Drinks with Anna

by Anna Tusa

Bringing the Heat to NOLA this Summer

NOLA MARIA

2 oz Espolon Blanco ¼ tsp LA Pepper Exchange Red

Habanero Puree 6 oz bloody Mary mix 1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice Splash of olive juice Pinch of salt Pinch of pepper

In a Collins glass filled with ice combine all ingredients and tumble into until mixed. Garnish with fresh lime, lemon, spicy peppers, okra, and olives.

Tip: Swap the tequila for your favorite vodka for a NOLA Mary.

I WAS RECENTLY introduced to Louisiana Pepper Exchange Pepper Purees, and I thought, “How would these pair with handcrafted cocktails?” I like a cocktail with a little heat, and pepper is good for the metabolism, right? These refreshening cocktails are perfect on a hot NOLA summer day. Here are some of my favorite creations, from my recent Cinco de Bayou celebration:

SPICY PINEAPPLE MARGARITA

2oz Espolon Blanco Tequila ½ oz Triple Sec ½ oz agave syrup ¼ tsp LA Pepper Exchange Green

Jalapeno Puree 4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice 1 oz crushed pineapple Salt for rim Lime wedge and pineapple wedge for garnish

Salt the rim of a rocks glass, muddle crushed pineapple in the glass, fill with ice. In a shaker tin filled with ice combine all other ingredients,

shake well, and strain into the rocks glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and lime wedge.

BLOOD ORANGE TEQUILA SUNRISE

2 oz Espolon Tequila 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice 1 oz agave 1 tsp LA Pepper Exchange Orange Habanero Puree 4 oz fresh blood orange juice

Fill a Collins glass with ice, pour all ingredients over the ice, and tumble. Garnish with an orange slice.

BAYOU PALOMA

2 oz Espolon Reposado ¼ tsp LA Pepper Exchange Orange Habanero Puree 2 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice 2 oz Ruby Red grapefruit juice ¼ oz honey Top with Cava

Sugar the rim of a Coupe glass. In a shaker tin filled with ice, combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain into the coupe glass, and top with Cava or your favorite bubbly.

CALIENTE OLD FASHION

2 oz Espolon Anejo Tequila 1 oz agave 1 oz house made simple syrup using LA Pepper Exchange

Jalapeno Puree 3 dashes Bittermens Xocolatl Bitters Orange slice Bordeaux cherry

In a rocks glass muddle the orange and cherry, add ice then add all the other ingredients and tumble until mixed.

Tip: Louisiana Pepper Exchange Purees are extremely concentrated, and a little goes a long way. I suggest starting with a ¼ teaspoon of the puree for a drink. If you like it hotter, you can certainly add more. LA Pepper Exchange is a local company, and you can purchase the purees in most supermarkets.