Habanero chiles, though foremost thought of in terms of their heat, are one of the most delicious chiles on earth—fruity, citrusy, wonderfully floral. And they pair perfectly with apples. So when you’re at the fall farmer’s market, buy your favorite apples and a few habaneros (thankfully, both are in abundance at the same moment) for this special cocktail—special for anyone who loves spicy.
Combining apple brandy and roasted apple puree gives this drink a rich, roasty oaky flavor with hints of oakiness. A resonant reposado tequila fits in beautifully, offering an age-induced smoothess while preserving the tequila’s agave flavor.
Rick Bayless is the author of seven popular cookbooks, including Mexican Everyday and Fiesta at Rick’s. With his wife Deann he owns and operates Chicago’s hugely successful Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO. Bayless is also the founder of the Frontera Farmer Foundation, an organization that supports small local farmers. His product line of prepared foods is sold coast to coast. He lives in Chicago with his wife and daughter.
