Spicy and sweet, the Picante cocktail will cool you down with a little heat on every sip.
Often throughout the history of cocktails, one drink will inspire another. And not like adding some strawberries or something like that, crafting a slightly different variation on the same thing. No, I’m speaking of one tipple informing another, one that is a close, but completely different beast. Tonight’s drink is one of those, the spicy and aptly named Picante.
This drink is considered a contemporary classic. A creation of celebrity bartender Chris Ojeda from the trendy Soho House bars, it was first made of cucumbers and hot sauce when it was invented in the Soho House Miami location. Later in West Hollywood, Ojeda perfected the recipe, and soon after the Picante became one of the coolest—and hottest—cocktails one could order on a night out.
Inspired by the Margarita, the Picante cocktail is made up of a devilishly delicious melding of tequila, honey and lime juice, along with muddled cilantro and red chili peppers. The result is a spicy and sweet blend of earthy, citrusy flavors. With every cool sip, a refreshing heat creeps up behind it, leaving a satisfying fire on your lips.
What Is The Best Tequila To Use In A Picante Cocktail?
When choosing your tequila to make your Picante with, you have some zesty options available to you. Many cocktails call for a clear and unaged blanco tequila, which will have a grassy, peppery taste to it, and mixes nicely with other ingredients. For a more full-bodied and flavorful experience, go with a golden and slightly aged reposado tequila.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 10 fresh cilantro leaves plus more for garnish
- 1/2 red chili pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and lime wedge for rimming the glass
- 1 slice red chili pepper for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, cilantro leaves, and red chili pepper. Use a muddler to gently bruise the ingredients.
- Add honey, lime juice, and a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake well.
- Rub the rim of a chilled rocks glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt. Strain the cocktail into the glass and garnish with a slice of red chili pepper and some cilantro leaves.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Line the rim of a rocks glass with salt, then fill it with ice before pouring your cocktail in. Garnish with a lime wedge, chili pepper and cilantro.
IS THIS RECIPE LIKE A MOJITO?
Not at all. It may look similar, but with the use of tequila, chili pepper and cilantro the Picante has nothing in common with the minty Mojito, apart from some lime juice.
Similar Drinks To The Picante Cocktail
You’re in the mood for something a little hot, but refreshing and cool. Something with a kick, and also a little punch. After trying the Picante cocktail, you’ve now acquired a taste for the spicy, fresh and strong. Twist & Toast has a couple recipes you can try out right now, to satisfy that hot and cold craving of yours.
- El Pepino – Sweet, citrusy and with some real heat, this tequila cocktail will quench your thirst.
- Cucumber Margarita – This spin on the classic will cool you down while heating you up.
- Mezcalita – Chili powder helps make this tipple a smoky and tangy one.
- Serrano Paloma – This popular concoction is brought to life with the help of some spicy hot serrano chilis.
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