Not Just Any Spicy Tequila Cocktail Recipe with Hornitos

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Although there are often common misconceptions about the holiday itself, (it actually isn't celebrated in Mexico, but by American Latinos who wanted freedom and racial equality during our Civil war) it's still fun to celebrate. Plus, in my book, any excuse to drink tequila and eat guacamole and consider it a holiday, is perfectly fine by me. 

If there's one thing I love, it's a good cocktail. Until recently, my cocktail-making experience only went as far as popping champagne and adding orange juice. But since we bought our home and added in a bar, I've been experimenting more and more. I have to say, it's pretty fun! So when Hornitos asked me to create a "Not Just Any" cocktail recipe, I jumped at the chance! 

I don't know about you, but I'm full on obsessed with spicy drinks. If it has Jalapeno or Spicy or Cayenne in the name, chances are I'm ordering it (and then several more after that) So I wanted to try created my own Jalapeno-infused tequila. It turns out, it's not as hard as you think! So check out how I created this Spicy Jalapeno Cucumber Cocktail and then you can re-create yours for your own Cinco de Mayo festivities!

Spicy Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita Cocktail

For this recipe you will need:

Hornitos Tequila Plata (I usually prefer a blanco tequila over a reposado)

Jalapeno

Limes

Oranges

Cucumbers

Cilantro

Simple Syrup*

1. Blister your jalapeno by grilling, broiling or roasting it over a gas flame. Stem the jalapeno and chop it. Add to about 2 cups of tequila (or more depending on how many people you're making this for) Let sit for at least an hour or up to a few days. The longer the jalapenos sit, the spicier the tequila. Separate the chilies and tequila through a mesh strainer. Discard the jalapenos.

2. Juice your limes and lemon until you have about 4 oz of each. This will create 2 drinks.

3. In a cocktail shaker, muddle a few slices of cucumber (I used 4) and a handful of cilantro. Add the following for two cocktails:

4 oz. Lime juice

4 oz. Orange juice

4 oz. Jalapeno infused tequila

Simple syrup (note: I don't like sweet drinks so I did not add this in. If you want to add for more sweetness, you can)

Ice

4. Shake all ingredients together.

5. Ring your glasses with either a Salt-Cayenne combo or Sugar-Cayenne combo. Strain your cocktail mixture evenly between the 2 glasses.

6. Start drinking!!

The combination of the spicy jalapeno paired with the cool cucumber... Mmmm! Don't blame me if you plan to make quite a few of these. I know Bill & I enjoyed them!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hornitos via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hornitos.

Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday

Celebrate National Tequila Day With These Yummy Recipes

Did you know that today is National Tequila Day? No? Well me either! And as a true tequila lover I was extremely disappointed that I had no idea! So this morning I went straight to my Pinterest Board so I could find some of the tequila recipes I've pinned and share them with you! Hopefully I can try a few today with Bill!

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 Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

This is one of my favorite cocktails ever - but I've never actually infused tequila with jalapeños before. This recipe makes it seem super easy. The refreshing cucumber paired with the spicy pepper... oh man. Delish!

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Strawberry Margarita Spritzer

This recipe mixes two of my favorite things.. tequila and bubbles :) Although it sounds yummy there would be a few tweeks I'd want to make. I'd use fresh berries instead of frozen.. I'd also try to figure out something else to use besides the Daiquiri mix (I'm sure it's good but so much sugar!) I also wonder if you could use champagne or prosecco without altering the taste too much.

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Skinny Beer-Garitas

I do love my drinks. But sometimes margaritas have sooooo much sugar that I just know I shouldn't have more than 1. This recipe uses splenda (which is not my fav) but would be good to try when you're looking for something that doesn't have a ton of sugar

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Citrus Margarita Spring Popsicle with edible flowers

Lately, I've been really into popsicle recipes. I have been obsessing over them! My favorites are turning drinks into icy goodness. Have you seen these edible flowers floating (hah - couldn't help myself) around the internet? They're so cute! And this pucker-up recipe is the perfect excuse to start using both popsicles molds and the edible flowers! Would be so pretty for a summer party!

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Cherry Beer Margaritas

I have serious crush on cherry flavored drinks - probably stems from my love for Shirley Temples at such a young age. This recipe combines, cherry 7-Up, beer & tequila... could you ask for anything better?

Do you plan on celebrating #NationalTequilaDay?! Share your favorite recipes!