Cucumber and Cilantro Margarita

During the summer, most people are on the lookout for drinks that are refreshing as a way to beat the heat. This Cucumber and Cilantro Margarita is exceptionally refreshing on a hot night. Cucumbers are often paired with vodka, not tequila, but they have a mild melon flavor that smooths out a bold tequila and makes the drink go down very easily, while cilantro adds a fresh, herbacious flavor that pairs very well with lime juice and gives the drink a little spice. The combination is unique and is the perfect match for any spicy foods you might be serving up at a weekend barbecue.

The cucumber and cilantro need to be muddled together to extract their flavors while making the drink. You’ll need 4-5 thin slices of an average cucumber to make the drink, but since cucumbers can vary wildly in size, be sure to taste the first drink you mix to ensure it has a good flavor balance. Use a light colored tequila, such as a white or reposado, to get the best flavor balance and color in the finished drink

Glassware: Rocks
Method: Muddle/Shake

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz. Tequila
3/4 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. Lime Juice
1 oz. Simple Syrup
4-5 Medium Cucumber Slices, Peeled
10-15 Cilantro Leaves

Rim a glass with kosher salt, fill it with ice and set it aside. Next, drop the cucumber and cilantro leaves into a mixing glass. Add the simple syrup and muddle. Pour in the rest of the ingredients and fill with ice. Shake and double strain into a the prepared glass and garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a couple of slices of cucumber.