SPICY CUCUMBER MARGARITA

Spicy Cucumber Margarita image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes; reserve the squeezed limes)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, leaves and tender stems separated
2 small jalapeno peppers, 1 halved and 1 thinly sliced and seeded
3 Persian cucumbers
1/2 cup kosher salt
3/4 cup anejo tequila
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons triple sec

Steps:

Bring the lime juice, sugar, cilantro stems, halved jalapeno and 1/4 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
Meanwhile, puree the cucumbers in a blender. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a liquid measuring cup, pressing on the solids with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate the cucumber puree until chilled.
Pulse the salt and cilantro leaves in a mini food processor until the salt is green; transfer to a small plate. Run the squeezed limes around the rims of 4 glasses, then dip in the cilantro salt to coat.
Strain the jalapeno syrup into a small pitcher. Stir in the cucumber juice, tequila and triple sec. Fill the prepared glasses with ice and add a few jalapeno slices. Pour in the cocktail.