This refreshing margarita twist uses crisp cucumber and spicy jalapeño for an exciting drink that’s perfect on warm days.
Fresh cucumber, sliced jalapeño, silver tequila, lime juice, and triple sec create a balanced blend of cool and spicy flavors.
The bright green color and garnish of cucumber ribbons and jalapeño slices make this cocktail visually appealing.
Cucumber’s natural sweetness balances the heat from the peppers and keeps the drink light.
You can prepare this recipe in just 5 minutes.
Adjust the jalapeño amount to make it spicier or milder.
For parties, prepare the base mixture ahead and shake with ice before serving.
Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Margarita glass or rocks glass
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- 3 thin cucumber slices
- 2-3 thin jalapeño slices seeds removed
- Salt and chili powder mix for rim
- Ice cubes
- Cucumber slice and jalapeño ring for garnish
Instructions
- Mix equal parts salt and chili powder on a small plate for the rim.
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip it in the salt mixture.
- Put cucumber and jalapeño slices in the shaker. Muddle gently to release flavors.
- Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice. Shake for 15-20 seconds.
- Double strain into the rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and jalapeño ring.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
This cocktail starts with crisp cucumber and pairs well with bright lime juice and silver tequila.
Jalapeño adds gentle heat that builds with each sip.
Sweetness from orange liqueur balances the drink without making it too sugary.
Cucumber cools the jalapeño spice, making the drink refreshing and exciting.
The main flavors include:
- Cucumber: Cool and garden-fresh
- Jalapeño: Medium spicy kick
- Lime: Tart citrus
- Tequila: Clean agave notes
- Orange: Sweet citrus undertones
Salt on the rim highlights the savory elements and complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
Ice helps blend the flavors as you drink.
The spice level varies from mild to medium-hot based on how long the jalapeño steeps.
Remove seeds from the pepper for less heat.
Perfect for:
- Summer parties
- Spicy food pairings
- Mexican-inspired meals
- Outdoor gatherings
Substitute
You can make this drink without some key ingredients. Each substitution changes the taste but keeps the drink enjoyable.
No jalapeños? Use 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for similar heat.
Replace cucumber with celery for a fresh taste, or skip it for a basic spicy margarita.
Tequila alternatives:
- Mezcal adds smokiness
- White rum makes it lighter
- Vodka creates a clean flavor
For a non-alcoholic version, mix lime juice, cucumber, jalapeño, and club soda. Add simple syrup to taste.
Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lime juice works if needed. Use 2 tablespoons of bottled juice for one fresh lime.
If you don’t have simple syrup, mix equal parts sugar and hot water. Stir until clear, then cool before using.
