When you level-up from a Salty Dog, you get a spicy, citrusy drink I call Amores Perros. The name of the cocktail is not only a fun homage to the amazing 2000 Mexican crime thriller feature film bearing the same name, but a Latin twist to the American classic Salty Dog cocktail of the ‘50’s, which was actually a variation to another classic doggy-drink called the Greyhound. Amores Perros is a vodka drink combined with a simple, no-heat-required cucumber syrup, fresh grapefruit and lemon juices with a hint of heat from muddled jalapeño plus a Tajin seasoning rim. Slap a small handful of fresh cilantro and place it inside your glass, and you have yourself one tasty, sexy, gorgeous drink.

The citrus flavors along with the fresh, clean, sweet cucumber syrup make this a perfect drink to have a long with any fish or meat dish, tacos, tostadas or even when snacking on chips, salsa and guacamole. Options are endless and the flavors combine perfectly!

Enjoy! Salud!

Amores Perros cocktail

Recipe by Christy Wilson, RDN

Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

For cucumber syrup:

  • 2 cups cucumber (1 medium cucumber, peeled)

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

For cocktail:

  • Cucumber syrup

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced into disks

  • ½ ounce fresh lemon juice

  • ½ ounce fresh grapefruit juice

  • 2 ounces vodka

  • About 1 cup ice cubes

  • Cilantro for garnish

  • Tajin Classico seasoning for rim

*Note: Directions are written using two shaker cocktail tins. If using a single shaker, add all ingredients into cup with ice in steps 4 and 5.

Directions

  1. Place champagne flutes into the freezer to chill.

  2. To make cucumber syrup: In a blender, add cucumber, water and sugar. Blend on high speed for at least 1 minute. Add to a pitcher and set aside.

  3. In the small shaker tin (or glass) add 1 ounce cucumber syrup and 2 slices jalapeno. Using a muddler, gently press down on the pepper until you hear it crack, then give it a half-turn/twist. If you want more spice, give it another half or full turn.

  4. Next, add fruit juices and vodka to the tin.

  5. Fill large shaker tin about half-way with ice, then pour contents of small tin over the ice. Secure small tin over the large one and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds.

  6. Secure strainer over the mouth of the large tin and pour drink into chilled flute filled with ice.

  7. Take a small handful of cilantro (with about 1-2 inches of stem), clap leaves between your hands and place into the glass. This will release the essential oils and fragrance. Rim glass with lemon juice and Tajin.

Amores Perros cocktail

Amores Perros cocktail

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