I’m not sure exactly what’s going on with the weather we have been having in San Francisco – it’s gone from what felt like winter to what feels like the middle of summer in a few short days. It’s bringing on daydreams of hours spent at the beach and summery cocktails. No matter the weather, hands down, whenever I pick up a cocktail menu, I scan for a spicy concoction. Even when it’s hot outside, they are a great option as the spiciness keeps you from drinking too quickly. Typically, I shy away from sweet drinks, but the spice brings a nice balance to this pineapple drink. This cocktail reminds me of being on vacation, and while I can’t take one just yet, sipping on this drink makes me feel like I’m already away. Who doesn’t want that?
Whenever I make a drink, I love to garnish it with the main ingredient that is in the cocktail. For this drink, to make it spicy I’ve chosen to shake a dash of cayenne pepper on the top along with a slice of pineapple.
The Piña Picante
Ingredients {serves 2}
6 ounces fresh pineapple pure {fresh is best but you can use frozen canned pineapple pure}
Pineapple slices for garnish
3-ounces of vodka
2-ounces of coconut water
Cayenne – add a dash or two according to your taste {or use this, which I’m obsessed with}
1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
Ice {for shaker and glassware}
Directions
Blend frozen pineapple or fresh pineapple in a blender, add to a cocktail shaker, add ice and pour over all ingredients, leaving the mint and a slice of pineapple {per drink} for garnish to the side. Shake well and pour over ice {i like to use one large ice cube per drink}. Garnish with a dash of cayenne pepper and a slice of pineapple and serve.
