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Tequila, in moderation, is one of my favorite things. I cannot remember when I fell in love with tequila, but spending my college days working at a tequila bar definitely added fuel to the fire. Trying new tequilas can be like tasting new wine, find out what you like and do not believe every up selling bartender or lurker with a black Amex, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be great. Go with your personal palate and please step out of the Patron box. My favorite silver tequila is Herradura, but I was on a bit of a budget so I used Hornitos silver.
I love how easy it is to infuse the spice and flavor of the jalapeño that keeps you coming back for more. As a bonus, jalapeños are super easy to grow at home, so consider adding them to your veggie garden next time you plant.
For the infused tequila:
  • 3 jalapenos, washed
  • 750ml bottle of silver or reposada tequila, 100% Agave only please
  1. Slice jalapenos into ¼ inch size pieces, including the seeds. Place them in a large quart size jar. Pour in a 750 ml bottle of tequila. Seal the lid and give the jar a good swirl. Keep the jar in a dark place for 2-3 days. I like to swirl the jar once a day to mix. I use mason jars for both infusing the tequila and for creating the cocktails.
  2. After your 2-3 days, pour the tequila through a fine mesh strainer to remove all the pieces of jalapeno and seeds. Funnel the infused tequila back into the jar or bottle for storage.
  3. Refrigerate

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To make 2 cocktails
  • 2.5 oz jalapeño infused tequila (I tend to have a little heavy hand)
  • 3 oz FRESH Pineapple juice, I bought mine at Whole Foods
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
  • Diced jalapeño for extra spice if needed, I’m obsessed with jalapeño and like the fresh pieces in my cocktail
  • Dash of soda water for bubbles
  • Jalapeño or pineapple wedge to garnish
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in jalapeño infused tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, Grand Marnier. Shake to combine and chill. Strain into prepared glasses and if desired, garnish with a pineapple wedge,  jalapeño slice or lime.