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Epicurious

Cucumber Cilantro Margarita

4.7

(3)

Photo of tequila cocktails Margarita with cucumbers and cilantro garnish in cocktail glass with salted rim.
Photo by Ed Anderson

This is a refreshing, summery spin on a margarita. “Muddling” is a fancy term for smashing vegetables and herbs to release their juices and essential oils. In this case you smash a few pieces of cucumber and a sprig of cilantro in a cocktail shaker before adding the alcohol. You can buy a drinks muddler designed specifically for the task, or you can just use the end of a wooden spoon to do the mashing. Shaking the cocktail vigorously for at least 4 seconds is crucial, not just to cool down the drink and incorporate the ingredients, but also to melt a little of the ice so it dilutes the drink slightly and brings all the flavors into balance.

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