For anyone who’s ever downed a shot of tequila and thought, “this could use a dash of hot sauce,” then the new Tabasco brand Spicy Tequila might be for you. Per a licensing agreement between Heaven Hill Distilleries and McIlhenny Company, creator of Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce, Tabasco Spicy Tequila promises to “Heat up the night.”
The tequila has a clear to light yellow appearance, and the unmistakable aroma of hot peppers. The first taste shows a slight tequila sweetness and decent hint of Tabasco flavor. The peppery burn coats the tongue and increases with time, lingering in the mouth for nearly a full minute. The pronounced pepper flavor dominates the palate, but its natural, non-chemical taste is balanced with enough tequila flavor to result in a decently pleasant experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Tabasco Spicy Tequila is certainly potable, especially for flavored tequila—a category often marred by overly sweet creations that entirely mask the tequila flavor. This new spirit will likely be popular with young tequila drinkers looking for fun shots at the bar, but its versatility in cocktails is where it proves its worth. It’s quite good in a Bloody Maria and adds a spicy kick to margaritas as well.
Proof: 40 percent Alcohol by Volume
Price: $22 for 750ml bottle
Tabasco Spicy Tequila Cocktail Recipes
Bloody Maria.jpg)
2 ounces Tabasco Spicy Tequila
4 ounces tomato juice or bloody mary mix
Dash of celery salt and black pepper
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dash of lemon juice
Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into highball glass. Garnish with lemon wedge and celery stalk.
Spicy Margarita
2 ounces Tabasco Spicy Tequila
1 ounce Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
½ ounce fresh lime juice
Salt
Dip rim of glass into salt. Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with a lime.
