Picante Cocktail Recipe - In case you like bold, refreshing and slightly spicy cocktails you will go in love with the Picante cocktail. I was surprised to find myself the first time having tried this drink. It was like an ordinary margarita initially but the taste spoke otherwise. Chilli, lime, coriander and smooth tequila are made together to give a warm, refreshing and bright taste. It has ever since been one of my frequent beverages whenever I invite my friends home.

In this article, I will provide a simple and easy to follow Picante cocktail recipe which you can make at home even when you have never given a cocktail mix. I will also tell you about some little tips that go a long way, and variations that you may use, either when you have parties, or weekends, or just when you want to have quiet evenings at home.

What Is a Picante Cocktail?

Picante cocktail is a contemporary delicacy based on the Mexican taste. Even the name of the drink is picante, which is translated to spicy in the Spanish language, and that is what makes this drink enjoyable. It is not hot, it is just sufficient to revive your taste buds.

You’ll taste:

• Fresh lime
• Smooth tequila
• A hint of chilli
• A touch of sweetness
• Aromatic coriander

It is the type of beverage that is chilled and hot at the same time. Frankly speaking, when you like beverages with multi layered flavour, you will love this one.

The Cocktail that people love is the Picante Cocktail.

The Picante has gained popularity in bars, in parties and even home gatherings in the past few years. Here’s why:

• It is cool - ideal on an Indian summer evening or outdoors.
• It is spicy, with a kick - unlike ordinary cocktails.
• It is easy to produce - no expensive machinery needed.
• It is a crowd favourite- even those who do not normally consume tequila like them drink it.

Most of my friends, who never were much fond of tequila, have changed their minds and tried this cocktail. It is so special because of the balance of ingredients.

Picante Cocktail Recipe Ingredients You Will Need.

The best part? It takes a few ingredients and most of them can be found in the Indian markets.

Main Ingredients

• 60 ml tequila (blanco, preferably)
• 25 ml fresh lime juice
• 15-20 ml agave syrup or simple sugar syrup.
• 4–5 slices of fresh red chilli
• Sprigs of fresh coriander.

For Garnish

• Lime wheel
• Chilli slice
• A few coriander leaves

Tools (Optional but Helpful)

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Muddler or spoon

In case you do not have a shaker, do not worry. All you need is a tight-lidded steel tumbler. I have done it so many times, when I had no idea where my shaker was!

Picante Cocktail Recipe- Step by Step Process.

Now, we will move to the point about how you can make the best Picante cocktail at home.

Step 1: Chilli and Coriander Muddle.

Place the fresh coriander leaves and the chilli slices in a shaker.

Press lightly using a muddler or back of a spoon.

Don’t squeeze so hard, you just need the flavours not the bitterness.

Step 2: Tequila, Lime Juice and Syrup.

Now add:

• Tequila
• Fresh lime juice
• Agave syrup or simple syrup

Agave syrup is more smooth and sweet, but sugar syrup is also fine.

Step 3: Add Ice and Shake

Fill the shaker with ice.

Close the lid with the tightness and shake 8-10 seconds.

Shake thoroughly to mix the flavours with each other.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain through ice into an ice-filled glass.

You may take a short glass (rocks glass) or any glass that you have at home.

Step 5: Garnish

Top with a slice of lime, a little bit of chilli and a few coriander leaves.

And that is that--your cool homemade Picante cocktail is on the anvil!

How It Tastes -A Brief Account.

And, in which case you have never tasted the Picante before, I will tell you about it in as simple terms as possible:

• First sip: bright and citrusy
• Mid-sip: warm chilli heat
• Aftertaste Fresh coriander aroma.
• Altogether: cool, breeze, and slightly hot.

It’s not overly spicy. It is rather a gentle kick that sets the drink in mind.

How to make the Ideal Picante Cocktail.

Use fresh ingredients

Fresh lime and coriander have a tremendous difference.

Don’t over muddle

Excessive mixing renders the drink bitter.

 Adjust sweetness

You can add another teaspoon of syrup in case you want a sweeter beverage.

Choose good quality tequila

Although cheap brands are effective, do not use cheap ones that have a bitter after effect.

Shake with lots of ice

This cools the beverage down and has a crisp taste.

Variations You Can Try

To play around, these are some of the simplest variations:

1. Mango Picante

Stir in 1 tablespoon of mango puree and shake.

Perfect during summer.

2. Pineapple Picante

Add pineapple juice to a tropical twist (30 ml).

3. Spicy Picante

Add more chilli slices in case you like it hot.

4. Picante Mocktail

Replace tequila with:

• Sparkling water
• Lemon soda
• Or a non alcoholic tequila substitute.

Still you have the hot and fresh taste without alcohol.

Food Pairing Ideas

This cocktail is tasty and works best with:

• Nachos
• Tacos
• Grilled chicken
• Paneer tikka
• Chips and salsa

Anything that is spicy would be nice.

On one occasion, at a small house party we matched the Picante cocktails with basic homemade paneer tikka and trust me, the match was a massive success. People continue to demand that pairing during parties!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Can you make it ahead?

Yes! You can make a batch of muddled chilli + coriander + lime juice + syrup and leave it in the fridge a couple of hours.

To serve, just add ice, tequila and shake.

Leftover syrup?

Sugar syrup can be kept in the fridge during a maximum of one week.

The reason why people love the Picante Cocktail is because of its popularity all over the world.

The Picante is more than a drink, it is a experience. It has:

• A refreshing taste
• A unique flavour profile
• Sweet, spicy and citrus.
• A stylish presentation

The Picante does not mix with too many of the cocktails, which have similar tastes. It has personality. And you will know why it is in the process of becoming an international favourite after trying it.

Final Thoughts

As long as you have been looking to have something different, something refreshing, and something comes with a small spicy kick, the recipe of Picante cocktail is what you are looking for. It is simple to prepare, does not need any exuberant ingredients and can be served during parties or even dates.

I do hope you like preparing and drinking this beverage as much as I do. In case you enjoyed this recipe, would you share it on the social network and make other people know it, as well. And don’t miss leaving a subscription to the blog so that you can get more easy, delicious cocktails and food recipes.

To good beverages and fine times!