To assist your celebrations this May 5th, here are some muy caliente cocktail recipes that break all of the Cinco drinking rules: they don't contain tequila! Yes, it sounds like blasphemy — using rum and vodka in place of tequila — but give them a try and I promise you'll be converted.
Tip: If you're not a fan of too much heat, make sure you remove the seeds and ribs from the spicy peppers used in these drinks.
Picante Muchacho (above)
1 1/2 oz Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
Muddled poblano peppers
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a short rocks glass over ice and garnish with a poblano and jalapeño pepper.
2 oz Flor de Caña 18 Year Rum
1 1/2 oz fresh pineapple puree juice
1 oz five spice syrup
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1 slice jalapeño chili
Combine ingredients and shake. Serve on rocks in Collins glass, float 18 yr, splash soda. Garnish with pineapple leaf and floating whole star anise.
To make five spice syrup: bring 2 cups water, 2 1/2 cups demerera sugar and 4 tablespoons of five spice powder to boil. Cover, let cool and strain.
