Ghost Spicy Tequila

Spicy Tequila from GHOST is a flavored tequila built around heat. The details we have don't list the base tequila, the pepper used, or the proof, so what follows describes how this style usually behaves. Spicy tequilas are typically made from an unaged blanco base infused with chili. The result is bright, peppery and vegetal, with the agave's sweetness and a little citrus in the background and a warm burn that builds on the finish rather than hitting up front. Check the label for ABV and the exact base spirit. Within the usual Blanco/Silver, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo ladder, a spicy expression almost always sits at the blanco end. Barrel time rounds agave into vanilla, caramel, toasted oak and dried fruit, and those flavors would compete with an infused pepper character. A blanco base keeps the spirit clean, so the chili is the main flavor. That makes it a different tool from a sipping reposado or añejo, and it isn't a substitute for either. Because the heat is the point, this bottle works best in mixed drinks. In a Margarita it replaces the usual jalapeño muddle: use lime juice and an orange liqueur or agave syrup, and shake with ice. A salted or Tajín-style rim suits it, and you may want to cut back on added sweetener so the heat stays clear. In a Paloma, grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice with lime and a pinch of salt balances the pepper. A Ranch Water, which is tequila, lime and sparkling mineral water over ice, shows the spirit's character most plainly. Start with a smaller pour than usual and add more after tasting, since the heat adds up as you drink. If you want to try it neat, chill the bottle first or pour over a single large cube in a rocks glass. Cold temperatures soften the burn. A caballito suits a small chilled shot, ideally with a lime wedge or orange slice on the side to cool the finish. For food, expect it to go well with tacos al pastor, grilled shrimp, ceviche and other citrus-forward or smoky dishes, where the chili echoes the seasoning rather than fighting it.