6 Sweet & Spicy Hot Cocktails

This year, the spirits industry and cocktail scene are electrified by the rise of spicy spark and spicy-sweet (swicy) drinks, captivating the taste buds of adventurous imbibers everywhere. Spicy alcoholic beverages surged 6% year-over-year, according to Tastewise and 53% of Gen Z shoppers say they enjoy swicy heat, according to a survey by Monin. Distillers are pushing the boundaries by infusing their products with an array of fiery ingredients, from vibrant peppers to zesty citrus notes, creating unique spirits that excite the palate. Brands are crafting distinctive vodkas, whiskeys, and tequilas that seamlessly blend heat and balance, captivating consumers looking for a new taste experience. This innovative approach not only enhances the complexity of classic spirits but also encourages drinkers to explore the fiery depths of flavor, making spicy and swicy spirits a must-try for those on the hunt for their next favorite libation.

St George Chile Vodka photo credit Becca Wyant

St. George Green Chile Vodka is a distinctive, spicy vodka from St. George Spirits, crafted through copper pot distillation using non-GMO neutral grain spirits. They infuse five varieties of California-grown peppers—jalapeño, serrano, habanero, and red and yellow bell peppers— through a vapor-infusion basket layered with cilantro, along with fresh lime peel, into their signature All Purpose Vodka. This process creates a vodka with mild heat and layers of sweet, savory heat, a bright, fresh, and herbaceous flavor, balance, and a smooth mouthfeel, making it an excellent choice for adding interest to Martinis and is delicious over ice.

The slight green tint makes this vodka look appetizing and adds a beautiful color to cocktails. Try this spicy vodka in a Vesper cocktail. The marriage between the savory mild pepper heat and the floral sweetness of the Lillet Blanc is a flavor explosion that should not be missed.

Vesper

3 oz St. George Botanivore Gin

1 oz St. George Green Chile Vodka

.5 oz Lillet Blanc

Stir all ingredients with cubed ice until chilled. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon peel.

Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind is here to kick open the door to the flavor party. Tamarind, a tangy, sweet-sour fruit that is a classic in Mexican drinks and desserts, is infused in Smirnoff's classic vodka with flavors of lime and Mexican chiles, resulting in a spicy-tangy flavor that shines in cocktails. The tamarind offers a tangy, sweet-sour fruit flavor, while lime adds a citrusy brightness, and the chile contributes a distinct heat from a blend of chilies. Enjoy this spirit over ice, with citrus juices, or try the Piña Picante.

Piña Picante

1.5 oz Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind Vodka

1 oz pineapple juice

.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)

Chilled club soda

Add all liquid ingredients except the club soda to a cocktail shaker with cubed ice and shake well. Strain into a Collins glass and top with chilled club soda. Garnish with chili lime seasoning and a pineapple slice. Garnish is optional.

Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey is here to turn your preconceived notions about flavored whiskey on its head! Made with a blend of bourbon and infused with two types of real fresh ginger and bottled at 80 proof, this whiskey knocks it out of the park. This whiskey is perfect for neat sipping or enjoying over a big cube like an Old Fashioned, except no stirring is needed; just pour from the bottle and enjoy. Expect flavors of fresh spicy ginger, caramel, toasted oak, and fresh-baked ginger cookies. This bottle offers an excellent option for those new to whiskey or for whiskey aficionados who crave an old fashioned cocktail but don't feel like putting in the work. If you'd like to share this delicious elixir with cocktail-loving friends, here is an easy recipe that makes this whiskey shine!

Gold Rush

2 oz Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey

3/4 oz lemon juice

3/4 oz honey syrup

Lemon slice or honeycomb for garnish

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a handful of cubed ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh cubed ice and garnish.

Tanteo Tequila has put a new spin on Tequila with its line of infused Tequilas. All are made with 100% blue weber agave and distilled in small batches, infused with macerated local, hand-cut peppers for an authentic, complex flavor. The resulting product is flavorful, juicy, and well-balanced. Tanteo offers three varieties of their pepper-infused Tequila: Jalapeño, Chipotle, and Habanero. The Chipotle-infused Tequila is a terrific explosion of flavors in every sip, featuring a tropical fruit base note and a smoky, sweet, roasted, and spicy profile. The balance is an undeniable experience that is both delicious and exciting for those who love earthy spice.

Enjoy Tanteo Chipotle Tequila over ice or kick that cocktail into overdrive with this Smoky Negroni.

Smoky Negroni

1 oz Tanteo Chipotle Tequila

1 oz Campari

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with cubed ice and stir until

Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye Whiskey is another winner for whiskey fans who like a little spice in their lives. What began as a barrel select offering in 2022 turned into an award-winning permanent line extension for the brand and a favorite amongst whiskey fans. Made with 100% potstilled rye whiskey and three types of local Virginia honey (wildflower, buckwheat, and clover) and an infusion of fresh chile peppers. The resulting flavor is a resounding success. The heat and the rye whiskey work together in concert to offer waves of flavors that never overtake each other. The viscosity is viscous enough to feel the velvety texture of the honey, but not too viscous that you can't drink it neat.

Try this Hot Honey Rye over cubed ice with a splash of ginger beer for the bravehearts who want a double pop of spicy goodness.

I like my Coffee Hot, Honey!

1¼ oz Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye

1 oz amaro

1 oz coffee liqueur

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir well with cubed ice. Strain over a big rock.

Ancho Reyes is a premium Mexican liqueur made by macerating ancho chiles (dried poblano peppers) in a cane spirit. It has a complex flavor profile that balances rich caramel sweetness, smoky and roasty notes, and a warm chili spice, rather than an overpowering heat. The liqueur is a versatile cocktail ingredient, offering a unique blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy characteristics that can elevate a drink's depth and complexity.

Ancho Reyes Verde is a Mexican chili liqueur crafted from fresh, fire-roasted green poblano peppers, resulting in a vibrant, spicy-sweet, and herbaceous flavor profile with notes of roasted pineapple, smoke, and savory acidity. It is a distinct version of the original Ancho Reyes liqueur, focusing on the bright, crisp essence of the poblano pepper before it fully ripens and dries into the Ancho pepper. This fabulous liqueur can be sipped neat or added to a variety of cocktails for an extra oomph.

Try using this Ancho Reyes in a margarita or an Old Fashioned. Or try a classic gimlet with some heat!

Ancho Reyes Gimlet

1 oz botanical gin

1 oz Ancho Reyes Verde

1 oz fresh lime juice

.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)

Cucumber slice for garnish

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a handful of cubed ice and shake well. Double strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.

Whether you're looking to spice up your cocktail menu or simply enjoy something new, these choices provide endless possibilities for inventive mixology. Embrace the heat, savor the flavors, and let each sip take you on a flavorful journey—because great cocktails are meant to be enjoyed, shared, and celebrated. Cheers!

Whether you prefer the spicy kick of St. George Green Chile Vodka, the tangy sweetness of Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, or the warm, inviting flavors of Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey and Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye, there's no shortage of creative ways to enjoy these beverages. So, next time you're searching for a drink that adds a little spice to your celebration, embrace the heat, savor the flavors, and let each sip take you on a flavorful journey. What are you waiting for?

Vesper

Piña Picante

Gold Rush

Smoky Negroni

I like my Coffee Hot, Honey!

Ancho Reyes Gimlet

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