Grapefruit Chile Sprtiz
At first glance these eye-catching chile peppers look like red jalapeno. However, they have a different flavor and are less meaty than Jalapeno. Red Fresnos are great roasted and added to salsas. Try grilling them alongside your steaks or in kabobs. When roasting these they should char, blister, and become soft. Try substituting these in your favorite chile recipes.
Serves: 1 cocktail
INGREDIENTS
2 slices fresno chile (or jalapeno)
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (I used Oro Blanco grapefruits here)
1/4 ounce honey syrup*, plus more to taste
1/2 ounce blanc vermouth
1/4 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
3 ounces chilled soda water
1 strip grapefruit zest, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Muddle chile slices in a cocktail shaker, then add vodka, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, vermouth, elderflower liqueur and ice. Shake until well chilled. Taste for sweetness and add more honey syrup as needed.*
Strain cocktail into a tumbler filled with ice. Top off with soda water and garnish with grapefruit zest.
NOTES
*Place 2 parts honey to 1 part water in a measuring cup. For example, 1/4 cup honey and 2 tablespoons water. Warm in a microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until the honey dissolves into the water. You can also do this on the stovetop over medium heat, but I find the microwave works well for small amounts.