Want To Build A Chilli Factor Into Your Cocktails? Here’s How
Are you a mixology enthusiast who is fond of experimenting with the latest trend of crafting chilli-infused cocktails that lend drinks a contrasting sweet and spicy nuance? Well, there are more ways than one to highlight the chilli factor of the cocktails you might work with at your home bar. Here are some of your curiosities about making chilli cocktails — answered.
What does adding a ‘chilli factor’ into cocktails really mean?
Very simply, this means introducing measured amounts of spiciness into certain sweet or sour cocktails through chilli-infused spirits, spiced syrups or garnishes to build flavour, aroma and deeper complexities into the cocktail’s profile. This is all about creating a slightly zingy effect into a drink without overpowering it with spice.
Which are some of the best chillies to use while making such chilli-infused cocktails?
Among the different chilli varieties that Indian regions boast of, some tend to work really well in chilli-infused cocktails. These could be:
– Kashmiri chillies, which add spice and a certain gentle colour to the cocktail.
– The Bhut Jolokia which is quite well-known for its robust spiciness and deep hue.
– And of course, the Guntur chilli or the Guntur Sannam, which comes from Andhra Pradesh, a region known for its spicy and flavourful cuisine.
Which are some of the ways of introducing chilli flavours into cocktails?
One of the simplest ways to use chillies in cocktails is to slit a chilli and rub it on a lime slice that can in turn be used to garnish a cocktail. With this, the flavours of the chilli seep into the drink in a gradual manner.
Another way could be to craft a chilli honey syrup by mixing honey, warm water and crushed chilli flakes. With this, a mixologist can balance sweet and spicy flavours in the cocktail. For a savoury touch, it is possible to craft a chilli shrub by combining vinegar, sugar and chillies into a tangy and spicy mixer.
What are the different ways of using chillies as garnishes in cocktails?
One of the simplest ways of incorporating chillies into cocktails is in the form of a garnish. Slit a chilli and perch it on the rim of the glass as an adornment, which adds a pop of colour to a fruity cocktail.
Or, mix salt and chilli powder to craft a chilli-salt mix which can then be used for rimming spiced margarita glasses. Another alternative is to float dried red chillies or smoked chilli flakes atop cocktails. As well, a drop of chilli oil on top of a drink like a chilli mango daiquiri can make for a beautiful swirl and aroma in the cocktail.
What is a simple recipe to craft a cocktail using the famed Guntur chilli?
A trendy bar in Indian regions has developed an interesting way of working with the Guntur chillies for crafting a sweet and spicy cocktail. Here’s a simple recipe to make one of these drinks:
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice
- 45 ml mango juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1 Guntur chilli for garnish
Method:
– In a coupé glass, bring together 30 ml Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice, 45 ml mango juice and 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup. Finish the drink off with a Guntur chilli garnish that would slowly release its spicy effect into the cocktail.
Also Read: The Chilli Vodka Cocktail Recipe: Master The Art Of Spice
How can the spicy components be balanced better in cocktails?
The idea behind crafting spiced cocktails is a simple one. It is all about lacing the drink with this flavour without making it the principle ingredient in the mix. That means, cocktails with a spicy component often consist of flavours which balance their flavour note.
Think honey, agave syrup, mango juice or jaggery syrup as sweeteners which offset the more overpowering notes in spiced cocktails made using chillies. Acidic elements such as limes, grapefruits and tamarinds can be incorporated to brighten cocktails with flavours that contrast the spice. And smoked salt rims can introduce a savoury depth into certain spiced cocktails.
Key Takeaways:
– Adding chillies to cocktails is one way of crafting spiced mixes which are laced with these deep and layered flavours.
– Guntur chillies from Andhra Pradesh are known for their flavourful spice and can be used to garnish a simple cocktail containing vodka, mango juice and vanilla syrup.
– Rubbing a slit chilli on a lime garnish, adding chilli flakes on top of cocktails or lending drinks a chilli oil swirl are some ways of introducing spicy flavours into blends.
FAQs:
– Why are cocktails laced with spicy flavours in contemporary mixology?
Making spicy cocktails is all about creating a slightly zingy effect into a drink without overpowering it with spice. That’s why cocktails are subtly infused with spicy flavours in contemporary mixology.
– Which is a cocktail that can be prepared using Guntur chilli?
At a trendy bar in Indian regions, a simple cocktail is being prepared using the Guntur chilli – known for its flavourful spice – using vodka, mango juice and vanilla syrup. The spicy red chilli goes on top of the cocktail as a garnish.
– How can spicy components be balanced in chilli cocktails?
Introducing sweet flavours in the form of honey or agave syrup, bright acidity through tamarind or lime and savoury depth in the form of smoked salt rim garnishes are some ways of balancing the spicy component in chilli cocktails.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
