Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! The sappy occasion designed to boost sales for cards, chocolates and flowers — not to mention pressure us into doing what we should every other day of the year — is here. And if you can't tell, I'm a big fan.
I could've began with something like, "There's more than one way to deliver a rose on Valentine's Day." Then featured a cocktail of rose-infused vodka, or rosé, or both. But been there, done that.
Instead, we're taking our drink recipe on the lovers' holiday in another direction.
On the Sauce first used Ancho Reyes Verde alongside its obvious match of tequila in the Verde Paloma. This week, the neutral spirit that is vodka takes center stage, along with natural partners pineapple and triple sec and some lime juice for freshness.
When these ingredients are combined with the slightly smoky and sweet Verde, the green chile liqueur's spiciness tickles the part of your tongue that usually sleeps through cocktail hour, making the drink highly addictive.
The beauty of this cocktail with a little kick is that it starts out good — and only gets better. Hence its name, Ancho Reyaaas Queen.
Ancho Reyaaas Queen
Makes 1
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Poblano Liqueur
1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all ingredients. Shake until well-chilled. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
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