3 Red Hot Cocktails to Spice Up Your V-Day

Spice is thought to be an aphrodisiac, partly because the heat from spicy foods gets your blood pumping by increasing your heart rate. Adding spice to your Valentine’s Day menu is just the right way to heighten a romantic moment. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you have to blast your taste buds to help set the mood. Why not start the night with one of these three spicy cocktails?

For a bright zing of spice, a Pink Peppercorn Caipirinha has the right touch. Pink peppercorns have a fruity heat that accents the flavors of lime and Leblon Cachaça. Soft enough to crush and eat, peppercorns with a dash of cayenne enriches the peppery bite of this festive cocktail.

Ginger Hibiscus Rum Punch is the perfect choice for a drink full of warming heat. Santa Teresa 1796 Aged Rum is richly flavored and enhances the natural spice of fresh ginger and the lemon tang of hibiscus flowers. A twist of fresh lemon zest is the perfect accent to this ruby colored libation.

If you are the fiery type, shake up an Orange Habanero Margarita. A simple syrup flavored with orange zest and intense habanero plays well with the earthy undertones of Casa Noble Crystal Tequila. Rimming the glass with a cut habanero and then a mixture of sugar and salt has this drink delivering a one-two punch of heat that will burn hot and strong.

However you like to experience spice, each of these cocktails has just enough oomph to start a slow burn and kick off a sizzling night.

Pink Peppercorn Caipirinha

• 1 lime
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pink peppercorns
• 1/2 cup Leblon Cachaça
• 1/4 cup chilled club soda
• mint, for garnish
• pinch of cayenne pepper

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Ginger Hibiscus Rum Punch

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced unpeeled ginger
• 1/2 cup flor de Jamaica (dried hibiscus flowers)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups Santa Teresa 1796 Rum
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon Juice
• strips of fresh lemon zest, for garnish

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Orange Habanero Margarita

• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 habanero chile pepper
• 2 4-inch long strips orange zest
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 3 ounces, 6 tablespoons, Casa Noble Crystal Blanco Tequila
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice plus wedges for garnish
• 1/4 cup Triple Sec

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