I had the pleasure of chatting with the renowned bartender Salvatore Calabrese, who shared insights into one of his standout cocktail creations that masterfully balances flavors. This captivating drink, known as the “Spicy Fifty,” combines the zesty kick of chili spice with refreshing lime and smooth vanilla.
Describing his cocktail, Calabrese likened it to a journey through flavors, where each sip delivers a delightful contrast of sweet and sour, culminating in a warm, spicy finish.
For those eager to recreate it at home, here’s the recipe:
**Spicy Fifty (Serves 1)**
– 50ml vanilla vodka (Calabrese suggests Stoli)
– 15ml elderflower cordial
– 10ml honey syrup (he prefers Monin)
– 2 thin slices of red bird’s eye chili
– 15ml fresh lime juice
– 1 whole red bird’s eye chili for garnish
To prepare the cocktail, combine all the ingredients (except for the garnish) in a shaker filled with ice. Shake it vigorously, then double strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. For the garnish, make a small cut in the whole chili so it can balance on the rim of the glass. Serve and enjoy!
You can also savor this delightful cocktail at Velvet, located in London’s SW1 area.
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