And I am back! As usual, with another Cocktail Saturday post, just popping in to share this quick and easy margarita recipe. I know so many of us are at home, cooking and baking this weekend with not too much else to do…hello to this new day and age of quarantined life. Thankfully, we do have some fun things to create in the kitchen. And even better? We’ve got this fun, spicy, spring cocktail to make. This one is a new favorite and uses mostly pantry ingredients…mixed with a few fresh items too. Guys, say hello to this Spicy Cucumber Margarita. It’s not your average margarita. Instead, it’s spicy, sweet, and a little fizzy too. All the things I love most in a drink.
The details.
This cocktail is simple as can be. First, start with the salty-sweet, chili salt lined rim. It’s simply sea salt, chili powder, and a pinch of granulated sugar mixed together. It adds such a nice salty, sweet, and spicy touch to each drink. Plus, it’s extra pretty, and fun too…which I’m really all about these days. Once you rim your glasses in the sweet chili salt, make the drink. In a cocktail shaker, or even just a glass jar with a lid (use what you have), muddle together cucumber slices, mint leaves, a splash…or two, of tequila, a dash of orange liquor, a squeeze of fresh lime, and honey for sweetness. Muddle everything down until the cucumbers release their juice and are pretty well smashed. At this point, toss in the jalapeños, and shake to infuse the drink with spice. Then strain into your glass and top off with ginger beer for even more spicy sweetness, and a touch of fizz too.
If you don’t keep cucumbers in the fridge, no worries at all. You can simply omit them from the recipe or swap in one of your favorite fresh or frozen fruits. Pineapple, mangos, or any berry (fresh or frozen) would be very good. Use what you’ve got everyone! The same goes for the garnishes, I like to add additional mint for serving, and edible flowers for a pop of color, but use what you have on hand. I’ve been ordering my flowers and herbs from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals. They’ll last all week and they’re the prettiest.
If you want to serve this to all of the adults present in your home, make the punch version. It serves about four, but can easily be doubled or tripled. As soon as this quarantine is lifted, I’ll be quadrupling the punch version when my family is all back in town. This drink has all of their favorites in one, they’ll love it. Simple and perfect.
My Saturday Suggestions…
Plan a day full of cooking and baking…because really, what else is there to do these days. Then enjoy a Saturday night at home with a little Netflix, a homemade dinner, and a cocktail in hand. The perfect night…and a great way to make the best of “social distancing”. The question is, what are you all watching, and what will you make for dinner? Oh! And maybe add dessert too. Yes, add dessert because why not? OK. Here is my menu… Spicy Cucumber Margarita One Skillet Cheesy Cuban..ish (inspired) Chicken and Rice Bake (healthy…ish) Homemade Samoas Cookies Netflix options: Virgin River, Spinning Out. Hulu options: Little Fires Everywhere Hope you all enjoy!
Lastly, if you make this spicy cucumber margarita, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
