Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes

This year, our rugby alumni weekend fell at the beginning of May. Therefore I decided to make my potluck contribution Cinco de Mayo themed with churro cupcakes, Corona & lime cupcakes, and this recipe for strawberry margarita cupcakes.

yield: 24 cupcakes

ingredients
for cupcakes
3C flour
1 tbs baking powder
½ tsp salt
1C butter, room temperature
2C sugar
4 eggs, room temperature
1C buttermilk
3 limes, zested & juiced
½ tsp vanilla
2 tbs + 1/4C tequila

for frosting
1 ½C diced strawberries
4 egg whites
1 ½C sugar
⅛ tsp salt
1 ½C butter, room temperature
4 tbs lime juice
3 tbs tequila

directions

1. for cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 325° and line 2 muffin tins with cupcake liners or grease pan (if not using cupcake liners).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar at medium-high speed for 4 minutes.
4. Combine buttermilk, lime zest and juice, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of tequila in a medium bowl.
5. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry and wet ingredients in 2-3 batches, starting and ending with the flour.
6. Mix until just incorporated.
7. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full.
8. Bake for 18-24 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Add the remaining tequila to a small bowl.
10. Dunk tops of cupcakes in tequila while still warm.
11. Let cool completely.
12. for frosting: Puree the strawberries in a food processor and set aside.
13. Combine the egg whites, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer set over a small saucepan of simmering water.
14. Whisk constantly by hand until the sugar has dissolved. (Test by rubbing the mixture between your fingers; you shouldn't feel any grittiness).
15. Attach the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
16. Begin mixing on low speed and gradually increase to high, whipping until stiff peaks form.
17. Continue mixing until the mixture is completely cool (test by feeling the bottom of the bowl) and light, fluffy, and glossy. This should take ~10 minutes.
18. Replace the whisk attachment with the paddle attachment.
19. Set the mixer to medium-low and add the butter, beating until well incorporated.
20. Gradually add strawberry puree, lime juice, and tequila; mix to combine.
21. Pipe (or spread) frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
22. Enjoy!