Mas Tequila! Margarita Cupcakes

Begin with 1 shot of tequila...for yourself!

Cupcakes:
1 cup non alcoholic Margarita mix
2 shots your favorite tequila (I prefer Margaritaville brand)
1 shot Grand Marnier
1 box white cake mix
3 large egg whites
2 tbs vegetable oil
Zest of 1 lime
Juice from zested lime

Mix together margarita mix, tequila and Grand Marnier in a small bowl.
Pour another shot of tequila...for yourself!

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners.

In a large mixing bowl, blend cake mix, egg whites, oil, lime zest, lime juice and margarita mix (from above, don't forget to use the last shot to drink!). Mix on low for about a minute, then increase to medium and blend for another 3 minutes.

Using a ice cream scooper, scoop the batter into cupcake liners about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Half way through cooking, open the oven slightly and take a nice long sniff. The smell is wonderful! Not to mention the cooking tequila will clear out your sinuses :)
When a toothpick placed in the center of the cupcake comes out clean the cupcakes are ready. Cupcakes will be slightly browned. Let the cupcakes cool slightly in the pan. Remove and place on a wire rack to finish cooling.

Pour another shot of tequila and drink while waiting for the cupcakes to cool.

Tequila Lime Buttercream Icing:
2 sticks butter at room temperature
Zest of 1 lime
Juice from 2 limes (use the one you just zested first)
1/4 tsp salt
2 shots tequila
6 cups powdered sugar

Pour a shot of tequila and drink! Mas Tequila!

Cream the butter in a standing mixer until butter is fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add salt, lime juice and zest. Mix to blend. Slowly add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once mixed give it a taste. If it needs more lime, add more. Of course adding more tequila is always a plus! Add more powdered sugar if you need to get the right piping consistency.

Pipe the cooled cupcakes with a Wilton 1M star tip. Use sliced lime for garnish.