It's a Spicy Summer
Jalapeno in your glass is this summer's beverage trend
Blame it on TikTok, blame it on the heat, or blame it on everyone wanting to spice up their lives in some way, but this year, everyone is putting jalapenos in their beverages. From the social media star that is the Spicy Sauvy B to martinis, mules, and margarita versions, here are recipes to make your summer sizzle.
The Spicy Sauvy B
The one that’s got everyone talking is the Spicy Sauvy B — a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (though you can use Chardonnay or any other white) spiked with sliced, frozen jalapeños (please remember to remove the seeds). Wine Enthusiast covered the fad, asking the musical question: “if you’re buying the perfect Sauvignon Blanc, why are you putting peppers in it?”
The Spicy Lilly
Personally, I prefer adding the jalapeños to a slightly fruity rose — the result having a spicy watermelon salad vibe. Plus, the blush pink, festooned with the green jalapeños, looks like it should be cast in a Palm Beach County modeling shoot. Hence, I dubbed this concoction the “Spicy Lilly” after Palm Beach fashion icon Lilly Pulitzer.
Sauvy B Martini
If you’re a martini fan, you’ll want to try the Sauvy B Martini, which is the lovechild of the Sauvy B and Hillstone’s famous Crisp Martini.
Ingredients
1 ½ ounces gin
1 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce Sauvignon Blanc
Frozen sliced jalapeños
In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add gin, St. Germain, and lemon juice. Shake until the exterior of the cup is icy. Strain into a chilled glass and top with Sauvignon Blanc. Float frozen jalapeños in the glass before serving.
(If you like fizzy drinks, substitute prosecco for the Sauvignon Blanc)
El Golazo
Of course, cocktails with sweet and spicy components aren’t new. The spicy margarita has a place in most bars. Tequila Cazadores and former pro fútbol player Cristo Fernández have collaborated on a cocktail that takes the jalapeño and tequila pairing to a new level with pineapple. Use freshly pressed pineapple juice for a more intense flavor in the drink, named the El Golazo.
Ingredients:
2 oz. Tequila Cazadores Reposado (you can substitute your favorite tequila or mezcal)
¾ oz. agave nectar
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
3 thin slices of fresh jalapeño
2 oz. pineapple juice
dried pineapple slice and lime wheel for garnish
Combine all ingredients, shake, and serve on the rocks in a 12 oz. margarita glass with a salted rim. Garnish with a lime wheel and dried pineapple slice.
The Spicy Virgin Jalapeno Mule
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of a spicy sipper, try a N/A Spicy Mule. Just muddle two slices of fresh jalapeño in a mule mug along with the juice of half a lime. Add crushed ice and top with a good ginger beer.
Add 2 oz. vodka if you want a traditional, alcoholic version.