Margarita Cake

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

1-1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels 

1/2 cup sugar 

1/3 cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons bottled nonalcoholic margarita mix

Cake Ingredients

1 box white cake mix 

1-1/4 cups bottled nonalcoholic margarita mix

2 tablespoons tequila (optional)

1/3 cup oil 

1 tablespoon grated lime peel (about 1 lime) 

3 egg whites 

1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed 

Additional lime slices and/or green decorating sugars, if desired

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13×9-inch pan with shortening and lightly.

In a medium bowl, mix pretzels, sugar, butter, and margarita mix. Spread evenly and press gently into bottom of pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat cake mix, margarita mix, tequila (if using), oil, 1 tablespoon lime peel and the egg whites with electric mixer for about 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour batter over pretzel mixture.

Bake cake for 33 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Frost with whipped topping; decorate with additional lime slices and or green sugars. Store covered in refrigerator.

Pitcher Cocktail Recipe: Strawberry Basil Margaritas

Strawberry Basil Margaritas 

1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
10 strawberries (or 12 if you're using smaller ones from the farmer's market or your backyard.)
8 basil leaves
2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (gold or silver)

Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 (18 ounces, or 2 1/4 cups) cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong).

Hull the strawberries, slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher. Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too. Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in.

(Original Recipe)