Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe

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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.

3 margaritas in glasses with a salted rim, garnished with a sprig of basil and a lime.

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
📋 Ingredients
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
🔪 How to make this recipe
👩‍🍳 Expert tips
💭 FAQs
🍜 Related recipes
Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe

🌟 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

tequila and orange liqueur in measuring cups, pineapple, frozen limeade, basil leaves, limes and a cucumber.

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.

See recipe card for quantities.

🔀 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.

💭 FAQs

Are Margaritas vegan?

Most margaritas are indeed vegan, given they don't typically contain dairy products. This one is no exception.

How long should I strain the juice out of the cucumber and pineapple?

Give them 30-45 minutes at least. If you're in a hurry, sprinkle with a little salt and stir to release the juices. Use your hands if you're REALLY impatient. I typically end up with 2-2.5 cups of pineapple and cucumber juice total.

How the do you slice a pineapple?

This video does a good job, but if you're worried about it, just buy pre-sliced pineapple at the store, I won't judge you.

How do I salt the rim of my glass?

First, prep your liqueur and salt. Pour a few drops of orange liqueur into a small bowl (or plate) - make sure the rim of your glass can reach the bottom where the liquid is. Pour a few tablespoons of salt onto a small plate. Next, lightly dip your glass into the liquid, and keep upside down while you transfer to the salt plate. Then roll the rim lightly in the salt - the idea is that the salt will freeze all of the liqueur in place on the rim so you don't have a sticky cup. Check out the video below to see more.

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