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Who said that winter cocktails should be sweet? Although many great holiday drinks have a creamy texture and sweet flavors, spicy cocktails are not to be missed. The best spicy cocktails, as in fact, a nice way to warm up during the cold winter nights.
Drink and food pairings are super important when we are talking about spicy drinks. The meal or charcuterie board served alongside the best spicy cocktails should not be overpowering and too flavorful. The flavors need to balance each other out so you can impress your guests.
We already talked about cocktail spices, chili pepper cocktails, and spicy spirits. We even touched on the spiciest cocktails on the planet. Now, let’s dive deep into the world of the best spicy cocktails that you can sip on, on a cold winter night. Serving them at your bar or restaurant is also a great idea if you like to change things up in the seasonal drinks department!
The Best Spicy Cocktails to Have This Winter
Spicy drinks are becoming increasingly popular lately. People are experimenting a lot more with different gin spices and other additional cocktail ingredients. Various peppers are now a common ingredient not only in foods but in cocktails, too.
If you want to satisfy the cravings of your customers and have a versatile beverage menu, the best spicy cocktails are what you need. We trust that you already have great vegan drinks, unique wines, and signature cocktails.
Key Takeaway: The best spicy cocktails in the world can be included in most restaurant beverage menus. They will bring more customers to your business and will be a great addition to your beverage offers. Don’t shy away from adding a few spicy cocktails to your drinks list and see how your customers react!
1. Spiced Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is one of the most famous cocktails. In Ireland, they even call it hot whiskey and enjoy it frequently throughout the colder months. If you don’t already have a version of this drink in your seasonal menu, now is the time to add a Spiced Hot Toddy.
To make the Spiced Hot Toddy, you are going to need:
- 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- Hot water
Once you have all the ingredients, you should:
- Combine bourbon and lemon juice in a mug. Add honey.
- Then, add a cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Fill the mug with hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and an extra cinnamon stick.
2. Jalapeño Cranberry Margarita
Another popular cocktail you can make in many different ways is the Margarita. It made it to the best spicy cocktails list because of its popularity, simplicity, and versatility. Here is how you can make a delicious Jalapeño Cranberry Margarita:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 jalapeño, sliced
- Ice
To put everything together in a perfect way, you should:
- Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker.
- Mix tequila and triple sec together.
- Then add lime juice, cranberry juice, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with fresh ice.
3. Winter Spiced Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned is also part of the most popular cocktails worldwide. The winter spiced version is a perfect addition to a beverage menu this season because it is an interesting twist of the classic.
To make the Winter Spiced Old Fashion, you need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz spiced simple syrup
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions on how to make it:
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, spiced simple syrup, and bitters.
- Fill the glass with ice. Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a glass with a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
4. Serrano Pineapple Margarita
Serrano is a very spicy pepper that will add just the right amount of interest to your cocktail. This is one of the best spicy cocktails to serve this holiday and winter season because it’s another great twist to the Margarita.
Here is what you need for the Serrano Pineapple Margarita cocktail:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 2 slices serrano pepper
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
The instructions to follow are:
- Muddle serrano pepper slices in a shaker.
- Mix tequila with triple sec.
- Add lime juice, agave syrup, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well, strain into a glass with ice, and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
5. Spicy Paloma Verde
The best spicy cocktails have the best pepper in them! Try out the Spicy Paloma Verde and see for yourself. You will need good jalapeño peppers for this great drink.
All the ingredients you need:
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz jalapeño-infused agave syrup
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- Soda water
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
Here is what you need to do:
- In a shaker, combine tequila and jalapeño-infused agave syrup. Add grapefruit juice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Building Your Beverage Inventory to Make the Best Spicy Cocktails
If you want to dive into the world of the best spicy cocktails, you need to get spicy spirits, different types of peppers, and other spicy ingredients. You should look into quality tequila or gin. Research whiskey and other types of alcohol that are needed for the recipes we shared.
Building a beverage inventory with quality ingredients will help you stay ahead of the curve. You will be able to recreate all kinds of delicious cocktail recipes. Even the best spicy cocktails in the world. With the right drinks and good food, your restaurant will become a favorite place for a lot of locals and even tourists.
To streamline the process and save time, as well as prevent losses, use BinWise. With our beverage inventory software, you won’t have to manually count bottles and will not forget to order what you need. Book a demo today to find out how BinWise can help you!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Spicy Cocktails in the World
Need to know more on this topic? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best spicy cocktails.
How Can I Control the Level of Spiciness in a Cocktail?
To control spiciness, start with a smaller quantity of spicy ingredients and adjust to taste. You can also control heat by choosing milder or hotter peppers. Adding less or more spice-infused syrups will give you different results. Adjusting the quantity of hot sauce, too. Either way, you have control over the situation. You can also use sugar or sugar substitutes to balance out the flavors.
Are There Specific Types of Peppers Commonly Used in Spicy Cocktails?
Various peppers are used in spicy cocktails. Jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, Thai chilis, and even unconventional peppers like ghost peppers are popular choices, depending on the desired level of heat.
Can I Make a Spicy Cocktail Without Using Peppers?
Spiciness can be achieved using other ingredients like ginger, horseradish, or spicy-infused syrups without relying on peppers. Experimenting with different spices and herbs can create unique flavor profiles.