glass with a ice and mezcal drink garnished with a lime and jalapeno

The Stiffy (a Mezcal and Guajillo Pepper Cocktail)

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The Stiffy  (a Mezcal Guajillo Cocktail)

Are you in need of a Stiffy?  Well, you definitely need to try a Mezcal Guajillo Cocktail ..This delicious Mezcal beverage is balanced with the citrusy Cointreau and fresh lime juice. The mix is amped up with Guajillo Pepper simple syrup and a Chipotle sugar rim.

This XXX recipe delivers a slightly sassy chili tang, with wonderful smoke, and spice.  So fill your cocktail shaker with ice, add all ingredients, mix, and Shake well

Belly up to el Mezcaleria! Tasty!

 

Ingredients:

Guajillo Simple Syrup

  • Sugar
  • Dried Guajillo Chilis
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg

Rim

  • Sugar
  • Chipotle Chili Pepper
  • Lime Wedge

Cocktail

  • Mezcal
  • Lime juice
  • Cointreau
  • Guajillo Simple Syrup

 

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Why would I want to spice up my cocktail?

For those of us who enjoy spicy food, a tangy or peppery cocktail can be an exciting and invigorating experience. The heat of the spice can add a pleasant contrast to the sweet and sour flavors of the cocktail, making it more complex and interesting to savor.  Additionally, spicy cocktails can provide a unique and adventurous twist to traditional drinks. You may warm up with spicy cocktails during colder months.  But you may also love to cool down with a frosty cocktail of fresh and flavorful ingredients like jalapeños, ginger, or cayenne pepper. Overall, a spicy cocktail can be both delicious and thrilling, provide you with an unforgettable drinking experience.

 

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Origins of Mezcal

Almost 400 years ago the Spanish arrived in Mexico and taught the indigenous people the techniques of distillation.  Mezcal was born,

Though Mezcal can be made from 30 different types of Agave, it is generally made from Agave.   Espadin, and Oaxaca produce about 60 % of the country’s Mezcal.

 

 

Making Mezcal

Even today, producers of Mezcal traditionally roast agave in underground wood-fired pits, and distill in small batch copper-pot stills.   Some of the best examples of Mezcal are smooth, smokey, amber-colored, and aged in Oak barrels.  Mezcal is protected by an ‘Appellation of Origin’ and this Mexican standard of certification, verification, and monitoring supports the process and quality of Mezcal that we enjoy.

 

 

Mezcal & Tequila (Reposado)

Do you know the difference between Mezcal and Tequila?  Tequila is a form of Mezcal- but there are many differences.  By law, Tequila can be produced from only one agave- Blue Agave, while Mezcal can be made from many varietals.  Tequila is typically made in stainless steel autoclaves, rather than the artisanal underground fire pits that produce Mezcal’s more savory, smoky flavor.  Both spirits get smoother with barrel aging, and both have quality and prices that vary widely.

 

Why Guajillo Peppers in Cocktail recipes?

Have you used Guajillo peppers?  Guajillo peppers are a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They are usually harvested when they are fully ripe and dried to increase their shelf life.

The pepper gets its name from the town of Guajillo in Zacatecas, Mexico, where it is believed to have originated. However, it is now widely grown in various regions of Mexico and is a staple ingredient in many Mexican dishes such as sauces, salsas, and stews- and now our cocktails!

Guajillo peppers have a reddish-brown color and a thin, smooth, shiny skin.  They are medium-heat chilies, and range from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville heat units (SHU).  You will love that these peppers Bring the Zing!  Purchase Guajillo Peppers dried, and simmer into a simple syrup for interesting cocktails.

 

 

Where do I buy Guajillo Peppers?

Guajillo peppers can be found at most grocery stores that carry a variety of Latin American ingredients. Look for them in the spice section or the Hispanic foods aisle of your local supermarket, or Walmart. If you can’t find them at a physical store, you can also order them online from specialty food stores or through e-commerce giants like Amazon.

When shopping for Guajillo peppers, it’s important to look for ones that are unbroken, whole, and free from mold or mildew. They should have a deep red color and a slightly wrinkled texture. Guajillo peppers have a moderately spicy flavor, so you can adjust the amount according to your personal taste.

 

 

What are tips for Making Cocktails for a Party?

  1. Simplify.   Rather than making multiple cocktails, chose a signature cocktail that will create a delicious experience for your guests.
  2. Prepare a batch mixture of your cocktail ahead of time and chill.  Your guests can immediately receive a cocktail at the perfect temperature.
  3. Prepare your cocktail glasses ahead of time.  Whether a Martini glass or cocktail glass, you can have your glasses chilled, and garnished.  Garnish with a lime wheel,  or rim the glass with graham cracker crumbs (as in this recipe), or a more creative flourish- prepare ahead
  4. Set up your Bar or Self-serve Beverage Station.  .  Just before the party you can pull out your ice bucket, your garnished glasses, and even pour a few cocktails for your first guests.  Remember to have a picture of water, and some non-alcoholic options such as sparkling water, juice or sodas.
  5. Be in the moment- Your friends want to see and enjoy you!

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Are you ready for a Stiffy – a Mezcal and Guajillo Pepper Cocktail?

glass with a ice and mezcal drink garnished with a lime and jalapeno
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5 from 67 votes

The Stiffy (a Mezcal and Guajillo Pepper Cocktail)

a Mezcal and Guajillo Pepper Cocktail
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Guajillo chili simple syrup, Guajillo Pepper cocktail, Mezcal, Mezcal and red chili cocktail, Mezcal bar, Mezcal Cocktail with Guajillo Pepper, Smokey spicy cocktail, Stiffy, Stiffy Cocktail
Yield: 1
Author: Ligma Johnson

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker

Materials

Guajillo Chili Simple Syrup

  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 2 Large Dried Guajillo Chilis-Deseeded and chopped
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Pinch of Nutmeg

Stiffy Rim

  • 3 Tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Chipotle Chili Pepper powder
  • 1 Lime wedge

Stiffy Cocktail

  • 1 1/2 ounce Mezcal
  • 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 ounce Guajillo Chili Simple Syrup

Instructions

Prepare Guajillo Chili Simple Syrup

  • Combine simple syrup ingredients in a small cooking pot on medium heat
  • Stir frequently until syrup combines
  • Remove from the heat and let cool
  • Strain

Prepare Rim

  • Mix Sugar and Chipotle powder, and put on a plate
  • Rim your glass with a lime wedge
  • Dip in the rim of your glass in the chili sugar

Assemble your Stiffy cocktail

  • Mix your cocktail ingredients in a shaker
  • Pour the cocktail in your rimmed glass
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeno
  • Serve in a rock glass

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So when you are ready for a Mezcal and Guajillo Pepper Cocktail  and you need a Stiff one

we have the cocktail for you.

Try a Mezcal Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo …but you will be craving this all year long.  Serve it up!

 

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Curry Puff with Potatoes onions and carrots with curry sauce and flakey pastry.  These easy Curry Puffs are hearty vegetarian appetizers your family and friends will love.  A Curry fusion sensation!   They look bougie- but you will find them simple to make.

 

 

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14 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    This Stiffy cocktail recipe is just great. Usually when I have guests over I just give them a beer or a glass of wine – so I served this on the deck last night and it definitely spiced up the night! It has just the right amount of heat for an adult drink – will certainly make this again.

  2. 5 stars
    I am absolutely making this over the weekend! It’s so hot here from where I live so this is just perfect. Thank you so much!

  3. 5 stars
    I was unfamiliar with Mezcal. I love the smokiness. The chili simple syrup really added an interesting dimension too. Great drink

  4. 5 stars
    I love Mezcal., and I love cocktails that are spicy. This one pushes all the right buttons. The Stiffy is a great drink. Goes well with spicy food

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