Endless Simmer - A Food Blog

Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita
What’s that you say
Jalapeno and tequila
Together in a drink
The best of Mexican food and Mexican drink.

My friends and I were having a beverage at one of our regular watering holes the other day and we were discussing our favourite drinks. We had the usuals: vodka red bull; gin and tonic; bloody mary; and yes, even a beer. We then got to thinking about alternate drinks and the lifestyle that we lead. Our conversation turned to drinks that we deserved, a drink worthy of our existence. Have you not met me? Yes, my friends and I are that pretentious.

There are some restaurants in DC that provide some fun excuses of a drink. There is Domku with its Lemon Grass & Ginger Aquavits and the Aloe Sojutini at Mandu, but we wanted one to make at home on a Friday night. We pre-game high end, not just your average six pack.

A friend had recently returned from some Southern state trip, not sure where, but he had heard of a margarita with jalapeno and cucumber. As most of us are huge Mexican boys food fans we figured it would be a great drink to try. And it was.

The fresh taste of the cucumber combined with the heat of the jalepeno was a great combination; the fusion of the two created a unique blend of spice and freshness. For people who are not a fan of chilies this is something totally acceptable. I’m sure if stronger chilies were used it would change the taste but the main flavour properties would still be present.

Disclaimer: Two glasses of these will get you pretty drunk, or even very drunk!

Check it out after jump.

Ingredients:
Cucumber
Jalapeno (seeded)
5 Fresh Limes
2 Fresh Oranges
¼ cup of Sugar
Gold Tequila
Ice

(makes 4 moderate glasses)

Directions:
Slice 8 pieces of cucumber and jalapeno, add the sugar and crush with a mortar and pestle. I actually don’t have a mortar and pestle but I managed to crush them with a heavy spoon and a hand blender. If you have one then use it, I’m sure it would be easier.

Once the ingredients are crushed, almost forming a paste-like mixture, add to a drink shaker, along with the juice from 4 limes and juice from 2 oranges. Add about 16oz of gold tequila and fill with ice. Shake. Fill two glasses with ice, pour in the margarita and garnish with a lime and cucumber wedge. Drink… And get drunk.

And as Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, you should totally keep this thirst quencher in mind for your festivities.