It may seem counterintuitive that I prefer a spicy cocktail when itâs this hot outside, but itâs really not. I take my cues from Mexican and Indian cuisines where even in hot environments, eating hot foods can really cool down your body temperature. Iâm sure we could consult my good friends science and logic here, but I donât spend too much thinking about the âwhyâ â instead I focus on the what ... as in, what am I going to drink next? To which my reply is almost always: a spicy margarita, thatâs what.
I absolutely adore adding a little jalapeno to my zippy, citrus-forward drink. The vegetal notes are often the perfect balance to the acidic lime, and even though my mouth is on fire, my mind is somewhere in the Gulf with a cool breeze.
Hereâs my recipe for the perfect spicy margarita that somehow manages to cool you down in the summer-time:
- 2 oz. Reposado tequila
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- Ÿ oz. jalapeno infused simple syrup*
- Dash of pineapple juice
- 2 slices fresh jalapeno, 1 more for garnish
- Salt for the glass rim, optional
Preparation:
To make the simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and hot water. Stir to combine. Add your sliced jalapenos or any other pepper of your choice. If you donât want it super spicy, remove the seeds of your jalapenos first. If you want to take it up on a notch, the seeds are what will do it. Store in fridge to cool.
In a cocktail tin, muddle together the chilled simple syrup and your jalapeno slices. Combine together the tequila, and fruit juices. Add ice and shake. Strain over ice in a rocks glass. Feel free to salt the rim with pepper seasoning or course kosher salt.
If youâre wanting to add even more complexity, use fresh watermelon, cucumber, mango, passionfruit juice. Really anything â start with this fundamental recipe and get creative.
Cool down by warming things up this summer. Cheers!
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