A fun twist on the classic margarita, this recipe from El Pepino offers a little something different. Pepino is Spanish for cucumber, so this dish would only be complete with this yummy ingredient! A mixologist in Las Vegas developed the recipe in which reposado tequila is used to make a margarita; then cucumber, cilantro, and egg white are added to give it a cool, earthy flavor, finished with a luscious foam. It turns out that the cucumber cocktail is spectacular and you’ll want to make it again and again. Eggs that have been lightly cooked or eaten raw pose a risk for food-borne illness.
Recipe Variations
It is okay to omit the egg white if you prefer. Oregano or basil work well in place of cilantro if you don’t like it. Cucumber and mint make a great pairing as can be seen in spicy cucumber mint margarita. It is not as savory as the other herbs and the overall flavor of the cocktail will change, but it is a good choice for this recipe. Cucumber and chile peppers are also excellent pairings. To give the margarita a spicy kick, add a few slices of jalapeo to the muddle.
Tips
You must make sure your egg is fresh if you plan on drinking cocktails with eggs. We’ve got a quick test for you to try: You can test the freshness of an egg by placing it in water and watching it sink to the bottom. The egg you use should not float - it’s too old and should be thrown away. Make sure you don’t use too much cilantro. A couple extra leaves of this herb can overpower the drink, as its flavor is very strong. If you like, you can start with just four leaves and add more next time if you need. With its fresh ingredients, this cocktail really deserves freshly squeezed lime juice. The average lime can produce up to an ounce of juice, so one fruit is generally all that’s needed. The lime juice is more concentrated if it is warmed up to room temperature, then rolled under your palm before cutting.
