Cucumber Margarita Recipe

Prep Time:

5 mins

Steep Time:

1 day

Total Time:

1 day 5 mins

Yield:

1 drink

This refreshing take on a classic Margarita combines cucumber-infused tequila with fresh lime juice and triple sec.

The classic Margarita is part of the sour family of cocktails, a range of drinks that include the Daiquiri, Sidecar, and Whiskey Sour, and often follows the 2:1:1 template of two parts base spirit, one part sweet, and one part sour.

The Margarita remains the most popular cocktail in North America and the simple build makes it a favorite to riff on. Cucumbers have long been used as a popular ingredient to tweak the simple classic and can lend an especially refreshing quality to an already toothsome thirst quencher.

What makes the Cucumber Margarita work

The Cucumber Margarita uses slightly more of its base spirit of cucumber-infused tequila than many other drinks in the classic sour template. English cucumbers are a naturally refreshing and cooling ingredient ideal for balancing tequila's heat in this cocktail. Infusing thinly sliced fresh cucumber into a quality tequila helps to temper the alcohol and, when combined with equal parts tart lime juice and sweet orange liqueur, the astringency comes into balance and the flavors shine.

The fresh, green vegetal notes of the cucumber also complement the agave spirits’ earthy notes, highlighting the bright grassy flavors in the resulting infusion. The slight bitterness and savory characteristics of the vegetable help to counterbalance the sweet and tart flavors as well.

The salted rim garnish for the finished cocktail further pops the flavors in sharp relief, sharpening the taste buds and making this an ideal twist on an iconic classic.

Cucumber Margarita — Brie Goldman / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell

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Ingredients

Cucumber Margarita Ingredients

Salt (for rimming the glass)
2 1/2 ounces cucumber-infused tequila (recipe below)
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce triple sec
1 slice cucumber (for garnish)

Cucumber-Infused Tequila

2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced crosswise
1 750-ml bottle blanco tequila

Directions

Make the Margarita

Wet the rim of an old-fashioned or margarita glass and dip it in salt. Let stand until dry. Fill the glass with ice.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the cucumber-infused tequila (recipe below), lime juice, and triple sec. Shake for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain the cocktail into the rimmed glass and garnish with the cucumber slice.

To Make the Cucumber-Infused Tequila

In a large pitcher or mason jar, combine the sliced cucumbers and the tequila. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
Strain the tequila into a clean pitcher or jar; discard the spent cucumbers.

How long will cucumber infused tequila last?

The cucumber-infused tequila can be stored at room temperature or chilled for up to 3 months.

Do you have to infuse tequila ahead of time?

If you're looking to make a single-serving version of this cocktail and want to avoid the hassle of infusing an entire bottle of tequila, a similar profile can be achieved by muddling two slices of fresh cucumber with the 2 1/2 ounces of tequila. Simply muddle well before adding the rest of the ingredients to your shaker and following the rest of the recipe as indicated.

Originally appeared: May 2013