Red Chile Cordial
Growing up in New Mexico, Red Chile was a huge part of my childhood. This cordial is a great way to highlight that local flavor, as well as a great way to add sweetness, rich roasted flavors, and a little bit of heat to whatever cocktail it graces. Pairs especially well with aged spirits or anything that already has some smoke or spice to it.
1 cup New Mexico Red Chile, crushed
500ml high proof, neutral spirit (Everclear or similar)
500ml local honey
If you have whole Pods, remove the stems and crush them. Add chile and neutral spirit to a mason jar and steep for 24 hours. Strain and mix with honey to combine
Notes:
When adding this to cocktails, start small. Depending on your chiles this stuff can go from pleasantly roasty to hot as hell.
Feel free to experiment with other spirits, but always go for something higher proof to aid with extraction.
If it comes out too hot you can dilute with 250ml water mixed with 250ml honey until it’s the right heat for you.
This recipe works with all kinds of chiles
Use local honey! Local honeys have a huge variety of flavors. work with your local beekeeper to find something that works for you!