FOOD SHOW: Drink of the Week: Jala-luiah! Jalapeno Inspired Cocktails

Drink of the Week: Jala-luiah! Jalapeno Inspired Cocktails: "

In the world of cocktailing, there are many ingredients that are no-brainers when it comes to mixing: fresh juices, fruits, sours, spices, etc. But when it comes to mastering the art (something I hope to one day accomplish. Hey, it’s a life goal…), thinking outside the box is welcomed and applauded.

What’s my latest obsession? My new fave? My inspiration? The new love of my life? The last thing I think about before bed and the first thing I think about in the morning (normal…)? Cocktails infused with jalapeno, cayenne, and other peppers. I know, I know – it’s not “new.” How was I so unaware that there was a whole world of pepper-inspired-inbibing going on?!

I felt a little lost at first in trying to make my own jala-inspired drink – do I just buy vodka infused with jalapeno? Do I infuse it myself? Do I shake cocktails with jalapeno? Garnish with jalapeno? The list went on and on. Best part about it – all of the above can work!

I attended an event for Effen Vodka last week where a number of mixologists were competing against one another to make the newest Effen Martini. No surprise here that my favorite was the one infused with jalapeno. Let’s talk this one out…

The ingredients:

Effen Vodka (one of my faves!)

Guava juice

Sage

Splash of sour

And most importantly, shaken with jalapeno

Give it a try this weekend. Feeling crazy? Be creative – try other juices, ditch the sour, top it with champagne, muddle fruit – go wild!

It’s all about experimentation. Getting the perfect amount of jalapeno flavor is key to the success (and the trickiest part) of the cocktail. Start small and remember, practice makes perfect, friends.

Don’t want to create your own? Rumor has it there are quite a few options close by:

Strawberry-Jalapeno Caipiroska at Elate

Jalapeno Margarita at Fulton’s on the River

Spice & Ice at Nacional 27

Cheers!