Trends in cocktail ingredients are heating up this season, with spicy flavors from all over the world taking center stage on bartender’s beverage programs.

 

We’re seeing everything from Tajin spicy Margaritas to Jalapeno-infused Mezcal Mule cocktails, to Mango and Serrano Chile Daiquiris on today’s hotspot menus! One of the biggest names in flavor trends, Monin, expects the sweet heat trend and exotic spicy flavors from all over the world to continue spicing up our cocktails through the spring and summer.

We ask Monin Senior Vice President of Marketing Stasha Johnston about the latest trends calling for bold spicy flavors and bartenders favorite sweet heat go-to ingredients from Monin.

 

 

Bartenders are looking to bring the heat! Talk to us about the new Monin Spicy Agave Sweetener.

Monin Spicy Agave is an exciting new addition to our line of sweeteners. This flavored agave is made with organic agave and an intriguing blend of Hatch (certified with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture) and Guajillo Chiles that lends itself to unique specialty drinks. It offers the perfect balance of sweet with heat, and it’s an easy way to add a crave-able kick to drinks and culinary creations. As consumers continue trending toward wellness and spice, Spicy Agave is a perfect sweetener solution for 2023 and beyond.

What inspired Monin to create this product?

Our Liquid Sweeteners have steadily increased in popularity over the past decade, with agave becoming one of our best-selling items. With customer interest in spicy beverages on the rise, we saw an exciting opportunity to expand our liquid sweetener offerings and introduce the first widely available spicy agave sweetener to the market.

How are bartenders using this sweetener?

What sells better than a Margarita? A spicy Margarita! This bold and spicy sweetener can be used to add a kick to that classic rita recipe, or it can bring a nice pop of spice to Palomas, Ranch Waters, or new classics like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. The bold flavors of Hatch and Guajillo chiles create an earthy, balanced heat that adds complexity to a variety of cocktails.

 

One of the major trends this year is spicy flavors, why do you think this is?

Spice adds an unexpected element to beverages that piques people’s curiosity. Using Spicy Agave as an example: consumers are comfortable with agave but add in Hatch and Guajillo chiles and you’re offering an entirely new flavor experience. It hits the sweet spot (pun intended) of adventurous yet familiar that most customers crave. Spice Heist is one our Flavor Trends for 2023. Expect to see an increase in the assortment of heat levels and types including sweet heat, exotic peppers and spicy flavors from the Far East, Mediterranean and Asia. We anticipate spices from more worldly places like India, Malaysia, and Mexico will also revolutionize food and beverage menus.

What would you like bartenders to know about mixing with this product?

Let the chiles inspire you! So often we automatically pair agave sweeteners and spice with tequila or mezcal, but Spicy Agave also plays incredibly well with the botanical flavors in gin or amaro. While great with tequilas and mezcals, it’s versatility makes it perfect for creating memorable, on-trend cocktails and low/no ABV beverages. Hatch chile is an amazing flavor that isn’t as ubiquitous as other peppers, so let the spice heat up your imagination.

 

 

Spicy Agave Ranch Water

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Blanco Tequila
• ½ oz Monin Spicy Agave Syrup
• ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 3 oz Club Soda

Preparation: Combine ingredients in shaker in the order listed, except soda. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled Collins glass. Top with soda, garnish with lime wheel and pineapple leaves.