Margarita Cupcakes

I saw these online almost a year ago.  I was hesitant to make them because I couldn't quite imagine how tequila would taste in a dessert???  I've made cupcakes with alcohol before ... Mojito Cupcakes and Irish Cupcakes but tequila just had me wondering because the flavor can be so strong.  These cupcakes seriously taste like margaritas.  So if you like margaritas you will like these cupcakes!  They were a crowd pleaser at the picnic we went to over the weekend.  Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

Zest and juice of 1 1/2 limes

2 tablespoons tequila

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk (I used 2% milk and it worked fine)

To Brush the Cupcakes

1 tablespoon tequila

1 tablespoon triple sec or orange liquor 

For the Tequila-Lime Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 tablespoons tequila

Pinch of coarse salt

DIRECTIONS

1.  Preheat over to 325'F.  Line a cupcake pan with liners.  (regular cupcake pan or mini ... recipe makes 12 standard cupcakes or 48 mini).  

2.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.

3.  In an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter & sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).  

4.  Reduce mixer speed and add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.  

5.  Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the lime zest, lime juice, tequila and vanilla.  Mix until combined.

6.  Reduce mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in 3 batches, alternating with the milk in 2 batches.  Mix only until just incorporated. 

7.  Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups.  If making standard size cupcakes bake for 25 minutes (mini cupcakes bake for 12 minutes) or until just slightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8.  Allow cupcakes to cool for 5-10 minutes.  Remove to cooling rack.  Brush tops with tequila/triple sec mixture.  Allow to cool completely before frosting.

9.  To make the frosting, whip the butter on medium-high speed in an electric mixer using the whisk attachment for 5 minutes.  Reduce speed to medium-low and gradually add the sugar, mixing and scraping the sides until it is all incorporated.  Add the lime juice, tequila and salt and mix on medium-high until light and fluffy.  If the frosting appears too soft you can add some additional sugar one spoonful at a time until you reach the desired consistency.  Frost cupcakes.  If you wish you can garnish with lime zest & a sprinkle of coarse salt. 

Recipe from Brown Eyed Baker