Pepino's Revenge

Another summer Sunday, another summer cocktail. With the margarita firmly entrenched in the pantheon of summer drinks, we often underrate other 'tails of tequila. Pepino's Revenge is Spring's mojito and Summer's margarita resting side-by-side in a swaying hammock. The cucumber cools your core the way whiskey warms your face in the winter. The rewarding scent of freshly muddled cucumber and basil is reason enough to try the cocktail, and their combination adds a beautiful amount of complexity to this refreshing drink. Add this cocktail to your grilling and Bocce arsenal.

Pepino's Revenge
Food & Wine, May 2012

• 1.5oz tequila
• 0.5oz simple syrup
• 0.5oz lime juice
• 4 cucumber slices
• 3 basil leaves

Muddle the basil and cucumber, and then add ice, tequila, simple syrup (one part sugar dissolved in one part water), and lime juice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice.