Enter Exotico’s Green Garden: A Cocktail to Envy

Even though our summer days are getting shorter, the weather’s still warm and garden produce is abundant. By now you may have had your fill of citrus shandies and sweet, fruity fare (if that’s possible!). Just in time to rescue you from your routine, Exotico® brings you a fresh twist on a summer refresher from Arsenic Lace—the Green Garden cocktail.

This could be considered an herbal margarita, or even a Bloody Mary of a different color. Either way, this is a brilliant mash-up of fresh veggies, herbs, lime and of course, Exotico 100% Blue Agave tequila. Maybe you’re planning on one last summer barbeque or outdoor get-together before summer’s officially over. If so, the Green Garden will help you and your guests linger in the spirit of summer just a little longer.

While you’re at your favorite farmer’s market (or the produce aisle), think green. Pick up a lime, cucumber, a green bell pepper and a bunch of fresh basil. These, along with Exotico and a few other ingredients come together for a vivid, intriguing summer cocktail. Feel free to dial-up or dial-down the rimming spice—depending on your mood.

One of the secrets to this Garden is the green bell pepper syrup. It only takes a few minutes to make, but you’ll want to plan a day ahead so the syrup can steep. We’ve added easy directions in the recipe below. You’ll love the fresh peppery taste and might even to experiment with different varieties of peppers.

If you’re looking to freshen up your cocktail game before fall arrives, we invite you to enter the Exotico Green Garden. We think you’ll be delighted.

Exotico® Blanco bottle with Green Garden cocktail.

INGREDIENTS:

Green Bell Pepper Syrup:

  • 1 c. Sugar
  • 1 c. Water
  • 1 Large Green Bell Pepper

For the Cocktail:

  • 1½  oz. Exotico® Blanco Tequila
  • ½ oz. Yellow Chartreuse
  • 1 oz. Fresh Cucumber Juice (See Directions Below)
  • ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
  • ¾ oz. Green Bell Pepper Syrup (See Directions Below)
  • Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Course Sea Salt, Paprika, and Chili Flakes (for Rim)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Green Bell Pepper Syrup:

  1. Cut pepper in half. Remove seeds and stem, then rinse and chop into small pieces.
  2. To a small saucepan, add peppers, sugar and water.
  3. Bring to a boil then simmer until sugar is dissolved (peppers do not need to be softened).
  4. Let stand overnight then strain into a clean glass jar or bottle.
  5. Refrigerate in a sealed container after using.

For the Cocktail:

Prepare the Glass:

  1. Mix coarse sea salt, paprika and red chili flakes together on a small plate.
  2. Next run a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita, martini or coupe glass to moisten.
  3. Roll the outside of the rim into the salt mixture to lightly coat.

For the Cocktail:

  1. Combine Exotico Blanco Tequila, yellow Chartreuse, cucumber juice, lime juice and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the remainder with ice and shake vigorously.
  3. Strain into the rimmed cocktail glass.

Cucumber Juice:

  1. You can run unpeeled cucumbers through a slow juicer.
  2. Alternatively, add peeled cucumbers to a blender or food processor, then push through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

Bird's-eye view of Green Bell Pepper Syrup

We hope you’ll enjoy this savory, lightly herbal and very green way to enjoy Exotico.

Visit Arsenic Lace for even more unique cocktail recipes.

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