7 Spicy Spirits to Try This Summer

When you think of a night out, your mind may jump to the usual fruity and floral drinks so often associated with cocktail trends. In case you didn’t know, spicy flavors are giving cocktails a much needed kick this summer.

 

Subtle notes of pepper and spice can enhance a drink and bring out natural flavors of the secondary ingredients. Spicy combinations can create an exciting palate experience with endless new twists on classics and modern cocktails! We’ve compiled a list of must try spicy spirits for your backbar this summer.

 

 

St. George Green Chile (40% ABV)

With its subtle spice profile, this spirit allows drinkers to add a little kick to their normal cocktail choices, without being overwhelmed with heat. This vodka is infused with a variety of California peppers, cilantro, and a bit of lime, creating a delicately spiced drink. It’s perfectly balanced with sweetness and spiciness. Try adding this delicious spirit to your next brunch in a Bloody Mary!

 

 

Hanson of Sonoma Organic Habanero (40% ABV)

This impressive vodka boasts a variety of seven different types of peppers, all sourced locally in California. This family-owned distillery makes 100% organic, gluten free, sugar free and zero carbohydrate spirits, and with a few different options to choose from, this habanero infused choice is a crowd favorite. It has all natural ingredients, no chili powders, or syrups, setting it aside from other brands. A little spicy, and a little sweet, this vodka is a perfect choice for a new twist on the classic Screwdriver!

 

 

Breckenridge Chili Chile Vodka (40% ABV)

This spicy chili flavored vodka was awarded gold in the 2016 World Spirits Competition. It’s combination of Turkish Chili and Pueblo Chile creates a subtle smoky taste. The Pueblo Chili’s are grown in Colorado where the Breckinridge Distillery is located. This spirit is balanced perfectly for sipping on its own, however, the Distillery itself has used this Vodka to create a spicy and smooth Chili Chile Vodka Margarita!

 

 

Dulce Vida Real Pineapple Jalapeno Tequila (35% ABV)

Dulce Vida has masterfully mixed sweet and spicy in this fruity Tequila. The fresh notes of pineapple mixed with blue agave and jalapeno peppers creates a smooth and tropical spicy drink. Mix with club soda and a squeeze of fresh lime and you have a cool and refreshing summer drink. This shelf staple will be a perfect upgrade to your home bar!

 

 

21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno, Blanco (35% ABV)

This award-winning Tequila offers drinkers a fresh and cool spirit, infused with real fruit juice. The recipient of many awards and accolades, this spirit is sure to add a kick to your drinks. The perfect mix of cool cucumber and fresh jalapeno, this tequila gives drinkers an incredible and versatile addition to cocktail options. Try their own recipe for a Spicy Margarita!

 

 

Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Liqueur (40% ABV)

This versatile spirit has a wide variety of tasting notes, lending to a well-balanced option for your next cocktail menu. This spirit is made by using fresh poblano chiles, still green when picked, fire roasted for hours creating a smoky and rich flavor profile. Many bartender reviews describe the spirit’s aftertaste as a lingering heat, without overwhelming the drinker. Try this spicy liquor in the distillery’s own recipe, the Ancho Reyes Spicy Verde Gimlet!

 

 

Ghost Tequila (40% ABV)

This exciting tequila has a unique history behind its creation. It was designed and made by bartenders who wanted to create a tequila that honored the culture of the drink while being innovative with new flavors profiles. This spirit uses bhut jolokia peppers, or ghost peppers, paired with agave creating a sweet drink, with a bite of heat. This tequila stands alone on its own but try adding it to your favorite Daiquiri for a spicy hot twist!