Strawberry and habanero infused tequila recipe made with fresh strawberries and Habanero chiles. Use a half-gallon lidded mason jar, 100% blue agave silver tequila and as many habanero chiles as you can handle.
Keeping the seeds and membrane in the habaneros brings intense heat. If you want a gentler version, remove the seeds before adding the chiles.
After seven days the tequila turns a beautiful deep pink. Use it in the Strawberry Habanero Prickly Pear Margarita recipe from The Parish in Tucson.
Servings: 12 -15
Recipe for tequila infused with fresh fruit and chiles. Use a half-gallon lidded mason jar, 100% blue agave silver tequila and as many habanero chiles as you can handle.
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle 100% silver blue agave tequila
- 1 pint strawberries hulled and halved
- 3-5 habanero chiles stems removed and chiles halved (do not remove the seeds or membrane)
Instructions
- Put the strawberries and chiles in the mason jar, then pour in the tequila.
- Screw on the lid and let sit at room temperature for 7 days. The tequila will become a beautiful slightly dark pink color.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer and then pour back into the original bottle or the mason jar for future use.
Notes
How long does it take to infuse tequila with strawberries and habaneros? Seven days at room temperature. The tequila will deepen in color and flavor throughout the week. Don't rush it. Three or four days won't give you the full flavor development.
What tequila should I use? Use a 100% blue agave silver tequila. Blanco or plata tequilas work best because their clean, bright flavor lets the strawberry and habanero come through without competing. Avoid reposado or añejo, the oak aging adds complexity that muddles the fruit and chile flavors.
How hot is this infused tequila? Habaneros are significantly hotter than jalapeños, rating between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale. The strawberries temper the heat considerably but this is still a genuinely spicy tequila. Start with three habaneros for moderate heat and work up to five if you want serious fire.
How long does infused tequila keep? Store it in a sealed bottle or mason jar at room temperature away from direct sunlight. It keeps well for up to two months, though the strawberry flavor will gradually fade after the first few weeks. The heat from the habaneros holds longer.
What can I make with strawberry habanero infused tequila? Try it in my Strawberry Habanero Prickly Pear Margarita from The Parish. It also makes an excellent straight sipper over ice with a squeeze of lime, or a base for a spicy paloma with grapefruit soda.
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