Ingredients
- 1½ 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.

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.







