El Pepino

El Pepino

A spicy and refreshing riff on the classic Margarita with cucumber and jalapeño.

Origin: Mexico
Glass: Rocks Glass
Difficulty: Medium
Strength: Medium
Base Liquor: Tequila

Ingredients

Drink Ingredients

  • Cucumber Wheels
    2 (1/4-inch)
  • Jalapeño Wheels
    2 (1/4-inch)
  • Tequila Blanco
    1 1/2 oz
  • Agave Syrup
    3/4 oz
  • Lime Juice
    1 oz

Garnishes

  • Tajín
    To Rim Glass
  • Cucumber Slice
    1

Steps

  1. Add Cucumber Wheels, Jalapeño Wheels, and Blanco Tequila to a Cocktail Shaker.
  2. Muddle for 10 seconds until fully pulverized.
  3. Add Agave Syrup and Lime Juice, then fill the Cocktail Shaker with ice and shake for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a Tajín rimmed Rocks Glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with a Cucumber Slice.

About

El Pepino, or 'the cucumber' in Spanish, is a Margarita-inspired cocktail that combines tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup with muddled cucumber and jalapeño for a refreshing and spicy twist. El Pepino gained mainstream popularity in 2012 when Justin Timberlake named it his favorite cocktail, drawing attention to its versatility. Origin stories point to various bartenders, including Junior Merino, who added pineapple and Grand Marnier, and Gaston Martinez, who introduced cilantro and egg white for a unique texture. This version takes a more classic approach, showcasing cucumber’s cooling freshness alongside the heat of jalapeño. Agave syrup replaces triple sec in the style of a Tommy’s Margarita, balancing the earthy and citrus notes of tequila. A chili-salt rim completes the drink, enhancing each sip with an engaging, spicy-salty finish.

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