Spicy Beer-ita

Another weekend happy hour, another margarita variation. I’m really proving to be a one trick pony here with the drinks, but I guess it’s a sign I love a good marg. But this one has a fun twist: beer! & also freshly pickled fresno chiles that give this drink spicy, & kind of vinegary kick. Think kombucha margarita - the Spicy Beer-ita kind of has this vibe.

To be clear, this is a drink that is more margarita than it is beer. A citrusy IPA just acts as the agent to add a little bitterness, & more importantly some bubbles to the whole darn thing. These are easy to make & here for those of us that are equal part beer lover + equal part cocktail lover. & also for the gal who just isn’t into the aesthetic of beer-ita that involves a baby Corona bottle sticking out of an enormous goblet…….not for me.

 
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For the beer-ita

  • 1 c. sliced Fresno chiles (about 3 chiles needed)

  • 1/2 c. apple cider vinegar

  • 1/4 c. sugar

  • 3 oz (2 shots) silver tequila

  • 1/4 c. pineapple juice

  • 1 orange, juiced

  • 1 lime, juiced

  • 1 tbsp agave syrup

  • 1 - 12 oz. can of a citrusy IPA (we used a Reubens Summer IPA - a PNW craft beer that Jordo picked out)

  • Flaked sea salt & lime slices for garnish

Start by heating the vinegar + 1/4 c of water + sugar in a sauce pan. Place over high heat, swirling the pan to help the sugar dissolve. Once boiling, remove from the heat. Place sliced fresnos and the warm pickling liquid in a mason jar, seal, and & out at room temp for an hour.

Get out a cocktail shaker, or just a large mason jar. Add the orange juice, lime juice, agave, & tequila to the container, and stir to combine. Add in a 1/2 cup of the vinegar liquid, and stir to full combine.

Rim two 12 ounce glasses with sea salt, and fill the glass half with ice. Pour the tequila mixture over the ice, filling each glass about 75% full. Top each with an IPA floater. Add in some fresh lime slices & fresno chiles to garnish. Give it a stir before taking a sip to mix the beer with the marg mixture. Enjoy!

Lesley Zehner