As we prepare for the Hot & Spicy Fest this weekend, spicy things are on our minds, and if you enjoy heat in your drinks like we do, a cocktail with a kick can be delightful. One way to add some zest to your homemade cocktails is by incorporating chili liqueur.
However, sourcing chili liqueur like Ancho Reyes, which is produced in the US from ancho chiles, can be quite challenging in China. While there are alternatives to Reyes, they often come with a hefty price tag, with some brands selling for over RMB 380 on Taobao and other platforms.
A more budget-friendly option to enjoy a Spicy Margarita is to create your own version at home.
Due to the popularity of Ancho Reyes, most online recipes for chili liqueur recommend using ancho chiles, but feel free to substitute with any dried chili pepper of your choice. For this particular recipe, we combined ancho, chipotle, and dried guajillo chili—a milder pepper with a smoky flavor.
You can easily find these dried chilis on Taobao by searching for 干辣椒 (gàn làjiāo) or the English name of the peppers.
In addition to the dried chili, you'll need a base spirit. Spirytus Rektyfikowany, a rectified liquor from Poland, highlights the chili pepper flavor well, but overproof white rum or plain silver tequila are also suitable options. Additionally, you'll need simple syrup (made with equal parts sugar and water) to complete the mix.
You can also opt for erjingtiao or other dried Chinese chili peppers along with Sichuan peppercorns, pairing them with baijiu as the base spirit for a more local touch. If you choose this route, it’s advisable to use a local sweetener in place of sugar.
Ingredients:
- 25g dried chili peppers (stemmed, deseeded, and chopped into small pieces)
- 300ml spirit of choice
- 175ml simple syrup (by weight)
Method:
1. Measure the stemmed and deseeded dried chili pepper pieces and place them in a clean mason jar. Optionally, add a few seeds to enhance the heat.
2. Fill the jar with the spirit and seal it. Shake well, then store in a cool, dark place for one to two weeks, shaking the mixture daily to ensure it combines properly.
3. Once the desired maceration time is reached, strain the chili peppers using a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter.
4. If any liquid has evaporated during maceration, top off the liqueur to 300ml, then add the simple syrup and stir to mix.
5. Bottle the finished product and enjoy!
*To prepare simple syrup:
Combine 50g granulated sugar with 50g water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, being cautious not to let the syrup boil. Allow it to cool to room temperature before bottling. This syrup will last in the refrigerator for one month.
Notes:
Check the chili liqueur weekly to monitor the heat level before removing the chilies. If it’s not spicy enough after two weeks, you can add chili flakes or chili powder and taste it again after a day or two. Then, continue from step three.
Now that you’ve made your own chili liqueur, here’s a recipe to try it out:
Rosita Caliente
Ingredients:
- 45ml gold tequila or unaged mezcal
- 30ml Campari
- 15ml sweet vermouth
- 15ml dry vermouth
- 15ml chili liqueur
- 3 drops spicy or chocolate bitters (optional)
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir for 20 seconds or until well chilled. Strain into a chilled whiskey glass over ice and garnish with a fresh chili pepper.
If you're eager for more spicy experiences, join us at the 2025 Hot & Spicy Fest this weekend to taste hot dishes and treats from over 40 vendors!
The Hot & Spicy Fest will be held at FFC South Square on June 20 from 4pm to 9pm and on June 21 and 22 from 11am to 9pm. Standard Early Bird Tickets are RMB 25, Magnet Early Bird Tickets are RMB 35, VIP Tickets are RMB 100, and Standard/On-Site Tickets are RMB 35. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code in the poster above.
FFC South Square
北京财富金融中心(FFC)南广场5 Sanhuan Zhonglu, Hujialou Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼街道东三环中路5号
READ: Mandarin Monday: All About Chili Peppers
Chili liqueur recipe adapted from a recipe by Truffles on the Rocks
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At times, a beverage with a touch of spice is enjoyable, and creating your own chili liqueur is an ideal method to add that spice when preparing cocktails at home.