Considering that the cocktail market has been flooded with
“kicked-up” margaritas over the past year or so, it seems only natural that
someone, somehow, would come up with a spicy tequila. It was only a matter of
time, especially given the recent infusions craze that had bartenders scheming
up drinkable (though sometimes just barely) concoctions imbued with herbs,
spices, fruits, and, um, pork products. And while they’re not the first to do
so, the capsicum-happy pepperheads at McIlhenny Company have teamed up with
Heaven Hill Distilleries to create a pre-spiced voodoo juice, no infusion
required. Behold … Tabasco Spicy Tequila.
The tequila looks innocuous enough — no toxic cherry-red hues
here, just clean, amber liquid that belies the ensuing heat. It’s not a
face-puckering torture session; it’s kind of sweet, actually, with hints of
habañero and vinegar. Our own Mike Diskin says it reminds him of the “ball
buster” shots (made with equal parts hot sauce and tequila) he and his buddies
used to do in college. Well boys, Tabasco’s done the leg work for you. Less
time mixing = more time imbibing = more opportunities to make out with sorority
girls and their grown-up counterparts.
Launched in September, this potent potion has made its way to
Boston. Tequila-philes can knock it back, Mexican spring-break style, at Harvard
Gardens (316 Cambridge Street, Boston, 617.523.2727), Cactus
Club (939 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.236.0200), and Revolution
Rock Bar (200 High Street, Boston, 617.261.4200). If you’d prefer to
experiment with tequila-based favorites at home, you can pick up a bottle at Charles
Street Liquors (143 Charles Street, Boston, 617.523.5051) or Libby’s
Liquor Market (575 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.354.3678). This
agreeably fiery spirit is begging for salt, so naturally, it makes a killer
margarita — try adding Cointreau for a pleasing fruity balance. Spice up your
hangover brunches by pre-gaming with spicy Bloody Marys, and, for a simple
treat, Tabasco Tequila and ginger ale (a “Tabasco Tall”) is a headstrong tango
of spice and sweet. Visit www.tabascotequila.com for more recipes.
