Dragon Fire Cocktail

When it comes to cocktails I have a soft spot for anything spicy. In my mind, they whet the appetite at the start of a restaurant meal, and whether that makes sense or not I’m here for it. The key to the spicy kick in this drink lies in the jalapeno syrup, but don’t be alarmed, this syrup is only mildly spicy in order to please the majority of palates. But, if you’re like me and love your spicy cocktails on the more intense side, you can increase the kick in one of two ways: either add an extra jalapeno to the syrup, or add a few slices on jalapeno to the cocktail shaker as you shake up your drink.  

Makes one cocktail

Ingredients

Jalapeno Syrup

1 jalapeno, sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water

Cocktail

1 oz jalapeno syrup
2 oz vodka
2 limes, juice freshly squeezed
ice
sliced jalapenos, for garnish

Directions

Jalapeno Syrup

  1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and heat over medium-high, stirring to help dissolve the sugar. Once dissolved and simmering, remove from heat, cover, and allow to infuse for 30 minutes. Cool completely to room temperature and strain before using.

Cocktail

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add jalapeno syrup, vodka, and fresh lime juice. Shake together vigorously and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a slice of jalapeno and serve.