There’s something about Memorial Day that screams the start of summer….even though that isn’t technically for a few more weeks.
And there’s something about margaritas that also screams summer.
They are my ultimate warm weather drink! And they’re PERFECT for celebrating the unofficial start of summer.
My love for margs runs deep. They are, aside from fancy gin cocktails, my number one drink to order when out. I also make them regularly at home. They are worth the effort to me.
Speaking of effort, a good margarita takes a little elbow grease. I highly encourage you to make your own simple syrup and squeeze your own limes for really good margs. Not to sound snobby or elitist, but it makes ALL the difference! No pre-made sour mix or bottled lime juice allowed! FRESH lime juice is where it’s at!
When you make your own simple syrup, you can do fun things to it. I love to infuse all sorts of things in my simple syrups, especially for cocktails: lavender, dried flowers, spices, herbs, and in this case, hot peppers. Infusing syrup is a fun and easy way to impart a ton of cool flavor.
I chose a serrano pepper here because it adds a good amount of heat but also a mild pepper flavor. Jalapeños also work great, but they definitely add a more pepper-forward flavor. And I really wanted the cucumbers to be the star in this drink.
Speaking of cucumbers! Would you drink this? I LOOOOOVE cucumbers. I love to snack on them raw, in salads and sandwiches, and yes, in my drinks. They’re so refreshing! Crisp! Bright!
So, these spicy cucumber margs are basically my dream drink.
They’re a touch sweet, tangy, a little bit spicy, and filled with super fresh and refreshing flavor. They’re absolutely delicious. Destined to be sipped on poolside!
To make these, we need about 15 minutes of prep time. I make a simple syrup and let the hot peppers infuse while it cools off. While that’s happening, I make a fresh cucumber juice using my blender. It’s really easy! And definitely worth the effort.
Blend a seedless cucumber with a little bit of water until smooth and completely pureed. Strain out the cucumber bits and reserve the bright, beautiful green juice for the cocktails! It has amazing color AND flavor. One large cucumber makes enough juice for just over two cocktails, so if you’re making a larger batch, I recommend starting with at least two cucumbers.
All that’s left to do is mix up the actual drinks! Rim some glasses in salt and fill ’em up with ice.
Into a shaker goes the spicy simple syrup, the cucumber juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and lots of FRESH lime juice. Shake it all up and pour into the glasses!
You can serve it just as is or garnish them up with some sliced cucumbers, pepper slices, and a lime wedge or two. I love to do this because it makes it look fun and festive while also letting people know what is actually IN the drink.
These are SO good. So refreshing with a wonderful bright flavor. The cucumber flavor really shines through.
I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll be making these all summer long!
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Spicy Cucumber Margaritas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails (easily multiplied) 1x
Description
These Spicy Cucumber Margaritas are ideal for sipping on a hot day! A serrano-infused simple syrup and fresh cucumber juice really make these something special. They’re bright and refreshing with a touch of heat and sweetness. The ideal summer cocktail!
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 serrano pepper, thinly sliced (see NOTE)
For the Cucumber Juice:
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
For 2 Margaritas:
- 4 oz cucumber juice
- 4 oz silver tequila
- 4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau is my fave, but triple sec works too!)
- 2 oz spicy simple syrup (or to taste)
For Serving:
- Ice
- Salt for rimming the glasses
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced serrano peppers
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Make the Spicy Simple Syrup:
- Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the sliced serrano and allow it to steep in the hot syrup as it cools.
Make the Cucumber Juice:
- Add the peeled and chopped cucumber along with ¼ cup of water to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the cucumber is completely blended.
- Set a fine-mesh strainer over a mason jar or bowl and pour the cucumber puree through the strainer. Push on the solids to extract as much cucumber juice as possible. Discard the solids.
For 2 Cocktails:
- To a large shaker filled with ice, add the cucumber juice, tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for a few seconds to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
To Serve:
- Run a lime slice around the edges of your serving glasses and then dip the rims in salt.
- Fill the glasses with ice.
- Pour the margarita mixture into the glasses, garnish with cucumber slices, limes, or serrano pepper slices, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any hot pepper here. Serranos add a good amount of heat and add a great flavor to the syrup. Jalapeños would also work great!
- This recipe will make extra simple syrup. If making a larger batch of margaritas, I recommend starting with two large English cucumbers for the juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: cocktails
Hi There. I'm Molly. I'm a food-obsessed, self-taught cook and I can't wait to share my passion for all things culinary with you. My love for egg yolks is just the tip of the iceberg!
Absolutely delicious. Way easier than expected! Plus these pictures 😍
a very sophisticated margarita! love the cucumber and the Cointreau, serranos too, very nice!
Thanks, Sabrina!
Our new Hot Weather Cocktail!! This is sooo refreshing! I muddled some serranos in each glass & EVERYONE who has one falls in love!! Such a great combo!!