Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe

Looking for a cucumber basil margarita recipe for your Cinco De Mayo, 4th or July, or taco Tuesday? You've come to the right place. These "martini-strength" cucumber basil margaritas are sweet, and are best served with a salty rim. Extra spice is optional. The best part? This is a batch drink, perfect entertaining a crowd.

My Uncle Fred spent years developing the recipe for the perfect margarita for his legendary "grown-up" parties. And unless your guests are either friends with my Uncle Fred or are still in college, they'll only need one or two to get the party started. To this very day, my mother claims she is "allergic" to tequila from having too many of these one New Years Eve...

Making the PERFECT Cucumber Basil Margarita

PSA: before we begin, a warning: these margaritas pack a punch. One will get you exactly where you want to be. The correct ratio of hydration:margarita is 2:1.

Let's break it down:

1. Pineapple juice for sweetness
2. Cucumber juice to cool down the tequila
3. Basil because it goes SOOO well with cucumber, lime, and pineapple
4. Minute Maid Limeade because it isn't a margarita without lime
5. Good tequila
6. Orange lacqueur, because why not
7. Dilute with some water (this recipe is well over half spirits by volume...this is needed, do not skip)
8. Lime and salt to garnish
9. Spicy chipotle powder to make it into a spicy cucumber margarita

The real secret? Make this cucumber basil margarita recipe ahead of time and let the flavors meld together in the fridge for a couple hours.

But Eliza...

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? Any tips to make it go faster? 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 lacquer and salt. Pour a few drops of orange lacquer 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 lacquer in place on the rim so you don't have a sticky cup. Check out the video below to see more!

Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe

Looking for more cocktails? Check out my grapefruit moscow mule. Want some tacos to go with your marg? Stay tuned for a mushroom taco recipe to accompany these margaritas (coming soon!)

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