Aztec Gold Cocktail Recipe

Aztec Gold Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Aztec Gold cocktail is inspired by the ancient Aztec civilization, which was known for its love of gold and intricate craftsmanship. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate history and enjoy a unique and complex flavor profile.

  • The Aztecs were known for their love of gold and intricate craftsmanship
  • This cocktail pays homage to their rich history and culture
  • Ideal for history enthusiasts and those who enjoy a unique and complex flavor profile

How Aztec Gold Tastes?

The Aztec Gold cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness of the honey and the tartness of the lime juice are perfectly balanced by the warmth of the tequila and the heat of the chili pepper. The result is a bold, invigorating, and unforgettable taste experience.

Interesting facts about Aztec Gold

  • The Aztec Gold cocktail is named after the precious metal that the Aztecs held in high regard
  • The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors is inspired by the diverse and rich culinary traditions of the Aztec civilization
  • The use of chili pepper in the cocktail is a nod to the Aztecs' love for spicy foods

Ingredients

Tequila (2oz)

  • Why? The heart of the cocktail, it brings the spirit of Mexico to your glass. 2oz provides just enough kick without overwhelming your senses.
  • Without It? You'd have a mocktail with a bit of a sweet and spicy tingle. But let's be honest, it wouldn't be an Aztec Gold without it.
  • Alternatives? Mezcal. You'll get a smokier twist with a bit of a punch.

Emma Rose

Honey (0.5oz)

  • Why? It's the sweet to your spicy, calming the chili's fire and adding a rich, floral touch.
  • Without It? The cocktail becomes more aggressive, not for the faint of heart, like a chili with an attitude.
  • Alternatives? If honey isn't on hand, try maple syrup. It's another sweet path down the same golden road.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice (1oz)

  • Why? Fresh lime juice adds a zesty zing that cuts through the rich honey, making your taste buds dance the salsa.
  • Without It? Your cocktail might become a too sweet and monotonous fiesta, which nobody wants.
  • Alternatives? Lemon juice could substitute, but it's like wearing socks with sandals - not quite right.

Alex Green

Chili Pepper (1)

  • Why? For that sultry heat that sneaks up on you, whispering 'fiesta' like a secret.
  • Without It? The drink loses its Aztec warrior spirit, leaving it a bit more 'ordinary treasure' than 'Aztec Gold'.
  • Alternatives? A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can stand in, but it's like swapping a warrior's spear for a stick.

Emma Rose

Agave Syrup (0.5oz)

  • Why? It's the smooth talker that balances the relationship between sweet and heat.
  • Without It? The cocktail might lean too heavily on the honey, leading to a cloying conversation on the tastebuds.
  • Alternatives? Simple syrup can step in, but you'd be missing the authentic Mexican whisper.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Wheel (1)

  • Why? For a citrusy smile that rounds out the drink with a fruity wink.
  • Without It? The cocktail loses a layer of complexity and charm, like a mariachi without a guitar.
  • Alternatives? A lemon wheel could fill in, but it's more of a backup singer than a lead vocalist.

Alex Green

Garnish with a Chili Pepper and an Orange Wheel

  • Why? To add color, aroma, and a hint of what's to come. It's the teaser before the main show.
  • Without It? The cocktail still sings but without the visual allure, like a concert with no stage lights.
  • No Alternatives Here. This is the signature look, don't mess with perfection.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Aztec Gold Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the chili pepper to release its flavors
  2. Add the tequila, honey, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice
  5. Garnish with a chili pepper and an orange wheel

Pro Tips

  • Muddle the chili pepper well to extract maximum flavor
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed
  • Chill the glass before serving to enhance the taste

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Tostadas de Ceviche: The citrus notes from the lime juice complement the fresh seafood.
  • Mini Chicken Tacos: The chili heat is a great match for the spices in Mexican cuisine.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Fish: The smoky flavor of the grill harmonizes with the agave and honey in the drink.
  • Carnitas: The sweetness of the honey and agave syrup balance out the savory pork.

Desserts

  • Dark Chocolate Chili Truffles: The spiciness of the chili in both the truffles and the cocktail will accentuate each other.

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What you could change in Aztec Gold

  • Tequila: Can be replaced with Mezcal for a smokier flavor
  • Honey: Agave nectar can be used as a vegan alternative
  • Chili pepper: A dash of hot sauce can be used for a similar kick

Explore all drinks starting with A here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Aztec

  • Replace tequila with mezcal for a smokier version.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the muddle.
  • Garnish with a flamed orange twist and a smoked salt rim.
  • The Twist: The smoky notes bring depth to the Aztec Gold, welcoming you with an ancient warmth that's perfect for cool nights.

Aztec Sunrise

  • Replace half of the lime juice with fresh orange juice.
  • Add a splash of grenadine.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
  • The Twist: The drink takes on a sunrise hue with a sweeter, fruitier profile that's perfect for a blissful brunch.

Green Aztec

  • Replace the regular chili pepper with a small slice of jalapeno.
  • Add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro to the muddle.
  • Top with a splash of club soda.
  • The Twist: This version brings a green, herbal freshness that refreshes as it spices, akin to a jungle adventure for your taste buds.

In case you forgot basics how to make Aztec Gold

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Aztec Gold

Can you recommend other cocktails that incorporate chili pepper for the spice lovers?

Yes, certainly! Some other cocktails that use chili pepper are the Chili Margarita, the Spicy Pina Colada, or the Chili Mojito.

What is the main difference between tequila and mezcal?

While both spirits come from the agave plant, the process of obtaining them is different. Tequila is typically produced only from the blue agave, while mezcal can come from many types of agave. Mezcal often has a unique, smoky flavor due to the way the agave hearts are traditionally roasted in pits.

Can Aztec Gold cocktail be prepared in larger quantities for parties?

Yes, you can pre-batch the drink according to the number of guests. Just multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of cocktails you plan to serve. However, add the chili peppers carefully to maintain the balance of flavors.

What are some foods that pair well with the Aztec Gold cocktail?

Aztec Gold cocktail pairs well with spicy Mexican foods like quesadillas, salsa and chips, grilled prawns, or even a juicy steak. It also goes well with tangy, citrus-heavy dishes to complement the lime in the cocktail.

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