How to Make a DAMN GOOD El Pepino Cocktail

Name: DAMN GOOD El Pepino
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 4 Slices Cucumber; 2 large Basil Leaves; 3/4 ounce Agave Nectar; 1 1/2 ounces Tequila (Resposado preferred); 3/4 ounce Triple Sec; 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice (about 1 average lime); 1 Egg White

If you're looking for a refreshing and tasty tequila cocktail to cool down with this summer, look no further than the El Pepino! Spanish for "cucumber," this cucumber basil cocktail is a delicious twist on the classic margarita.

el pepino cocktail in coupe glass with cucumber sitting on white marble table

The origins of the El Pepino cocktail, like most alcoholic beverages, are steeped in legend and mystery. One story claims that the drink was created by a bartender in Mexico City who was looking for a way to use up some extra cucumbers. Another tale says that the cocktail was invented by a group of American ex-pats living in Mexico. No matter where the drink came from, we can all agree that it's DAMN GOOD!

Can’t get enough tequila cocktail recipes? I've got you covered. Try my Tequila Sour, Spicy Jalapeño Margarita, Blueberry Basil Margarita, and Watermelon Margaritas too!

cocktail close up cucumber garnish on gold pick in coupe glass

Ingredients: What's in an El Pepino

The El Pepino is a clever take on the well-known margarita cocktail. It's ideal for summer (or any other time) lounging with a combination of a few slices of cucumber, herbs, and tequila! The key ingredients in an El Pepino are:

Tequila (of course) - Reposado tequila is preferred, but Blanco tastes great too!
Triple Sec - orange liqueur
Agave Nectar - the sweetness
Cucumber- refreshing
Basil - aromatic herb with a sweet-spicy kick
Fresh Lime Juice - the citrus
Egg White - the foam

The Dry Shake: The Secret to the Perfect Egg White Foam

Egg whites are often used in cocktails for their ability to create a creamy, luscious foam texture that can add body to a drink and help to bind all the contrasting flavors together. When properly mixed, egg whites can transform a simple cocktail into a work of art.

But what exactly is a dry shake? And how do you use it to make the perfect egg white foam?

A dry shake is simply shaking a cocktail first, without any ice. This allows the egg white to get fully incorporated into the drink and creates a beautifully thick, foamy texture that is perfect for cocktails like the El Pepino.

cocktail in coupe glass with cucumber garnish

El Pepino Recipe Variations

If you want to mix things up, there are a few ways you can change up this recipe.

If you're looking for more of a kick, add and muddle a few jalapeño slices into the mix.
Not a fan of eggs? No problem! Just leave out the egg white.
Don't have agave nectar on hand? Substitute for simple syrup.
If the basil flavor is too strong for you, substitute just four leaves or so of mint or cilantro instead.

hand holding pepino margarita with cucumber garnish

Tools You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make this El Pepino

As a former bartender, I highly recommend the Mixology and Craft Cocktail Starter Kit. This kit includes a 2-piece stainless steel Boston cocktail shaker, Hawthorne strainer, and 2-sided jigger for the most accurate 1 ounce and 2 ounces pours.
A citrus juicer is a must-have if you want to make classic cocktails and ensure that you get more freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh lime juice every time.
When making a drink with egg whites, you'll need a fine mesh strainer to get the best foam head possible. It's also stainless steel, by the way.
Serving your El Pepino "up" in a coupe glass "up" adds an air of sophistication to this refreshing cucumber cocktail.
This 15-piece gold cocktail pick set will take your cucumber garnish game to the next level. And speaking of cucumber garnish...
A garnish/vegetable peeler is the best way to get long, thin cucumber strips for your El Pepino drink.
A 2-sided Jigger ensures that your classic cocktails are served with just the correct quantity of alcohol every time.
A Hawthorne cocktail strainer is essential for straining ice and other ingredients while pouring your cocktails.
Using a muddle is a great way to release the oils from your cucumber slices and bring out their flavor.

tequila cucumber basil cocktail in coupe glass on white marble table

Thank You

The El Pepino is the perfect drink for summertime entertaining or anytime! Its refreshing flavor and my easy-to-follow recipe will have you on a patio sipping on deliciousness in no time.

If you give it a try, please let me know what you think – or better yet, leave a comment below or share photos of your own DAMN GOOD El Pepino cocktails on Instagram using the hashtag #damngoodcocktails and tagging me @thisismeldrake. Never miss a DAMN GOOD cocktail recipe and sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter too.

Cheers!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake

cucumber basil margarita in glass sitting on white marble

“Now let’s get to mixing, so we can get to sipping!”

— Mel Drake

A Few More Cocktail Recipes

If you liked this tequila cocktail, then you'll love these delicious recipes too!

tequila, cucumber, classic cocktail

cocktails

Yield: 1

Author: Mel Drake

DAMN GOOD El Pepino

Spanish for "cucumber," this cucumber basil cocktail is a delicious twist on the classic margarita.

Prep time: 3 MinCook time: 5 MinTotal time: 8 Min

Ingredients

4 Slices Cucumber
2 large Basil Leaves
3/4 ounce Agave Nectar
1 1/2 ounces Tequila (Resposado preferred)
3/4 ounce Triple Sec
1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice (about 1 average lime)
1 Egg White

Instructions

Add cucumbers, basil, and agave nectar to a cocktail shaker and muddle well with a cocktail muddle or wooden spoon.
Add triple sec, fresh lime juice, and egg white to the cocktail shaker. Close the shaker tightly and dry shake (without ice) for 30 seconds.
Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 45 seconds until everything becomes nice and cold.
Double-strain by using a Hawthorne strainer while pouring drink through a fine-mesh strainer into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a thin cucumber slice and serve.