Part of what we love so much about cocktails is their variety. There really is a cocktail out there for every person and every palate. Whether you crave something fruity, something classic, or something that’s currently trending on social media, there’s a cocktail waiting to be discovered. 

At Flying Embers, we like to take a walk on the wild side every now and then — and few drinks are more wild and exciting than those with a serious kick.

Sure, there are days when we could go for a soothing beverage guaranteed to calm us down. Still, there are also occasions that call for a drink that is as exciting as the night ahead of us.

Make your weekend one to remember with the help of a few of our favorite spicy cocktails.

What Are Spicy Cocktails?

Spicy cocktails might not be the first drinks on your mind when you think of an evening nightcap. Well, we’re here to change that. 

We want to elevate taste combinations that come alive as you experience them, and an added dose of spice is a fantastic way to do just that.

The best drinks — like the best nights — are the ones that surprise you. After all, who wants to have the same experiences day after day? A spicy cocktail is one way to create a new take on classic flavors, all while highlighting what made our favorite drinks so delicious in the first place. 

Our love for a pop of something spicy in our drinks helped inspire some of our favorite hard kombucha and hard seltzer flavors, and we’re keeping that going with our favorite cocktail combos.

What Foods Go Well With Spicy Cocktails?

A dining experience is not complete without the perfect beverage, but finding that twin flame pairing can be challenging. Searching for the right combination will require a bit more foresight when planning a dinner party or having guests over for a meal, but the rewards are worth the effort.

You can let the meal inform the drink or vice versa. You can also consider the time of day, and let that guide your decisions. 

For instance, if you are having friends over for brunch, a bloody mary with high-quality tomato juice and a hint of Tabasco could be just the ticket. If you’re hosting a rooftop excursion to watch the sunset, peppy ginger beers might be more your speed. 

Really, you can serve whatever food you want with your favorite spicy cocktails. We like to let the drink’s ingredients help determine what food we serve. For example, a drink with just a touch of fresh pineapple works well with pineapple shrimp or a Mexican pineapple taco, complete with jalapeño slices, chipotle seasoning, or cilantro. 

If you are looking for another alternative, a jalapeño margarita or another spicy tequila cocktail would also pair well with this meal. The possibilities are endless.

Are Spicy Drinks and Spicy Food Combos Too Hot To Handle?

Everyone’s spice tolerance is different, and you should keep your loved ones’ preferences in mind when planning out a menu. 

Some people build up a tolerance to spicy foods — the more spicy food they eat, the more they are able to eat and enjoy. That should give some hope to those of us who see a habanero or chili pepper and run for the hills. If your friends aren’t used to the joys of spicy foods and beverages quite yet, slow and steady might just win this race.

Since it’s impossible to anticipate everyone’s individual spice needs, provide options so that people can personalize their meals. Rather than infusing food with a significant amount of spice before serving, provide hot sauces like Tabasco, or offer a garnish like red pepper, cayenne pepper, or serrano.

Don’t let that discourage you from including some spice in your dishes. A hearty dose of black pepper can elevate a meal to new heights. Without sufficient pepper, the beloved cacio e pepe pasta would be reduced to just cacio. We can’t have that.

Spicy Cocktails To Make in a Hot Minute

The faster you can make these spicy cocktails, the faster you can enjoy them. We don’t blame you for wanting to get to the good part. 

However, we encourage you to savor the moment. Making a cocktail can be a thoughtful experience that significantly adds to the joy you get while drinking the result. 

The Spicy Pineapple

We touched on pineapple earlier, but we’re far from done with this delectable fruit. Pineapple’s tropical notes make it a wonderful pairing for similarly beach-ready spices. 

This cocktail can dazzle your guests with only a few simple ingredients. Start with one ounce of chili-infused mezcal, then add a half of an ounce of lime juice. 

Fresh lime juice is typically best, but do what feels right. Next, pour half an ounce of agave (although you can skip it if you’re looking for a more savory cocktail). Add two and a half ounces of Pineapple Chili Hard Kombucha to complete this delicious drink. To take it to the next level, you can garnish this beverage with pineapple fronds or wedges.

Watermelon Chili High

This refreshing twist on a watermelon basil margarita really brings the heat. Take one ounce of tequila, a half-ounce of lime juice or lemon juice, and a half-ounce of agave or agave nectar. Once those ingredients are combined, pour a few ounces of our Watermelon Chili Hard Seltzer on top. 

You can make this drink more or less spicy, depending on your needs. It’s a true adventure in personalization.

In the Pink Guava Jalapeño

Simple in preparation but not in flavor, the Pink Guava Jalapeño only needs an ounce of white rum, an ounce of lime juice, and a generous pour of our Guava Jalapeño Hard Seltzer. Break out the fancy cocktail glasses.

Pineapple Cayenne Margarita

We can’t get enough pineapple, so it only makes sense to add a second juicy pineapple drink into the mix. 

Combine your choice of tequila, triple sec, cayenne, and lime juice. Top it off with a Pineapple Cayenne Hard Seltzer — you can even add some hot sauce directly into the cocktail to punch up the spice even more.

Spicy Mango Sangria

To make this summer treat any time of the year, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Once the sugar dissolves, add your choice of wine, mango juice, cut mangos, and halved serrano chilis. 

Our Spicy Mango Mosaic Hard Kombucha adds a welcomed hoppy note to finish off an already-complex drink.

Grapefruit Flame Paloma

Using three ounces of grapefruit juice, an ounce of tequila, and an ounce of jalapeño simple syrup puts you well on your way to a Grapefruit Flame Paloma. 

Once you add in some Grapefruit Thyme Hard Kombucha, it’s time to enjoy.

Skip the Mixing

Sometimes, we want to skip straight to the action. For those occasions, Flying Embers has a variety of ready-to-drink spicy beverages that are delicious straight out of the can. 

Hard seltzer fans will love flavors like Watermelon Chili, Guava Jalapeño, and Pineapple Cayenne. Meanwhile, those of us searching for a spicy hard kombucha can enjoy options like Pineapple Chili and Spicy Mango Mosaic. 

You’ll never want to reach for an uninspiring vodka soda again.

Add a Kick to Your Weekend

No matter what you have in store for the weekend ahead, these spicy cocktails are sure to give you the extra excitement you need. 

 

Sources:

A Guide to Drinking With Spicy Foods: Cocktails | Kitchn

Why Some People Tolerate Spicy Foods Better Than Others | McGill

Cacio e Pepe History: All About Italy’s Oldest Pasta Dish | Foodicles