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    The Hangry Chickpea » Cocktails » Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe

    Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe

    Published: May 23, 2019 · Modified: Jul 10, 2022 by Eliza

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 🌟 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:

    1. Fresh pineapple juice for sweetness and cucumber juice to cool down the spicy tequila
    2. Basil complements cucumber, lime, and pineapple and is in season in summer
    3. Minute Maid Limeade because margaritas need lime, and this is the fastest, easiest way to get it.
    4. Corralejo Reposado Tequila - only the best.
    5. 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.

    🍜 Related recipes

    • Dark and Stormy-ish
    • Blueberry Mint Mojito Recipe
    • Ruby-Red Grapefruit Vodka Soda
    • Aperol spritz + vegan pairing guide

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in your photos on Instagram! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest for later.

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    margarita in a glass garnished with a leaf of basil and a lime.

    Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: The Hangry Chickpea
    • Prep Time: 30 mins
    • Cook Time: 0 mins
    • Total Time: 30 mins
    • Yield: 10 drinks 1x
    • Category: Beverages
    • Method: Cocktails
    • Cuisine: Mexican
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    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.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Alcohol:

    • 24 oz Corralejo Reposado Tequila
    • 6-8oz orange liqueur

    Non-alcoholic:  

    • 12 oz Minute Maid Limeade (Frozen)*
    • 12 oz Water

    Fruit: 

    • 1-2 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
    • 4-6 leaves fresh basil
    • fresh pineapple juice - 1-2 cups

    Optional: 

    • 1 tsp ground chipotle powder (leave out if you don’t like smoky/spicy)
    • Salt for the rim
    • Lime garnish

    Instructions

    1. 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. 
    2. Meanwhile, peel and seed cucumbers. Then blend cucumber with basil leaves and strain. You need about a cup of cucumber basil juice. 
    3. Mix tequila, orange liqueur, limeade, water and blended fruits you prepared in steps 1 and 2 together. Add chipotle powder if desired.
    4. Serve in glass with salted rim and ice.

    Notes

    WARNING: though these cucumber basil margaritas are lots of fun, these are NOT your average margaritas. They are martini-strength. Hydrate between servings. In my experience, the proper ratio of 8 oz glasses of water to margarita is 2:1. 

    Only have more than 2 if you don't have anywhere to be tomorrow...

    *Look for this in the frozen section, it comes in a little cylinder. 

    Keywords: Margaritas, pineapple margaritas, pineapple basil margaritas, cucumber basil margaritas, pineapple cucumber basil margaritas, strong margaritas, pitcher margaritas

    How'd it go?

    Please rate this recipe and tag @thehangrychickpea on Instagram!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anthony

      July 17, 2022 at 3:30 pm

      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.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Eric

      June 23, 2021 at 11:13 am

      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.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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