With tequila and agave being the favourite choice of spirit for most people right now, it's no surprise to see the rise in popularity of Picantes. Based on the classic Margarita, this cocktail uses chilli and coriander as its ingredients to give it some heat. So, if you think summer drinks are all about light sips and sweet flavours, think again. This season, cocktails are getting a fiery makeover, blending bold spices like bird eye's chillies with tropical fruits such as passionfruit for that irresistible kick.
In the mood to go on mixology mode and try your hand at making picante yourself? We've got you covered. From tangy jamun to sweet agave notes, these spicy Picante cocktails bring the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and sizzling. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just need a cocktail that matches your vibe, we’ve rounded up the four hottest Picante recipes you need to try this summer.
Passionfruit Bird's Eye Chilli Picante by Swa Artisanal Syrups
A fiery twist on a tropical classic, this cocktail packs a punch with sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in every sip.
Ingredients
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60ml Tequila
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15ml Lime juice
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10ml Swa Passion Fruit
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10ml Swa Bird’s Eye Chilli
Preparation
Step 1
Add all ingredients to a shaker tin.
Step 2
Fill with ice and shake well for 15 seconds.
Step 3
Fine strain into a rocks glass over a block of ice.
Step 4
Garnish with a half-rim of chilli salt for an extra kick.
Our Tulleeho Picante ‘OTP’ by Tulleeho
The OTP is the latest take on the Picante and features Don Julio Reposado, Tulleeho Tequila Club’s secret summer mix, and a touch of agave nectar and citrus. This one is a shaken mix, perfect for the hot season.
Ingredients
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45ml – Don Julio Reposado
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45ml – Secret Summer Mix
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15ml – Agave Nectar
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30ml – Lime Juice
Preparation
Step 1
Shake the ingredients together, pour in an Old-Fashioned glass over an ice block, and garnish with mango and jalapeno slices.
Jamun Picante by Pistola
Spicy, tangy, and irresistibly bold - the Jamun Picante is summer in a glass, with a cheeky kick! A deep-purple summer delight, this cocktail brings a burst of tart sweetness, perfectly balanced with the smooth agave notes of Pistola.
Ingredients
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60ml – Pistola Joven
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30ml – Jamun Sorbet
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15ml – Jalapeño Brine
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10ml – Lime Juice
Preparation
Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
Step 2
Shake well until chilled.
Step 3
Rim a rock glass with Coriander Salt and fill it with ice.
Step 4
Strain the shaken cocktail into the glass.
Step 5
Garnish with an Jalapeño.
Jungle Heatwave (Six Brothers Mahura Picante) by South Seas Distilleries
Ran out of tequila? Don't fret, 'cause you can make a picante with mahura spirit too. Made with Six Brothers Mahura, India’s global spirit, Jungle Heatwave perfectly balances fresh lime juice, honey, and a tangy kick from amla cordial.
Ingredients
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60 ml Six Brothers Mahura
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30 ml Fresh Lime Juice
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20 ml Honey
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10 ml Amla cordial
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2-3 slices of fresh jalapeño (seeds in for more heat)
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Lemon Slice
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Chili-Salt for rimming glass
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Ice
Preparation
Step 1
Rim your glass with a lemon wedge and dip the rim into chili salt. Set aside.
Step 2
In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with lime juice, honey, and amla cordial until well combined.
Step 3
Add Six Brothers Mahura and ice, then shake well for about 15 seconds. Strain into your prepared glass over ice.
Step 4
(Optional) Squeeze a little lemon juice on top and garnish with a lemon slice and an extra jalapeño slice.
Step 5
(Optional) Sprinkle a little extra chili salt on top for a spicy, tangy finish.
Who knew a little heat and spice could take your cocktail game to the next level? Each of these fiery blends brings something unique to your palate, from tropical sweetness and tongue-tingling spice. The Jungle Heatwave, crafted with Six Brothers Mahura spirit, is an amazing ode to the history of Indian spirits. So go on, shake things up, and let this summer sizzle, one spicy sip at a time.