South of the Border Cocktail Drink

South of the Border

Craving something different? Make the South of the Border cocktail recipe! With basic ingredients, you can enjoy this delightful drink.

South of the Border Recipe

Warm up this winter with the South of the Border cocktail recipe! Mix Reposado Tequila, Coffee Liqueur, and fresh lime juice for a cozy drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

2 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

205 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Reposado Tequila
  • ¾ oz coffee liqueur
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¼ oz rich sugar syrup
  • 1 egg
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime slice or peel, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe or Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or Coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
  • Add Egg White: Crack open 1 egg, separate the white from the yolk, and pour the white into the shaker. Discard the yolk.
  • Add Sugar Syrup: Pour ¼ oz rich sugar syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
  • Add Coffee Liqueur: Measure and pour ¾ oz coffee liqueur into the shaker as well.
  • Add Tequila: Finally, add 1½ oz Reposado Tequila to the mix.
  • Dry Shake: Close the shaker and shake, without ice, for 20-25 seconds.
  • Shake: Open the shaker. Fill it with ice cubes, close it well and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain: Take the Coupe or Martini glass and discard the ice inside. Then, using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the shaken drink into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lime zest or slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Reposado Tequila: If you don't have Reposado, try using Blanco Tequila for a lighter flavor profile. I've also used Mezcal for a smoky twist.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa (or any other brand you enjoy) works excellent, but if you're out, try using coffee syrup as a substitute. As a last resort, a fresh shot of espresso with a touch of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract can also work as a substitute.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, though I prefer fresh for its vibrant taste. Another option is to use fresh lemon juice for a slightly different citrus kick.
  • Rich Sugar Syrup: You can easily make your own rich sugar syrup at home by mixing together 2 parts sugar and 1 part hot water. Stir well to dissolve and let it cool down before using it. In the refrigerator, this homemade rich syrup will last for about a month. Agave nectar can be used as natural sweetener if you prefer not to use sugar syrup.
  • Egg White: Both fresh and pasteurized eggs can be used to prepare this cocktail. For those with egg allergies, aquafaba (chickpea water) is a fantastic vegan substitute with the same frothy texture.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg White Substitute: Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of egg white; it froths up nicely when shaken. You can use ½ ounce of aquafaba to replace the egg white and follow all the steps, as aquafaba also needs to be shaken twice to make a proper foam.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Although it is certainly the most popular brand on the market, Kahlúa unfortunately is not vegan-certified. Make sure to use another brand and to check the label before purchasing.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace egg white with aquafaba and follow the original steps to enjoy a vegan version of this cocktail.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
205
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
52
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
14
g
5
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
13
g
14
%
Potassium
 
66
mg
2
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Vitamin A
 
7
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.03
mg
0
%

 

South of the Border Cocktail Drink

South of the Border Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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Warm up this winter with the South of the Border cocktail recipe! Mix Reposado Tequila, Coffee Liqueur, and fresh lime juice for a cozy drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 205

Ingredients
 

  • oz Reposado Tequila
  • ¾ oz coffee liqueur
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¼ oz rich sugar syrup
  • 1 egg
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime slice or peel - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe or Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or Coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
  • Add Egg White: Crack open 1 egg, separate the white from the yolk, and pour the white into the shaker. Discard the yolk.
  • Add Sugar Syrup: Pour ¼ oz rich sugar syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
  • Add Coffee Liqueur: Measure and pour ¾ oz coffee liqueur into the shaker as well.
  • Add Tequila: Finally, add 1½ oz Reposado Tequila to the mix.
  • Dry Shake: Close the shaker and shake, without ice, for 20-25 seconds.
  • Shake: Open the shaker. Fill it with ice cubes, close it well and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain: Take the Coupe or Martini glass and discard the ice inside. Then, using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the shaken drink into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lime zest or slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Reposado Tequila: If you don't have Reposado, try using Blanco Tequila for a lighter flavor profile. I've also used Mezcal for a smoky twist.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa (or any other brand you enjoy) works excellent, but if you're out, try using coffee syrup as a substitute. As a last resort, a fresh shot of espresso with a touch of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract can also work as a substitute.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, though I prefer fresh for its vibrant taste. Another option is to use fresh lemon juice for a slightly different citrus kick.
  • Rich Sugar Syrup: You can easily make your own rich sugar syrup at home by mixing together 2 parts sugar and 1 part hot water. Stir well to dissolve and let it cool down before using it. In the refrigerator, this homemade rich syrup will last for about a month. Agave nectar can be used as natural sweetener if you prefer not to use sugar syrup.
  • Egg White: Both fresh and pasteurized eggs can be used to prepare this cocktail. For those with egg allergies, aquafaba (chickpea water) is a fantastic vegan substitute with the same frothy texture.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg White Substitute: Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of egg white; it froths up nicely when shaken. You can use ½ ounce of aquafaba to replace the egg white and follow all the steps, as aquafaba also needs to be shaken twice to make a proper foam.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Although it is certainly the most popular brand on the market, Kahlúa unfortunately is not vegan-certified. Make sure to use another brand and to check the label before purchasing.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace egg white with aquafaba and follow the original steps to enjoy a vegan version of this cocktail.

What is a South of the Border?

A South of the Border is a tequila-based cocktail made of Reposado Tequila, Coffee Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup, and Egg White. It’s easy to make, as it involves simple shaking and straining steps.

A side shot of a South of the Border cocktail in a coupe glass on a white coaster placed on a yellow tray surrounded by three sugar cubes, two limes, a bar spoon and a jigger

What is a South of the Border made of – The ingredients

Get these ingredients ready for your South of the Border:

  • Reposado Tequila: Delivers a smooth, aged yet still herbal flavor that forms the cocktail’s base.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Infuses a rich, sweet coffee essence that complements the tequila.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a refreshing citrus tang to balance the sweetness.
  • Rich Sugar Syrup: Enhances sweetness and ties together the flavors by bringing a thicker texture.
  • Egg White: Provides a creamy texture and frothy top.
  • Ice Cubes: Cools the drink and brings dilution to the drink.
  • Lime Slice or Peel (optional): Serves as an attractive garnish and brings a fresh, crisp scent to the finished drink.

Reposado Tequila, coffee liqueur, lime juice, lime, rich sugar syrup, sugar cubes, and egg laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a South of the Border?

Learn how to prepare a South of the Border using our easy guide.

1
<p>Begin by chilling a Martini or coupe glass: fill it with ice, stir briefly to ensure even cooling, and set it aside while you prepare the drink.</p>

Begin by chilling a Martini or coupe glass: fill it with ice, stir briefly to ensure even cooling, and set it aside while you prepare the drink.

2
<p>Crack open an egg and carefully separate the white from the yolk. Place the egg white into your cocktail shaker, discarding the yolk.</p>

Crack open an egg and carefully separate the white from the yolk. Place the egg white into your cocktail shaker, discarding the yolk.

3
<p>Add a quarter ounce of rich sugar syrup.</p>

Add a quarter ounce of rich sugar syrup.

4
<p>Follow it by half an ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice for brightness.</p>

Follow it by half an ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice for brightness.

5
<p>Next, pour in ¾ ounce of coffee liqueur, which will provide a bold, slightly sweet depth.</p>

Next, pour in ¾ ounce of coffee liqueur, which will provide a bold, slightly sweet depth.

6
<p>Finally, measure and add 1 ½ ounces of reposado tequila as the base spirit for this cocktail.</p>

Finally, measure and add 1 ½ ounces of reposado tequila as the base spirit for this cocktail.

7
<p>Seal the shaker and dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 20–25 seconds. This step emulsifies the egg white, creating a rich and frothy texture.</p>

Seal the shaker and dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 20–25 seconds. This step emulsifies the egg white, creating a rich and frothy texture.

8
<p>Open the shaker and add ice cubes.</p>

Open the shaker and add ice cubes.

9
<p>Shake again for another 15 seconds to chill and fully integrate the flavors. </p>

Shake again for another 15 seconds to chill and fully integrate the flavors.

10
<p>Discard the ice in your chilled glass and strain the drink through both a standard cocktail strainer and a fine strainer into the glass; this double straining ensures a silky, smooth consistency.</p>

Discard the ice in your chilled glass and strain the drink through both a standard cocktail strainer and a fine strainer into the glass; this double straining ensures a silky, smooth consistency.

11
<p>Garnish with a twist or slice of lime for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately.</p>

Garnish with a twist or slice of lime for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately.

A South of the Border cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a beige surface surrounded by Reposado Tequila, coffee liqueur, lime juice, lime, rich sugar syrup, sugar cubes, and egg

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FAQ

How many calories are in a South of the Border cocktail?
A typical South of the Border cocktail contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is the South of the Border cocktail?
The South of the Border cocktail has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 15-20%, which translates to 30-40 proof.
What alcohol is used in a South of the Border cocktail?
This cocktail uses Reposado Tequila as its primary spirit, providing a smooth and aged flavor. It also includes some coffee liqueur.
In which glass do you serve a South of the Border cocktail?
Serve the South of the Border cocktail in a coupe (or Martini) glass for an elegant presentation.
What does a South of the Border taste like?
The South of the Border cocktail combines creamy and silky textures with vibrant flavors. The tangy brightness of lime complements the rich, bittersweet notes of coffee liqueur, while reposado tequila adds warmth and depth, creating a smooth, balanced drink.
How is a South of the Border served?
Serve it "up," meaning without ice, in a chilled Martini or coupe glass.

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