Some Like it Sweet, We Love it ‘Spicy’! Jalapeno Infused Cocktails.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of finally visiting Epcot at Disney. One of my fondest memories of the array of ethnic and diverse cuisines was at Disney in California, where I had the most amazing Mole 18 odd years ago. Thus sprung my love for mole, especially Oaxacan dishes and everything Mexican. At one of my closest friend’s recommendation we dined at San Angel Inn in the Mexican Pavilion. While waiting for our dinner table, we ordered one of San Angel’s signature Margaritas: Jalapeno Margarita. I am not a fan of super spicy foods but the Jalapeno Margarita was ultra smooth, refreshing with a kick at the end. It was perfect!

So naturally I had been itching to create my very own Jalapeno cocktail. After comprehensive research over the net, I narrowed down few ingredients and styles essential for making a smooth and spicy cocktail. Cinco de Mayo was the ideal day to showcase my twists on spicy cocktails. By popular demand and request, I hosted a Pizza Brunch Party at home. With the warmer temperatures approaching, my plan was to let the kids swim while the adults made a lazy afternoon of sipping cool cocktails and nibbling on salsas and my Rome Style Pizzas.

And to be honest, I wasn’t expecting us to guzzle down a bottle of Tequila. I guess the cocktails were a hit after all *wink*.

Jalapeno Spiked Tequila Cocktail

Be warned – this one burns but it is a ‘good’ burn. Grilling the pineapple imparts natural sweetness to the drink. Note, I haven’t added any sugar or simple syrup to this drink. Just a hint of agave syrup and the pineapple does the rest.

• 1 pineapple, cut into 1″ slices
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves
• 1 ½ cups white tequila (substitute with your fav.)
• ¾ cup fresh lime juice
•  ¼ cup agave syrup

Directions:

1. Grill the pineapple slices until charred on both sides, let cool.
2. Place the grilled pineapple, jalapeño, cilantro in a pitcher and crush until broken down.
3. Fill with ice, add tequila, lime juice, and agave.
4. Stir well and pour into glasses filled with ice.

Jalapeno Infused Tequila Margaritas

I very much enjoyed complexity of flavors here. The kick fills the palate gently.

• 1 jalapeño, poked with a knife
• 1 cup tequila of choice
• 1 cup Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons simple syrup
• Kosher salt and ice

1. In a jar, steep the jalapeño and tequila; keep at room temperature for 3 days.
2. Strain the tequila into a large pitcher and discard the jalapeño. Stir in the orange liqueur, lime juice and syrup.
3. Dip the rims of 6 glasses with salt. Fill each glass with ice, pour in the margarita and serve.

 

Both the cocktails tantalize differently. The Pineapple cocktail hits you upfront but goes down ultra smoothly. It is highly addictive! The Infused Tequila flavor is gentle but more uniformed.  Next time you are in a mood for something unique, try one of these cocktails and let me know which suited your palate.

I for one have found my new obsession – Infused Drinks. Keep on the look out for my next infusion adventure. Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

Recipes adapted from F&W and Bon Appetit Magazines.

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