Sipping on a cucumber cocktail is the trendiest way to celebrate a sundowner these days. This green cocktail recipe is a Mexican speciality, created in a jug.

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 2/3 cup agave nectar or simple syrup
• 1/2 cup snipped fresh basil and/or cilantro
• 3 fresh jalapeno chilli peppers, stemmed and seeded
• 1 x 750ml bottle blanco or reposado tequila
• 1 x 1/4 cups lime juice
• 1 x 1/4 cups pineapple juice or orange juice
• ice cubes
• fresh basil leaves and/or thin cucumber slices (optional)

1 In a large pitcher combine the cucumber slices, agave nectar, the 1/2 cup basil, and the chilli peppers; use a wooden spoon to mash until cucumber and chilli peppers are crushed.
2 Add tequila, lime juice, and pineapple juice to the mixture in the pitcher; stir to combine. Serve over ice. If desired, garnish with a few small basil leaves and/or thin cucumber slices.

TIPS

• For simple syrup, in a small saucepan combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar; remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
• Because chilli peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible.

Text and image: Website