Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

By Yvette Marquez

5 (16 ratings)

11

Updated Feb 25, 2025, Published May 01, 2021

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At the end of a long day, there’s no better way to kick off happy hour than with a drink that inspires memories and delights the palate. The Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita marries cool, crisp cucumber with a hint of fiery jalapeño and a splash of tequila blanco, making every sip a refreshing celebration of life’s small joys.

cucumber jalapeño margarita in a cocktail glass on a brown board and candle in background.

Table of Contents

Yvette Marquez muy bueno food blogger.

Why I Love This Recipe

I first encountered a cucumber margarita during a family dinner at Crave in El Paso—a rare, magical evening filled with good food, lively conversation, and a sense of togetherness. That night, as we caught up on family chisme, the unique blend of refreshing cucumber and a subtle kick of jalapeño left an indelible impression on me. Over time, reflecting on that perfect summer evening, I was inspired to recreate this invigorating cocktail at home. The inclusion of Exotico Tequila’s Tequila Blanco, with its crisp herbal bouquet and balanced spice, not only elevates the drink but also reminds me of those cherished moments with family.

What is a Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

This cocktail is a modern twist on the classic margarita, combining the cooling essence of fresh cucumber with the vibrant heat of jalapeño. The drink is perfectly balanced with the smooth character of premium Tequila Blanco, renowned for its un-aged, 100% Blue Agave quality produced in the highlands of Jalisco. With its herbaceous aroma, a burst of fresh heat, and a balanced spice finish, the Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita is both refreshing and delightfully complex.

In just five minutes, you can mix up this cocktail to enjoy a moment of pure bliss—ideal for softening the edges of any day.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Cucumbers: Classic cucumbers are all you need—there’s no need to use fancy varieties like English cucumbers.
  • Limes: Fresh lime slices and lime juice are essential for a vibrant, tangy base; freshly squeezed is always best.
  • Jalapeños: A few fresh jalapeño slices provide just the right kick of heat, adjustable based on your spice tolerance.
  • Granulated Sugar: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness; simple syrup can be used as a substitute if desired.
  • Tequila Blanco: Chosen for its clean, herbal notes that complement the drink, though you can experiment with other tequilas.
  • Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is ideal, but any quality orange liqueur will work beautifully to enhance the flavor.
  • Tajin: Rimming the glass with Tajin adds an extra layer of tangy spice; alternatively, a mix of chili powder and salt works too.
  • Ice: A generous amount of ice is key to keeping the cocktail refreshingly cool.
Exotico Tequila bottle with a spicy cucumber margarita cocktail and candles in the background.
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How to Make Spicy Cucumber Margaritas

Follow these steps to create a refreshing, spicy cocktail:

Step 1: Prepare the Glass. Dip the rim in Tajin to coat it evenly. Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of your glass.

cocktail glasses rimmed with Tajin and tequila bottle in the background and candles.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients. In a cocktail shaker, combine cucumber slices, lime slices, lime juice, jalapeño slices, and sugar. Muddle the ingredients thoroughly to release their juices.

muddling limes cucumber and jalapeno in a shaker

Step3: Add the Spirits and Ice. Pour in tequila and orange liqueur. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 15 to 20 seconds until well combined.

Step 4: Serve. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Step 5: Garnish. Garnish with additional cucumber slices and a sprig of mint, if desired. Enjoy your Spicy Cucumber Margarita!

Expert Tip

The longer you shake, the spicier it will become! If you don’t have a high tolerance for heat, I recommend removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño slices prior to shaking. 

pouring a cucumber margarita into a cocktail glass rimmed with Tajin and filled with ice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make more than one cucumber margarita at a time?

Using the shaker method, it’s best to mix no more than two margaritas at a time to ensure proper blending. However, you can prepare a large batch of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice ahead of time. When it’s time for a refill, simply combine the pre-mixed base with fresh cucumber, jalapeño, and sugar in an ice-filled shaker, and shake well.

Can I make a pitcher of cucumber margaritas?

Make a batch of agua fresca de pepino and add 2 cups of tequila and 1 cup of Cointreau and float slices of jalapeño. You won’t have the muddled action, but all the flavor profiles will be there.

a cucumber margarita on a wooden board and fresh ingredients beside it and candles in the background

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cucumber margarita with a Tajin rim and fresh jalapeno, and cucumber and limes next to drink
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spicy cucumber margarita top down with a ribbon of cucumber
5 (16 ratings)

Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

By Yvette Marquez
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1
Prep: 5 minutes
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It's 5 o'clock somewhere, and this Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita is the perfect way to celebrate happy hour in style. Cool, refreshing cucumber meets spicy jalapeño with a kick of tequila blanco for a delightful way to end the day.
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Ingredients 

  • 8 slices cucumber
  • 4 slices lime
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 2-3 slices jalapeño
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 1 ounce Cointreau, or orange liqueur of choice
  • Tajin
  • Ice

Instructions 

  • Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass and the dip the outside of the rim of the glass in Tajin.   
  • In a cocktail shaker, add cucumber slices, lime slices, lime juice, jalapeno slices, and sugar
  • Muddle together, squashing everything to release the juices.
  • Add tequila and orange liquor.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until combined, about 15 to 30 seconds. The longer you shake, the spicier it will become.
  • Strain into an ice-filled, spicy-rimmed rocks glass. Garnish as desired with cucumbers and mint, if desired. Enjoy!  

Notes

Can I make more than one margarita at a time? If you are following the shaker method listed below, I don’t recommend making more than two margaritas at a time. The shaker won’t have enough space to do its job otherwise!
That said, you can very easily make a large batch of the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice ahead of time. When it’s time for a refill, simply pour the mix into an ice filled shaker, add your cucumber, pepper, and sugar and shake like the dickens!
Can I make a pitcher of cucumber margaritas? Make a batch of agua fresca de pepino and add 2 cups of tequila and 1 cup of Cointreau and float slices of jalapeño.
You won’t have the muddled action, but all the flavor profiles will be there.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 594mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 2009IU | Vitamin C: 232mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @muybuenocooking or tag #muybuenocooking!

Photography by Jenna Sparks

Originally published: August 2012. 

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11 Comments

  1. Cathy says:

    This is my go-to recipe for a spicy Margarita. Pure perfection!

    Reply
  2. Alondra says:

    Sooo good and so easy to make! Thank you! 

    Reply
  3. Kim says:

    So so good ! Thank you for the recipe

    Reply
  4. Christine Guerrero says:

    I love this type of drink !!!
    And yours sounds easy to make!! I can’t wait to try them!!
    Cheers AAmiga!!!

    Reply
  5. Priscilla says:

    I loved this recipe it was better than the restaurant I normally go to. I did use gran marinier instead of Cointreau.

    Reply
  6. sunidhi says:

    wow! wonderful drink. cucumber is very helpful in health and if we can prepare something like this means its great. thanks for posting.

    Reply
  7. Laura Schroeder says:

    just found your site, love it to death, making the cuke margs right now….perfect for our balmy Minnesota day, thank you so much

    Reply
    1. Muy Bueno says:

      So glad you found us Laura! Hope you enjoyed your margs. Stay cool and have a great long weekend.

  8. Mrs. Z says:

    YUM! enough said….

    Reply
  9. Karen Harris says:

    How refreshing. I can’t wait to give them a try.

    Reply
  10. Heather @girlichef says:

    Cucumber Margaritas have been my favorite cocktail this summer. I love the cool, refreshing look of yours in these photos….and now I’m craving one. It’s not even 7 in the morning. ;P

    Reply