Verde María: A Spicy Tequila Cocktail with Cucumber and Jalapeño

Ready to elevate your brunch game? The Verde María is a bold and refreshing spicy tequila cocktail that offers a vibrant twist on a classic savory drink. This recipe, a collaboration with @the.sauceress, is defined by its fresh ingredients and the perfect amount of heat. It's the ultimate tequila cucumber jalapeño cocktail for those who love a good kick, made even better with the unique, savory notes of El Guapo™ Crawfish Boil Bitters.

What is a Verde María?

A Verde María is the green cousin of the classic Bloody Mary. Instead of a red tomato base, it uses fresh green vegetables like tomatillos and cucumbers, giving it a lighter, brighter flavor profile. Our spicy tequila cocktail version takes it a step further by using an infused tequila and adding a kick from Ancho Verde and a dash of our savory Crawfish Boil Bitters, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

The Ultimate Tequila Cucumber Jalapeño Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail is a two-part process: first, you'll create the Verde María Mix, then you'll build your final drink. The fresh, puréed vegetables provide a thick, rich base that is perfectly balanced by the tequila and spices.

Ingredients

Verde María Cocktail

• 1.5 oz Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila (@21seeds)
• 0.5 oz Ancho Verde (@anchoreyes)
• 4-6 oz Verde María Mix
• 6-8 Dashes El Guapo™ Crawfish Boil Bitters
• Squeeze of Lime

Verde María Mix

• Makes ~2.5 Cups
• 1 lb Green Tomatillos, rinsed and quartered
• 1 Stick of Celery
• 0.25 English Cucumber (≈ 3 oz)
• Green or Yellow Cherry Tomatoes (≈ 5 oz)
• Juice of 1 lime
• To Add to Purée:
• 1 tbsp Olive Juice
• 1.5 tsp Horseradish
• 1 tsp White Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tsp Green Tabasco (or other green hot sauce)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Spicy Mustard
• 0.25 tsp White Pepper
• 0.125 tsp Celery Seed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Verde María Mix: In a blender, combine the tomatillos, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and the juice of one lime. Purée until smooth. Strain the mixture, but not too finely; you want to retain some of the pulp for a thick, rich juice.
2. Season the Mix: To the strained juice, add the olive juice, horseradish, white balsamic vinegar, green hot sauce, salt, spicy mustard, white pepper, and celery seed. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Build the Cocktail: Fill a glass with ice. If you like it salty, rim the glass with a little salt.
4. Combine and Stir: Pour in the Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila and the Ancho Verde. Fill the rest of the way with your prepared Verde María Mix.
5. Finish and Garnish: Top off the cocktail with a squeeze of fresh lime and 6-8 generous dashes of El Guapo™ Crawfish Boil Bitters. These bitters are a secret weapon, adding a savory, spicy depth that truly seals the deal.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo's homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best tequila for a spicy cocktail?

For a spicy tequila cocktail, an infused tequila like 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila is an excellent choice as it provides consistent, pre-balanced flavor. Otherwise, a Blanco or un-aged tequila works best as it allows the other spicy ingredients to shine without competing.

What do Crawfish Boil Bitters taste like?

El Guapo™ Crawfish Boil Bitters have a savory, spicy, and earthy flavor profile, with notes of red pepper, garlic, and classic Cajun spices. They add a unique depth that transforms a cocktail, especially a savory one.

Can I make the Verde María Mix in advance?

Yes, you can make the Verde María Mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a great option for parties or for enjoying a quick cocktail whenever you like.