Spicy Smoke & Heat

This mezcal and tequila cocktail, Spicy Smoke & Heat, brings the heat with a touch of hot honey and a hint of serrano chile. The smokiness of mezcal and the warmth of tequila combine with the spiciness of the syrup, creating a tantalizing balance of flavors.

Spicy Smoke & Heat

Spicy Smoke & Heat is a mezcal and tequila cocktail with a spicy kick from hot honey syrup and serrano chile.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 serrano chile, halved, stem removed
  • 1/2 oz. white wine vinegar
  • 3 lemon wedges
  • 1 oz. mezcal
  • 1 oz. reposado tequila
  • 1/2 oz. Hot Honey Syrup
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash Peychaud's bitters
  • Mint sprig (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Blend honey and 3 1/2 oz. filtered water in a blender until thoroughly mixed, then pour into a resealable jar.
  2. Add halved serrano chile and white wine vinegar to the honey mixture, then chill for at least 8 hours.
  3. Remove the chile and chill the syrup until ready to use.
  4. Muddle the lemon wedges in a shaker until juicy but not pulverized.
  5. Add mezcal, reposado tequila, Hot Honey Syrup, Angostura bitters, and Peychaud's bitters to the shaker with ice.
  6. Shake briefly to chill and dilute, about 10 seconds.
  7. Pour the shaker contents (including ice) into a double old-fashioned glass, top with cracked ice, and garnish with a mint sprig.