BONUS — Chicago Fire

October 28, 2010 (BONUS) — Chicago Fire

The awesome and ever-talented Josh Davis and Ramon Henderson recently brought what they called a “Luxuy Drop” to a competition in Chicago. These guys are two of my closest mixology friends, so I always like to keep a close on eye what they’re doing. Especially since they’re rocking Chi-City, they have more access to these types of contests and information that I do out here in the boonies.

Here’s a snippet from his most recent post:

So a couple weeks ago I walk into Mercadito (Great Spanish restaurant in the River North section of Downtown Chicago) for a Don Julio event with the Master Distiller. So I walk into Double A (the downstairs lounge) and I see a table with Don Julio Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo, along with a myriad of ingredients from spices, to fruit, to syrups.. Needless to say I was amazed at the different variety that was available for sample. So myself and my partner Ray( @Bartend4fun on the twitter network) were entered into a impromptu contest to create the luxury drop.

So a luxury drop is not a 1 oz shot, but not a full cocktail either. Its about 2 oz of alcohol with an array of tastes inside it. So here is the “Chicago Fire”

I was fascinated. I always appreciate having the opportunity to try a friends new concoctions, so I was excited to try this out. In fact, my awesome wife even picked me up some fresh strawberries. Josh suggests that this can be drank as both a shot as well as a cocktail. As I need something to sip on while helping around the house, I’ll go with the cocktail version.

Chicago Fire

Muddle 2 strawberries and 2 limes

1 part agave syrup

2.5 oz anejo tequila

Dash of black pepper

Dash of cayenne pepper

One strawberry coated in cinnamon and cayenne for garnish

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Float cinnamon on top and garnish with the prepared strawberry. Take a sip, then drop the strawberry in to let it soak in the cocktail.

Before I tell you what I thought of the drink, here’s Josh’s notes:

Sounds crazy right? It’s super sweet but also spicy! So it hit each and every sense inside your tongue. Now unfortunately we didn’t win the contest, BUT I had the opportunity to headline this drink at a private bday celebration over the weekend and needless to say everyone LOVED this drink! Most of the guys enjoyed it a little more spicy, and the ladies liked it sweeter. But it’s to your personal taste.

Now, it’s interesting that he notes you bring every bit of your tongue into work. It’s a very interesting sensation having all the sweet, sour, salty and spiciness all cascade across your tongue. Personally, I’d add a bit more cayenne pepper to create a bit more spiciness in the drink. After sipping the drink and soaking the strawberry, you can munch on that as a nice booze-berry.

Good job, gentlemen!

Cheers!

— Mark