Muy Bueno: Fiestas 
Cucumber Shots
If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail that embodies the essence of a vibrant garden party or want to make the most of a surplus of fresh cucumbers, then you’re in for a treat. Picture tequila-spiked agua de pepino served in edible cucumber shot glasses – a delightful creation I’ve dubbed Cucumber Shots.
So, grab some cucumbers, dust off your sombrero (or your sun hat), and get ready to discover how these cucumber cocktails can elevate your al fresco gatherings, backyard barbecues, or simply any day that calls for a refreshing, exciting libation.
What is a Cucumber Shot?
My pepino shots recipe boasts the ultimate fusion of refreshment and revelry. These little green wonders are not just drinks; they’re a ticket to a garden-party like no other.
They effortlessly combine the classic refreshment of agua de pepino (a.k.a. cucumber agua fresca) with the spirited kick of tequila, all nestled within an edible cucumber vessel and garnished with spicy-salty-sour tajin.
The result? A cucumber drink that not only quenches your thirst but also adds a dash of playful elegance to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Drink Recipe
Amigos, these cucumber tequila shots are every bit as delightful as they sound. The combination of cool, crisp cucumbers and the subtle kick of tequila creates an irresistible synergy that’s both invigorating and oh-so-delicious.
But, aside from tasting like a sip of summer in a glass, these tasty little cocktails are also:
- Quick & Easy – Even with a little kitchen wizardry that turns a single cucumber into two edible shot glasses, these pepino shots come together with just 10 minutes of effort.
- Playful & Whimsical – Edible cucumber shotglasses. Need I say more?!? You’ll feel like you’re Willy Wonka in a world of pure imagination.
- Cool & Refreshing – The idiom “cool as a cucumber” exists for a reason! These tasty shots are the equivalent of Happy Hour and a spa treatment, all rolled up into one tasty libation.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Perhaps my favorite thing about this cucumber shots recipe is how few ingredients they require. Here’s what to grab:
- Cucumbers – While I typically prefer thin-skinned English cucumbers, the wider diameter of conventional cukes is preferred here. Plus, we’re peeling them anyway!
- Limes – You know the drill — buy fresh limes for the best flavor, and roll them on the counter for 10-15 seconds to release their juices before slicing in half.
- Water – If possible, use filtered water for the best taste.
- Agave Nectar – Agave is my go-to sweetener for tequila drinks because tequila is actually made from agave! If you don’t have any on hand, you can use honey — just be sure to thin it out with some hot water first, or it’ll turn into a chewy rock when it hits the ice.
- Tequila – I like to use tequila blanco for these alcoholic cucumber drinks. That said you’re welcome to use golden joven, oaky reposado, or more whiskey-like añejo if you prefer
- Tajin – This chili lime seasoning salt is delightful on everything from fruits to margaritas. I typically use the Clasico variety, but you can swap in the extra spicy or salt-free versions if you prefer.
How To Make Cucumber Shots
Despite looking absolutely magical, this cucumber shots recipe is actually quite simple. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Peel cucumbers and cut the ends, then cut each cucumber in half horizontally to create two columns.
Step 2: Make shot glasses. Using a small melon baller, scoop out the seeds and some pulp of the cucumber to create “shot glasses.” Be careful not to scoop the base or liquid will drip out.
Step 3: Rim cucumber glasses with Tajín.
Step 4: Make Agua de Pepino. In a blender add cucumber, lime juice, water and agave nectar and blend until smooth. Strain the liquid into a cocktail shaker or mason jar and discard the pulp.
Step 5: Add tequila, ice, and shake.
Step 6: Enjoy! Strain the cocktail into cucumber cups. Serve immediately.
Optional Variations
While I can’t get enough of this cucumber shots with Tajin recipe, there’s more than one way to make a pepino drink. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Non-Alcoholic – Want the refreshing flavor of cucumber without the buzz? Swap in your favorite NA tequila brand, or simply serve up agua de pepino in the cucumber glasses.
- Swap Your Spirit – Cucumber also plays very nicely with vodka, gin, or white rum.
- Regular Shot Glasses – If “keep it simple, sunshine” is your personal motto, I see you. Forget the adorable cucumber shooters and use regular shot glasses instead.
- Full-Sized Cucumber Tequila Cocktail – If you’re more a sipper than a slammer, strain the spiked agua fresca between two Tajin-rimmed rocks glasses filled with a giant ice cube. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a round of lime. Salud!
Expert Tips
Crafting the perfect cucumber shot glasses requires a bit of finesse. Here are some expert tips to help you master them:
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: Opt for cucumbers that are straight and uniform in shape. Persian cucumbers tend to work well due to their smoother skin and consistent size.
- Select the Perfect Cut: Cut the cucumbers into sections that are about 2-3 inches in length. Use a sharp knife or a melon baller to hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick wall. Be gentle to avoid piercing the sides or bottom so you don’t lose the boozy elixir through a hole.
- Salt and Drain: This step is optional, but is a good idea if you’re making a big tray of shots. Lightly salt the inside of the cucumber shot glasses and place them upside down on paper towels for about 20-30 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, preventing your shots from becoming too watery. After draining, rinse the cucumber shot glasses under cold water to remove excess salt. Then, gently pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are not overly wet.
- Chill Before Serving: To keep your cucumber shot glasses crisp, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before filling them with your cocktail mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
I typically just toss them in my compost, but if you want to use them, I suggest tossing them in a smoothie.
Aside from making these pepino drinks, you can also make my Spicy Chickpea Salad with Cucumber, Cilantro, & Eggs, Mango, Jicama, and Cucumber Salad, Steak Tacos with Cucumber-Jicama Salsa, or Jícama, Radish, and Cucumber Salad.
More Cucumber Cocktail Recipes
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #muybuenocooking.
Cucumber Shots
Ingredients
- 3 medium cucumbers
- Tajin
Spiked Agua de Pepino
- 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- 6 ounces tequila blanco
Instructions
- Peel cucumbers and cut the ends, then cut each cucumber in half.
- Using a small melon baller, scoop out the seeds and some pulp of the cucumber. Be careful not to scoop the base or liquid will drip out.
- Rim cucumbers with Tajín.
- In a blender add cucumber, lime juice, water and agave nectar and blend until smooth.
- Strain the liquid into a cocktail shaker or mason jar and discard the pulp.
- Add tequila, ice, and shake.Strain into cucumber cups.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Non-Alcoholic – Want the refreshing flavor of cucumber without the buzz? Swap in your favorite NA tequila brand, or simply serve up agua de pepino in the cucumber glasses.
- Swap Your Spirit – Cucumber also plays very nicely with vodka, gin, or white rum.
- Regular Shot Glasses – If “keep it simple, sunshine” is your personal motto, I see you. Forget the adorable cucumber shooters and use regular shot glasses instead.
- Full-Sized Cucumber Tequila Cocktail – If you’re more a sipper than a slammer, strain the spiked agua fresca between two Tajin-rimmed rocks glasses filled with a giant ice cube. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a round of lime. Salud!
Photography by Jenna Sparks.
