jalapeño cocktail. Once cooled, the simple syrup will last in the refrigerator for seven days.
Let's Make Margaritas!
Now that you have your simple syrup ready, it is time to start putting everything together to make your cucumber jalapeño margaritas. To start off, we will be prepping our cocktail glasses for our drink. Go ahead and add tajin to a shallow plate, then run a slice of lime along the rims of two small cocktail glasses. Invert each glass, one at a time, and roll in the tajin to coat. Then, refrigerate the glasses to chill them. We use tajin here instead of salt to compliment the tanginess of the lime juice and spice of the jalapeño.
Next, peel the cucumber before dicing into small pieces. Add to a large glass or bowl and muddle by pressing against the cucumbers until crushed. Muddling the cucumbers will release the liquid, along with the refreshing flavor of the cucumber. Then, strain the liquid into a cocktail shaker filled with roughly one cup of ice. Once strained, add four ounces of chilled tequila, two ounces of lime juice and two ounces of the jalapeño simple syrup. I personally prefer freshly squeezed lime juice as it makes for a more fresh tasting margarita, but store-bought lime juice works as well.
At last, it's time to get shaking! Make sure the lid of the cocktail shaker is on tight before shaking vigorously for 30 seconds. Then, remove the cocktail glasses from the refrigerator and add one large ice cube to each glass. I like to use tray molds that yield square cubes. Not only do they ensure the drink stays chilled but the elevate the look of the cocktail! Finally, strain an even amount of the margarita into each prepared glass. Before you serve the cocktails, we first must garnish them. I'll provide tips below on how to further elevate your cucumber jalapeño margarita to a bar worthy aesthetic.
How to Elevate Your Cocktail
It's easy to pour your mix into nicely chilled glasses and serve. However, have you ever thought about the art of elevating cocktails in the way we receive them in restaurants? There is something about the luxe feeling when receiving a beautifully dressed drink. It almost makes the cocktail taste better when it looks that good! For this specific cucumber jalapeño margarita, I've got a few tips to elevating the presentation of your cocktail.
As already imbedded in the recipe instructions, lining the rim of your glass is always a staple. This will add more flavor to each sip as well as enhancing the appearance of the cocktail. This is done by simply lining the rim of your glassware with water or lime, then dipping into the ingredient of your choice (could be salt, tajin, sugar, etc). In this recipe we use first lime juice and then tajin to rim our glass. You can refer to my photos for an idea of a different way to "rim" your glass.
Adding garnishes is the main way to elevate your cocktail. In this recipe, I add in a slice of cucumber to each drink! To do this, you may take a mandolin set to a the second thinnest setting, and slice your cucumber along the side to create long cucumber ribbons. Once you have a few good pieces, I like to skewer them through a toothpick creating a ribbon like wave. Or you can add some jalapeño slices to your drink! You really can't go wrong with adding multiple garnishes to a drink. Now all that's left to do is serve and enjoy! Your guests will absolutely love this cucumber jalapeño margarita.
Other Cocktails You'll Love!
If you are looking for a couple of other cocktail recipes to serve up, I have the perfect ones for you! Below are a few of my favorite aperitif's that I know you'll love!
- Harvest Apple Margarita: If you're looking for a sweet and festive drink for autumn, check out this Harvest Apple Fall Margarita! This margarita is the perfect cocktail to enjoy this autumn. With a homemade brown sugar and rosemary simple syrup, this recipe comes together in less than thirty minutes!
- Frozen Grapefruit and Lime Margarita: There's just something about a frozen margarita that makes any day better. It doesn't get much better than these Frozen Grapefruit & Lime Margaritas! I've recently discovered that grapefruit + tequila is a delicious combination. Combined with silver tequila and a little bit of lime juice, and the grapefruit loses its bitter edge. Plus, how can you resist that beautiful pink color?
- Aperol Spritz: It seems to be the go-to happy hour drink and for a good reason, it's so refreshing! This delicious cocktail comes in a wine glass with a fresh orange slice, lots of ice, Prosecco, soda water, and of course Aperol! We're adding our own twist to this classic cocktail by incorporating homemade rosemary simple syrup.
What to Pair with These Margaritas
Now, with drinks must come food! Going with the theme of our cucumber jalapeño margarita, I have just the dishes that would serve as a great compliment to the margarita. Here is what I recommend:
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: I can guarantee you that my chicken tortilla soup recipe is one you'll want to save for those weeknights when you're busy, tired, or don't know what to make for dinner. It's easy, quick, and nourishing. This gluten-free soup uses pantry staples to create a delicious, hearty meal in less than an hour. Plus, this dish requires minimal effort, so it's a win win!
- Spicy Ahi Tuna Nachos: This Spicy Ahi Tuna Nacho recipe is perfect for summer! Not only is it delicious and so easy to make, but no oven or stove required! This recipe is loaded with fresh ingredients that makes the dish light, refreshing, and ideal for those sweltering months.
- Flank Steak Tacos: First, a tender steak that's been cooked for only minutes on a cast iron skillet. Second, a vibrant chimichurri that is packed with refreshing herbs. Third, red cabbage that gives the taco a crunchy element. And finally, the spicy chipotle lime crema that balanced with zesty lime juice. Together, these components come together to make for the best homemade taco recipe!
- Southwest Quinoa Salad: This recipe features the classic ingredients, along with a few seasonal extras. The sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini and corn showcase fall produce and add so much depth to this dish. Plus, it all ties together with the classic arugula, cherry tomatoes, and black bean base!
Easy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita
Course: CocktailsDifficulty: Easy2
servings30
minutesThis easy to make cocktail is refreshing with the perfect hint of spice!
Ingredients
- Ingredients for the Jalapeño Simple Syrup
1 cup water
¾ cup sugar
1 sliced jalapeno
- Ingredients for the Margarita
¼ cup of tajin
1 cup ice
1 large cucumber
4 ounces of tequila
2 ounces of lime juice
2 ounces of jalapeño simple syrup
Limes for garnish
Cucumber for garnish
Directions
- Instructions for the Syrup
- Combine the water and sugar in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then add 1 sliced jalapeño. Keep the seeds if you'd like the syrup a little spicier or discard if you'l like the syrup with just a hint of spice.
- Lower the heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and remove from heat once all of the sugar is mixed again.
- Pour into a mason jar (with the jalapeño slices) and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Instructions for the Margarita
- Add the tajin to a shallow plate, then run a slice of lime along the edge of two small cocktail glasses. Invert each glass, one ate a time, and roll in the tajin to coat. Add ice and refrigerate the glasses.
- Peel the cucumber, then dice. Add to a large glass or bowl and muddle by pressing against the cucumbers until crushed.
- Strain the liquid into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Then add 4 ounces of chilled tequila, 2 ounces of lime juice and 2 ounces of the jalapeño simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds before straining into the two refrigerated glasses.
- Serve with sliced jalapeños or cucumbers and enjoy!
Notes
- Store the simple syrup in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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