Heat and spice are common themes in drinks – think of traditional ginger beer or the cinnamon, nutmeg and coriander mulling spices of winter. Or the myriad of rich and varied herb and spice botanicals that go into gin. So why not something with a hint of cheeky chilli?
The idea for this came from a bar of really dark and delicious orange and chilli chocolate. It’s Orange Cordial for grown-ups, full of orange zestiness with a warming, lingering glow, rather than knock-out heat.
Once again there are no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours, relying instead on natural fruit, sugar, water and a little citric acid, finished with a gentle pasteurisation process that avoids the need for any nasty chemical preservatives.
Try with sparkling water as a brunch-time spritzer or enjoy “on the rocks” with or without a splash of vodka. Or combine neat with soy sauce and crushed garlic as a liquid rub for grilled or barbecued pork, chicken, duck or rich fish.