Hibiscus-Lemongrass Tequila Toddy

In my humble opinion, the Toddy is one of the best cocktails ever created.  It’s simple, easy to make, and warms your soul in more than one way.  As you know, I love finding new ways to introduce different flavors into classic cocktails, simple twists that end up creating a whole new drink.

I’ve been thinking about this one for a bit – a warm Hibiscus cocktail that also has a bit of kick.  When I was working on this cocktail, I was thinking about the flavor of agave that comes through so beautifully in Patron silver – bright, fresh and crisp.  Lemongrass and Hibiscus were the two flavors that initially came to mind – and I fully admit that I was probably influenced by the beautiful 2018 Patron 1-Liter bottle design!  The flavors of agave mix well with the sweet flavor of the tea, and the addition of green chili liqueur adds spice with an additional layer of vegetal flavors that compliment the tequila itself.

These are guaranteed to be on repeat all winter long in my house, and hopefully yours as well.  Cheers!

Hibiscus-Lemongrass Tequila Toddy
Makes One Drink

1-1/2 oz Patron Silver Tequila – Limited Edition 2018 1-Liter Bottle
¼ oz Green Chili Liqueur
½ oz 1:1 Simple Syrup
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
3-4 oz Hibiscus-Lemongrass Tea

Build in a mug, and garnish with a lime slice, a stalk of lemongrass, and a tea leaf.

For the Tea: 

1 three-inch Piece of Lemongrass
¼ cup Hibiscus Whole Leaf Tea

Chop the lemongrass into ½ inch pieces.  Add to a teapot with the hibiscus tea and add hot water.  Steep for three to four minutes, or until the tea is of the desired strength.  Keep warm until ready to serve.

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Patrón Tequila. All opinions are 100% mine.

Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate, Spiked with Tequila & Chilies

I have a serious soft spot in my heart for dark chocolate, the darker the better.  These days I don't eat much sweets, but I can never turn down a warm cup of hot chocolate especially when it is spiked with ancho chilies and Tequila.  Chocolate pairs so well with agave spirits, it has become one of my all time favorite combinations.

This recipe calls for silver tequila, hot chocolate mix (because who has time to make hot chocolate mix themselves), and ground ancho chili powder.  I used Patrón Silver Tequila, a mainstay in any well stocked bar in my opinion.  This holiday season Patrón has released a limited edition 1-Liter bottle with a gorgeous label on it that is reminiscent of the work of Mexican muralists such as Diego Rivera.  It's a gorgeous bottle, that makes for an excellent holiday gift, if you're a last-minute shopper like I am.

Without further ado:

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate, Spiked with Tequila & Chilies
Makes 4 Servings

8 Tablespoons Quality Hot Chocolate Mix
24 oz Coconut Milk, Simmering
4 oz Water, Boiling
8 oz Patrón Silver Tequila
2 Tablespoons Ground Ancho Chili Powder (or to taste)
4 Toffee Cocoa Stir Sticks to Garnish

Instructions:
Boil water and whisk with hot chocolate mix in a large mixing vessel.  When properly mixed, add simmering coconut milk and chili powder.  Let cool for a few minutes, and then add tequila.  Mix, and serve into individual mugs.  Garnish with a toffee stirring stick and a pine sprig.  Enjoy!

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Patrón Tequila. All opinions are 100% mine.

Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

Smoked Unicum Hot Toddies

I love Hot Toddies.  To me, there is nothing better than a warm, boozy toddy with that zip of lemon and the sweet homey taste of honey to make winter just melt away.  I always think Hot Toddies taste better at home, there's something about curling up into a ball under a cozy blanket with a big mug, and watching the snow fall outside.  It's really the best.

But sometimes you need a shake up: and the Smoked Unicum Toddy will do just that.  Made with Unicum Plum liqueur (sister spirit of the Hungarian spirit Zwack), smoked with Mesquite wood chips in a hand held smoking gun, and sweetened with a dash of Luxardo cherry liqueur; this Toddy might have you wishing that winter will stick around a bit longer than planned.

Smoked Unicum Hot Toddy
Created by Gastronomista

3 oz Unicum Plum Liqueur
1/2 oz Luxardo Liqueur
6 oz Hot Water (Slightly Cooled Boiling Water)
Cinnamon Stick
Whole Star Anise

Equipment

PolyScience Smoking Gun
Mesquite Wood Chips

Instructions

Pour desired servings of Unicum Plum into a decanter or a large jar with cellophane on the top.  Set up decanter with hose of smoking gun inside of the decanter.  If using a jar, poke a hole in cellophane and insert the tube.  Fill Smoking gun with a generous pinch of Mesquite Wood Chips, turn on internal fan, and light with a lighter.

Let vessel fill with smoke, and then seal.  Stir gently, mixing the smoke molecules with the spirit.

In your desired serving mug build the cocktail, starting with the Luxardo, then Smoked Unicum, and top with boiling water that has cooled.  Stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a whole star anise.