Our spotlight ingredient that transforms bartender Alex Penny’s Cariño Andaluz cocktail being served at Corrida’s in Boulder is green bell pepper juice.
Just like Espresso Martinis are all the rage, Vegetable Martinis are making it onto cocktail menus this season. Here’s what Corrida’s Beverage Director Bryan Dayton told us about mixing with green bell peppers in cocktails.
Tell us about the Cariño Andaluz.
The Cariño Andaluz is a beautiful and refreshing brunch cocktail meant to calm the senses.
What inspired this cocktail?
Being that it was created for brunch, we wanted something that had some depth and nutrients in it. Something soothing and replenishing.
Talk to us about its green bell pepper Juice, how do you make it?
We juice green bell peppers through a Champion Juicer (you can also use a Vitamix and strain through a cheese cloth).
Why did you decide to include GB pepper juice in the cocktail?
It is sort of a riff on the Bloody Mary, with more of a green veg focus.
Talk to us about mixing with green bell pepper juice.
We thought about other green elements that would complement the bell pepper, and bring some sweetness. After some R&D, we landed on mint and honey for the perfect balance.
What should bartenders know?
Always use fresh ingredients, and make sure you’re always tasting for balance!
Give us 4-5 tips on working with peppers in cocktails.
- The flavor of various peppers can vary greatly, so it is important to always taste and adjust to achieve a balanced beverage.
- When creating our cocktails, we try and think like a chef in terms of understanding what ingredients work best with each other.
- Pick spirits that really blend well with the pepper: vodka because it’s neutral, gin for its diversity, and tequilas work well with pepper drinks as well! It’s actually pretty versatile.
- Always make sure your juice is fresh and of the best quality.
- Shake don’t stir!
Cariño Andaluz
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Lift Vodka
- 1 oz green bell pepper juice
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey (2:1)
Preparation: Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into coupe glass. Garnish with fresh mint sprig through a lime wheel on a cocktail pick.
The post Veggie Martinis Made with Bell Peppers appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
