Margarita Cupcakes

9 oz. margarita mix
3 oz. tequila
3/4 oz. Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
White cake mix
3 egg whites
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. lime zest
1 recipe lime buttercream frosting (recipe below)

Mix together margarita mix, tequila, and Grand Marnier in a large glass or spouted bowl. Reserve 1 1/4 c. of this for cupcake batter and drink the rest as a treat while you are baking =)

In a stand mixer, add 1 1/4 c. margarita mixture, cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, and lime zest. Mix on low for about 30 seconds and then increase to medium speed for 2 minutes (batter will still be a bit lumpy). Spoon batter into prepared muffin pan and fill cups 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove pan from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Place cupcakes on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Once cupcakes have cooled, make frosting.

Lime Buttercream Frosting:
4 c. confectioners' sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/8 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. lime juice
Green food coloring (optional)

Add all ingredients to stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment and mix on low until combined. Turn speed to medium-high until icing is light and fluffy. Use water to thin frosting if necessary. Add icing to a pastry bag or use a spatula/knife to frost cupcakes.