These cucumber basil margaritas are sweet, strong, and all but guarantee a good time. They're "martini-strength" and are best served with a salty rim. Extra spice is optional.
Though it's a little more effort than the typical cocktail, it's a batch drink, perfect for entertaining a crowd.
Whether it's Cinco De Mayo, the Fourth of July, or just another taco tuesday, these martini-strength margaritas have you covered.
Looking for more cocktails? Check out my grapefruit moscow mule. Want some tacos to go with your marg? Try these mushroom tacos or brussel sprout tacos.
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🌟 Why this recipe works
These margaritas are stronger than they taste, due to the balanced combination of sugar (pineapple juice), cucumber, basil and orange liqueur to even out the spicy tequila.
One will get you exactly where you want to be. Two and you're ready to party. Three and...well...good luck.
And remember: the correct ratio of water to margarita is 2:1.
📋 Ingredients
These cucumber basil margaritas seem simple, but pack a punch. Let's break down the ingredients:
- Fresh pineapple juice for sweetness and cucumber juice to cool down the spicy tequila
- Basil complements cucumber, lime, and pineapple and is in season in summer
- Minute Maid Limeade because margaritas need lime, and this is the fastest, easiest way to get it.
- Corralejo Reposado Tequila - only the best.
- Orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier) for more soft citrusy notes
Keep lime, salt, and some spicy chipotle powder on hand to garnish.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is perfect the way it is, however, somethings we have to make substitutions.
- Limeade - Minute Maid is the preferred brand, but other frozen limeade concentrates will do.
- Tequila - good tequila is key. The recommended tequila is Corralejo Reposado.
- Orange liqueur - Grand Marnier is the gold standard for this drink, but other brands will work in a pinch.
🔪 How To Make This Recipe
First, cut the fresh pineapple into chunks, removing the spiky skin and core. Then blend for 1-2 minutes. Pour into a strainer over a bowl and let sit for 30-45 minutes until you have ~2 cups of pineapple juice.
Then peel cucumber, slice into quarters hotdog style, and carefully remove seeds with a small knife. Blend cucumber with basil leaves, the strain until you have ~1 cup of cucumber basil juice.
Combine pineapple juice, cucumber juice, tequila, orange liqueur, limeade and water into a large pitcher and stir to combine.
Marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight so the flavors combine.
Serve over ice, and alternate servings with water to prevent a hangover.
Hint: be patient while the juice strains out of the pulp. It's ok to stir in the strainer every few minutes.
👩🍳 Expert tips
Make this cucumber basil margarita recipe ahead of time and let the flavors meld together in the fridge for a couple hours. Then serve over ice.
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Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
Alcohol Option:
- 24 oz Corralejo Reposado Tequila
- 6-8 oz Orange Liqueur
Non Alcoholic Option
- 12 oz Minute Maid Limeade Frozen*
- 12 oz Water
Fruit:
- 1-2 Large Cucumbers peeled and seeded
- 4-6 leaves Fresh Basil
- 1-2 Cups Fresh Pineapple Juice
Optional
- 1 teaspoon Ground Chipotle Powder leave out if you don’t like smoky/spicy
- Salt for the rim
- Lime Garnish
Instructions
- Blend fresh pineapple chunks in blender, then strain out pulp. Try to get 1-2 cups of pineapple juice (this can take a little while, so be patient!) If you're in a hurry, use two pineapples to get more juice faster.
- Meanwhile, peel and seed cucumbers. Then blend cucumber with basil leaves and strain. You need about a cup of cucumber basil juice.
- Mix tequila, orange liqueur, limeade, water and blended fruits you prepared in steps 1 and 2 together. Add chipotle powder if desired.
- Serve in glass with salted rim and ice.
Anthony says
This margarita will make you the cocktail master at your next party with friends and family. It is extremely easy to make and I can personally attest to how dangerously delicious it is. The mix of flavors will keep you coming back for more and is a must make for your next get together.
Eric says
The best margaritas ever! Made these last weekend for a group of friends, only need one or two, definitely strong but you wouldn’t know it! 10/10 would make again.