Drink your Greens – Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita

We first tried this drink at a Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica, CA and were surprised at how subtle the jalapeño was, and how light and refreshing it tasted. This is definitely a drink for summer poolside parties or barbecues. Unfortunately it does take a little effort and planning, as the first step is to make the Jalapeño Infused Tequila, which, though you can make it in about an hour on a sunny window ledge, it is best made over 3 days.

Jalapenos and Tequila

Jalapeño Infused Tequila

Jalapenos steeping in Tequila

Jalapenos steeping in Tequila

This recipe for jalapeño tequila makes enough for four cocktails. It is more of an essences, than a liqueur, as we are not adding sugar, and we only want a light infusion of jalapeño, just for colour and a little heat.

  • 250ml (1 cup) Tequila Blanco
  • 1 Jalapeño, chopped into strips

Take a large clean airtight container, add the jalapeño and the tequila. Seal the container and leave somewhere cool and dark for about 3 days. Remove the jalapeño and discard. Use the tequila within a week, otherwise the subtle flavour will diminish.

 

Cucumber Juice

Cucumber juice has a wonderful dark green colour and, though a little bland in flavour, it is very refreshing. Half a cucumber is enough for making four cocktail.

Roughly chop half a cucumber, including the skin and add it to a food processor or blender. Add about a tablespoon of water and liquidise it thoroughly. Pass the liquid through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth or clean tea-towel to separate the solids from the liquid. I like to re-add about a half teaspoon of the cucumber solids to the liquid if has been well strained, just for decoration. The juice should keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator.

Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas

Ingredients – per cocktail

  • 60ml (2 fl oz) of jalapeño infused tequila
  • 60ml (2 fl oz) of cucumber juice
  • 30ml (1 fl oz) of simple syrup (Equal parts sugar and water)
  • 125ml (0.5 cup) of crushed ice
  • 30ml (1fl oz) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 30ml (1fl oz) freshly squeezed lime juice

Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake to combine and pour into a glass, rimmed with salt and garnish with slices of lime.

Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita

Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita

I have other ideas for up-ing the flavour in this cocktail. Next time I will experiment by adding either basil or cilantro (fresh coriander) and trying different chillies.


2 comments

    • Kiri W. on May 15, 2012 at 11:03 am
    • Reply

    Wow, now that’s an interesting infusion.

    • Gina on May 15, 2012 at 12:17 pm
    • Reply

    Love this!! I had a similar drink a few weeks back but couldn’t really figure out how to make it. Can’t wait to try your recipe!

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