Go Back
South of the Border Cocktail Drink

South of the Border Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.