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Fresh Cucumber Margarita (El Pepino)
Crisp, cool cucumber meets bright lime juice in this incredibly refreshing take on a classic margarita. You'll muddle fresh slices right in the shaker, releasing a clean, vegetal flavor that perfectly balances the silver tequila and sweet agave nectar. A salted rim and a single slice of jalapeño finish the drink with just the right amount of savory heat. It's a fantastic, easy-to-mix cocktail when you want something lighter and more vibrant than the standard house pour.
Ingredients
- 3 cucumber slices
- 6 oz (170 ml) ice cubes
- 1½ oz (45 ml) silver tequila (I recommend Herradura Silver)
- ½ oz (15 ml) orange liqueur
- ½ oz (15 ml) agave nectar
- 1½ oz (45 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt for rim of glass
- 1 jalapeño slice
Instructions
- 1Drop the cucumber slices into a cocktail shaker and muddle them gently six to seven times until they're slightly crushed. Don't over-muddle, or you'll release bitter flavors from the skin.
- 2Add the ice cubes to the shaker, then pour in the silver tequila, orange liqueur, agave nectar, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- 3Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously 12 to 15 times so the ice breaks up slightly and chills the liquid completely.
- 4Spread the salt on a small, flat plate. Press the rim of a chilled rocks glass into the salt to coat the edges evenly. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and garnish with the jalapeño slice.
Notes
- Swap: If you don't have agave nectar, simple syrup works just as well.
- Tip: Run a spent lime wedge around the rim of your glass before dipping it in the salt so it sticks perfectly.
- Variation: Muddle a slice of jalapeño along with the cucumber if you prefer a spicier kick throughout the drink.