Summer Craft Cocktail: Cucumber, Pine Nuts, and Tequila! Happiness Bar

gin

🥗Healthier: vodka

💰Cheaper: well gin

Vodka is often less expensive and offers a neutral flavor.

sweet vermouth

🥗Healthier: dry vermouth

💰Cheaper: non-alcoholic vermouth

Dry vermouth has fewer calories and offers a different flavor profile.

simple syrup

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup is lower on the glycemic index.

fresh mint

🥗Healthier: mint extract

💰Cheaper: dried mint

Mint extract provides flavor without needing fresh herbs.

Infuse 500 mL of Reposado tequila with 428 g of thinly sliced cucumbers for 24 hours.

Strain the cucumber from the tequila using a mesh strainer.

Prepare a lemon pine nut infusion by boiling 125 g of pine nuts in water until simmering for 30 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, combine 300 g of sugar, peels from 3 lemons, and 300 mL of hot water.

Add 1/4 oz of Mescal and 1/2 teaspoon of orange flower water to the mixture.

Shake the infused tequila with 0.5 oz of Montenegro, 0.5 oz of lemon juice, 0.75 oz of lemon pine nut infusion, and a pinch of sea salt.

Double strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a lemon peel.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: