If not evident from my last post, I LOVE the French 75. Not just the specific flavor profile of the cocktail, but the format. The addition of sparkling wine to sweetened liquor makes it seem light and refreshing, when in fact, it is a punch in the liver. Kind of like a collins or Moscow Mule, only the carbonated part is also alcoholic. I’ve been employing the format for different types of base liquor, like rum and tequila.
Most recently, I’ve been on a tequila kick (listen, it’s been a LOOOOONG time since college, so the immediate trauma-related nausea response has greatly subsided). Specifically, spicy Margaritas. Margaritas are traditionally a summer-time drink, given their association with tropical vacations, boat days and wild summer parties. Spicy food is also most associated with summer (think tacos, nachos, seafood boils and BBQ) because it produces sweat, which in turn helps cool you off. Alcoholic fizzy drinks are similarly associated with warmer weather given their refreshing effect.
So was born the idea of making a spicy Margarita, topping it with sparking wine and calling it a Model 1911, after the Model 1911 Madsen Machine gun used in the Mexican Civil War. The format of the name I felt most closely fit that of the French 75 (word + number). It’s also a gun, so. Ha. I’m so clever sometimes it hurts.
I used Ghost Tequila AND Ancho Chile Reyes. Also, pineapple goes exceedingly well with tequila and pepper, so why reinvent the wheel. The result? Light, refreshing, spicy and tingly. All the good things you look for in a summertime drink:
1 oz. Ghost Blanco Tequila (or 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño)
1/2 oz. Ancho Chile Reyes
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1 oz. Pineapple juice
1/4-1/2 oz. Orgeat (depending on how sweet you like it)
1/2 oz. Lime juice ( or more, if you like it sour)
Prosecco or Champagne to top
- Prep your glass by rimming it with Tajin (or salt, or salt, sugar and cayenne)
- Throw everything but the Prosecco in a shaker with ice and shake 12-15 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted
- Strain into your prepared glass
- Top with Prosecco
- Garnish with pineapple and lime
Just Jelli 