A few months ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris, where I encountered a cocktail that left an indelible mark on my taste buds. Determined to recreate this extraordinary drink, I embarked on a journey to replicate its unique combination of flavors. The result is the Spicy Yuzu Tequila Martini, a cocktail that marries the vibrant notes of tequila, the exotic zest of yuzu juice, and the fiery kick of pili pili spice. This drink is a delightful fusion of heat and citrus, offering a unique and invigorating twist on the classic martini. Perfect for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts, this concoction is sure to leave a lasting impression at any gathering.
And if you want to go to the Bar Hemingway to try the original, order the “Zelda”. And before your trip check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon.
Ingredients
To make one Spicy Yuzu Tequila Martini, you will need:
- 2 ounces of silver tequila
- 1 ounce of yuzu juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon of pili pili spice (or to taste)
- Ice cubes
- A yuzu wheel or slice for garnish
- A sprinkle of pili pili spice for the rim (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Glass
- Rim the Glass (Optional): For an extra touch of spice, rim your martini glass with pili pili spice. To do this, rub a yuzu slice around the edge of the glass, then dip the rim into a small plate of pili pili spice. Set the glass aside.
Mixing the Cocktail
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the silver tequila, yuzu juice, simple syrup, and pili pili spice. Adjust the amount of pili pili spice based on your heat preference.
- Shake Well: Add a generous amount of ice cubes to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, ensuring that the mixture is well-chilled and the flavors are thoroughly combined.
Serving
- Strain and Pour: Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a yuzu wheel or slice for a visually appealing and aromatic touch.
Tips for a Perfect Spicy Yuzu Tequila Martini
- Quality Tequila: Choose a high-quality silver tequila for a smoother, more refined flavor. The quality of the tequila can significantly impact the overall taste of the cocktail.
- Fresh Yuzu Juice: Fresh yuzu juice is ideal for its bright, citrusy flavor. If fresh yuzu is unavailable, high-quality bottled yuzu juice can be used as a substitute.
- Balancing the Spice: Adjust the amount of pili pili spice to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and increase as desired to find the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
And if you want to go to the Bar Hemingway to try the original, order the “Zelda”. And before your trip check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon.
Pairing Suggestions
The Spicy Yuzu Tequila Martini pairs wonderfully with a variety of appetizers and dishes. Try serving it alongside fresh sushi, ceviche, or spicy tapas to complement the cocktail’s bold flavors. Light, citrusy desserts such as a lemon tart or yuzu sorbet can also be delightful accompaniments.
For more exotic flavors that we have tried on our travels check out this limoncello recipe and this strawberry bellini recipe.