Wasting Away in Margarita-ville

I was hoping to use the cupcakes as some libations for my Super Bowl party, but I ended up drowing my sorrows in them as the fourth quarter ended and I was faced with the reality that my undefeated Patriots had just lost the biggest game of the season! Damn it...but thank goodness for my Margarita Cupcakes...otherwise I wouldn't have survived :)



These cupcakes were the absolute moistest cupcakes I have ever had in my life! I had heard about Margarita cupcakes before, but had never tried or had one. And now I'm kicking myself for wasting so many years of my life without these cupcakes! I'll admit that I was a little shocked they came out so good, because when I tasted the batter I was a little skepitcal...they were VERY strong thanks to the 1/2 cup of tequila and the few splashes of Grand Marnier that I added.



But when my fluffy, bright yellow cupcakes came outta the oven, I grabbed on, peeling off the wrapper immediately and took a bit (hey if they weren't good, I wasn't gonna serve them to all my friends who think I'm a baking God :0) ) One big bite of my cupcake and a sign of relief came from my overstuffed mouth that was gorging on an outrageously good cupcake!

I think the package of pudding also helped to moisten these babies up, and I am now excited to try a variety of cupcake mixes with puddings...something I had never thought of before.

So if you'll please pull out your ID so that I can verify you're over 21...

...All right now, raise your cupcake high and make a toast!!



Ingredients
1 package lemon cake mix
1 (4 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup frozen margarita concentrate
1/4 cup water
4 large eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup gold tequila
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier

For the frosting I used a store bought white buttercream frosting, added a squirt of lime juice and some lime zest.

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, vegetable oil, limeade, water, eggs, tequila and Grand Marnierin a large mixing bowl.
Beat for 5 minutes at medium speed with an electric mixer.
Pour batter in prepared cupcake pan.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until inserted toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
Remove from pan and cool completely.