The Christmas season in the sixties and seventies (at least in the United States) was dominated by stop-motion TV specials such as Frosty the Snowman and the quintessential Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. One of our favorite movies, A Year without Christmas, features the ultimate in sibling rivalry, pitting the Heat Miser against the Cold Miser. Whether it was his stocky build, his love of ragtime-esque songs or his unruly hair, you couldn't help but love the guy and we chose him for our first character-themed cocktail. Because of his intense rivalry with his brother and his unwillingness to compromise, he definitely fits in the NAUGHTY category.
To represent the Heat Miser, we decided on a unique version of the classic tequila sunrise. Instead of using the typical grenadine, we substituted a pomegranate-infused tequila. To emphasize the “heat” aspect of Heat Miser’s abilities, we used the Pineapple and Habanero Cordial from Frostbites and the Tamarind Lime Chili Bitters from Napa Valley Bitters to add an extra punch to the drink. The drink should be topped off with something bubbly (we used club soda, but Prosecco could also work) to represent the Heat Miser’s “boiling”. Floating pomegranate seeds drive that home.
Heat Miser Cocktail Recipe:
- 2 oz pomegranate tequila (we used La Pinta)
- 1 oz tequila (we recommend Patrón)
- 1 1/2 oz pineapple and jalapeno cordial
- 20 drops of tamarind lime chili bitters
- club soda
- pomegranate seeds, for decoration
- champagne flute
Stir the tequila and pineapple/jalapeno syrup in a cocktail shaker with some ice to chill. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with club soda and add the pomegranate seeds.
Cocktail Notes:
If you can’t find pomegranate tequila, we recommend using 2 ½ oz of Patrón and then adding ½ oz of grenadine. Try purchasing a good, locally made grenadine or try making your own grenadine. A simple recipe for grenadine can be found at Bon Appetit.
Finding a pineapple and habanero cordial may prove to be difficult in your area, but check local farmers or artisanal food markets. You can also make a similar product at home by heating 1 cup of pineapple juice and the juice of half a lime in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup (approximately 20 minutes). Add a jalapeno or habanero chili (depending on your heat tolerance) to the juice while it is reducing. Check throughout the reducing time for sweetness and heat. Add some sugar if necessary. Take out the chili when it reaches the desired heat level. If the syrup gets too spicy from the chili, remove the chili. Add more pineapple juice and continue the reduction.
You can probably substitute any spicy bitters for the Napa Valley ones. As an alternative, we tried orange bitters - that made the drink a little too flowery to be worthy of the Heat Miser.
Inspiration:
Some of Kate's friends in Canada weren't familiar with the Heat Miser. In case you're not either, here is a video of his signature song.
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