Cucumber Margaritas on the Rocks (By the Glass or Pitcher)

3/4-angle overhead view of a rimmed glass with cucumber margarita and lime wedges.

Cucumber Margaritas on the Rocks (By the Glass or Pitcher)

Cool and refreshing cucumber margaritas couldn't be easier to make at home. With liquor cabinet staples and fresh cucumber juice, this on-the-rocks cocktail is perfect for parties or taco night.

Prep: 15

Cook: 0

Total: 15

Yield:1 margarita

Equipment

Vegetable peeler
Sharp knife
standard blender high-speed or traditional
Fine mesh strainer
Cocktail shaker

Ingredients

For the Cucumber Juice

2 cucumbers peeled; makes approximately 1 cup juice, enough for 3-4 margaritas

For a Single Cucumber Margarita

2 ½ ounces cucumber juice made from above
1 ½ ounces silver tequila
1 ½ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ounce orange-flavored liqueur like triple sec, Patron orange, Cointreau, etc.
½ ounce simple syrup optional
ice to taste, see Notes

For a Cucumber Margarita Pitcher (Approximately 6 Margaritas)

2 cups cucumber juice made from 4 cucumbers
1 cup silver tequila
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
6 ounces orange-flavored liqueur like triple sec, Patron orange, Cointreau, etc.
3 ounces simple syrup optional
ice to taste, see Notes

Optional Garnishes

lime wedges for garnish and/or for rimming glass with salt
salt or Tajin
fresh jalapeño slices
fresh cucumber slices

Instructions

For the Cucumber Juice

Roughly chop peeled cucumbers, then place chunks in blender. Blend 30 to 60 seconds or until cucumbers are smooth liquid consistency.
Pour cucumber liquid through fine mesh strainer and into mason jar. Seal tightly and refrigerate until ready to make margaritas. Note: juice can be made up to 3 days in advance. 2 cucumbers yield approximately 1 cup cucumber juice, enough for 3 to 4 margaritas.

For Cucumber Margaritas by the Glass

Place small pile of salt or Tajin in shallow bowl or on small plate. Run lime wedge along rim of glass, then turn glass upside down and dip in salt or Tajin to coat rim. Turn glass right side up, add ice as desired, and set aside.
Measure out cucumber juice, tequila, lime juice, orange-flavored liqueur, and simple syrup if using. Add all to cocktail shaker, then add ice and shake until cold.
Strain liquid from cocktail shaker into prepared glass and garnish as desired. Serve immediately.

For Cucumber Margarita Pitchers

Measure out cucumber juice, tequila, lime juice, orange-flavored liqueur, and simple syrup if using. Add all to pitcher, then add ice as desired. Stir well to combine and chill.
When ready to serve, place small pile of salt or Tajin in shallow bowl or on small plate. Run lime wedges along rim of glasses, then one-by-one, turn glasses upside down and dip in salt or Tajin to coat rim. Set rimmed glass aside and repeat until all glasses have been prepared.
Add ice to glasses. Pour margaritas from pitcher and garnish as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If using a traditional blender, you may need to add a small amount of water with the cucumber chunks to help develop a smooth liquid consistency.
Ice: To avoid watering down your margaritas, make extra cucumber juice and pour it into ice molds. Freeze the cucumber juice and use it in place of ice cubes in your glass or pitcher.
Simple Syrup: Totally optional, but recommended if you prefer a less-tart and bold drink.
Make-Ahead Option: The cucumber juice can be prepared as many as 3 days ahead of time. Be sure to refrigerate juice in an airtight container like a mason jar with a lid.

Nutrition

Recipe By:Cheryl Malik