Sweet Mondays: Margarita Cupcakes

Since Cinco de Mayo is coming up and many of you are most likely celebrating this weekend, I thought I would re-share these margarita cupcakes.  I made these cupcakes for last year's Cinco de Mayo celebration and they were a big hit at the party. These cupcakes are so yummy and I can say that this is my favorite cupcake. There is something about the tequila and lime mixed together with the sweetness of the frosting together that makes it taste so good.

This recipe is from Brown Eyed Baker and is definitely worth making.  If you like margaritas, you will love these cupcakes!

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
Zest and juice of 1½ limes
2 tablespoons tequila
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk

To Brush the Cupcakes:
1 to 2 tablespoons tequila

For the Tequila-Lime Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2¾ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons tequila
Pinch of coarse salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit / 160 degrees Celsius and line your muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set it aside for use later.
3. In an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
4. Slow down the mixer speed and add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is mixed in thoroughly.
5. Add the lime juice, lime zest , vanilla extract and tequila to the mixture. Mix until combined. It may start to look a little curdled at this point, but that is OK! I think at this point it already smells so good!
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk. 
7. Divide the batter between the muffin cups.  Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcakes comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool for about 5-10 minutes and then place them on a wire cooling rack. While they are still warm, brush the tops with 1-2 tablespoons of tequila. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them.
9. To make the frosting, use the whisk attachment on an electric mixer. Add in the butter and whip for 5 minutes on medium-high speed. 
10. Reduce the speed to low and add in the powdered sugar. Once it is all mixed together, let the mixer run on medium speed for about 30 seconds. 
11. Add the lime juice, tequila and salt and mix on medium-high speed until the frosting is fluffy.  If the frosting is too soft, add some more sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
12. Frost the cupcakes and add a lime wedge for decoration.
13. Enjoy!