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Cucumber-Cilantro Margarita

A cucumber-cilantro simple syrup infuses this classic margarita with refreshing summer flavor.
Late one night while on the road for the Edible Inevitable Tour, one of my tour managers (and erstwhile mixologist), Will Brandstetter, delivered unto my bus, a tray of glasses full of this refreshing margarita. I’m not in the habit of publishing the recipes of others on this site, but this herbal elixir is simply too damn good not to share.
Although many barmen use a 1:1 sugar to water ratio for their syrups, I prefer the lighter 1:2 for this application because it allows me to up the cucumber-cilantro flavor without over-sweetening the drink.
This recipe first appeared on altonbrown.com.
Alton Brown's Cucumber Cilantro Margaritas
ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Software

Cucumber-Cilantro Simple Syrup

  • 1 seedless cucumber
  • 1 cup sugar
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 sprigs cilantro

Cucumber-Cilantro Margarita

  • 9 fluid ounces silver/blanco Tequila
  • 4 fluid ounces Cointreau
  • 4 fluid ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 4 fluid ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 4 fluid ounces cucumber-cilantro simple syrup

Specialized Hardware

  • Boston-style cocktail shaker

Procedure

Cucumber-Cilantro Simple Syrup

  • Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, wash the cilantro and cucumber, then slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch rounds.
  • When the syrup hits a boil, remove from heat, add a pinch of salt, and cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • Add the cilantro and cucumber to the pot, close the lid, and steep 4 hours. Overnight would be better.
  • Strain syrup into a sealable jar and refrigerate for up to 3 months...or until it grows funny stuff. If that happens, throw it out. I’m not saying it will happen, but you can never know for sure.

Cucumber-Cilantro Margarita

  • Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain over ice into glasses.