Red Pepper Cocktails

I’m in the mood for cocktails. Something out of the ordinary. But also something that I can make at home. Without buying a huge bottle of some specialty spirit I’ll probably never use again. A tall order? It doesn’t have to be. Enter the fun and gently spicy Red Pepper Zinger.

This recipe is simple to make, though it does take some advance prep for the simple syrup. The longer you let it steep, the more flavorful it will be.

Yield is 1 cocktail, but increase the proportions if you want to share…or fill a bigger glass.

Now all you need is some rosemary focaccia to go with it.

Cocktail Ingredients

1½ oz gin

1/2 oz lemon juice

1/2 oz pepper simple syrup 

Simple Syrup Ingredients

1/2 cup water 

1/2 cup cane sugar

1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced

1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes (go on, add more for a nice kick)

Combine the water, sugar, bell pepper and pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil for 30 seconds to 1 minute then turn off the heat. Pour everything into a container, cover and let it steep in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Strain before using. Retain the pepper strips for garnish.

With a jigger, measure out the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add crushed ice and shake well until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with pepper strips.

Red Pepper Zinger