Julio Gone Green

Ok, again I know it's been a little while but you understand by now. I made a new drink and I really think you'll like it. I've really been trying to see what ingredients work well together and pushing the envelope as far as what combination of things I can use and make them work well together. This time I really knocked it out of the park. What I've done here is use cucumber, cilantro and habanero together with the great citrus flavors of orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit. And if those flavors alone don't scream "USE TEQUILA" I don't know what does. This drink is a perfect unison of sweet, savory, and spice. Give it a try and as always play with it and see what you get, and please don't forget to let me know.

What You'll Need

11/2 oz Don Julio Blanco Tequila
3/4 oz Cointreau
1/2-3/4 oz Habanero Simple Syrup (depends how spicy you want it)
Good Pinch of Fresh Cilantro (about 3-5 sprigs, play with this as well I tend to like a little more)
2 Slices of Fresh Cucumber (go a little thinker on these)
1/2 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
2-4 dashes Fee Brother's Grapefruit Bitters
CO2

How To Make It

Start by combining the fresh cucumber, cilantro, lemon juice, lime juice and bitters in an empty cocktail shaker. Muddle those ingredients together, but remember you're not making a paste here you're just releasing oils and some of the juices. Once you've muddled them together add the tequila, Cointreau, and Habanero S.S. Add the good ice and give it a good shake. You really want everything very well incorporated in this one plus you'll get a great color in the finished product. Put some of the good ice in a well chilled Collins glass and double strain your drink right into it. Top the drink off with the CO2 and you're almost done. Remember if it looks good chances are it will be good. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber and a sprig of cilantro. Now the most important part, drink it and enjoy every sip you take.

This one goes well with just about any Mexican, Southwest style meal you can think of. I think it's best with some fish tacos. See Tyler Florence's Ultimate Fish Tacos. OMG!!! Enough said.

You can't say that doesn't look amazing.

 

That's the color you're looking for. The greener the better here.