Body Heat Cocktail Recipe

Body Heat Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:17g

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 Body Heat cocktail is a delightful concoction that was first popularized in the 1970s. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a sweet and spicy kick in their drinks. The cocktail is known for its warming effect, hence the name 'Body Heat'.

  • It's a great drink for winter nights or for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their cocktails.

  • The cocktail is also popular among those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, as it combines sweet, spicy, and sour notes in a unique way.

How Body Heat Tastes?

The Body Heat cocktail is a unique blend of sweet, sour, and spicy. The sweetness of the honey is balanced by the tartness of the lemon, while the chili pepper adds a surprising kick. The bourbon gives it a robust and warm flavor, making it a truly invigorating drink.

Interesting facts about Body Heat

  • The Body Heat cocktail is known for its warming effect, making it a great choice for cold nights.

  • The cocktail is a unique blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

  • The cocktail was first popularized in the 1970s and continues to be a favorite among many.

Ingredients

Bourbon

The 2oz of bourbon provides a robust, woody flavor as the backbone of the cocktail. Less bourbon might not provide enough body, while more could overwhelm the other flavors. If omitted: you'd lose the cocktail's soul. Main alternative: try rye whiskey for a spicier kick.

Mary Mitkina

Honey

1oz honey offers a natural, rich sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon and the heat of the chili. Less honey would lead to a sharper, tart drink, more may be cloying. If omitted: the drink loses its smoothness. Alternatives: Agave syrup or maple syrup can substitute for a different type of sweetness.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

1oz lemon juice brings freshness and tartness, contrasting the sweetness and heat, creating a harmonious balance. Less would make the drink too sweet, more too sour. If omitted: the cocktail would be flat and overly sweet. Alternate: lime juice for a more tropical twist.

Alex Green

Chili Pepper

One chili pepper brings the heat to 'Body Heat'. The spiciness adds a zing that livens up the drink, playing off the sweetness and sourness. Without it, the cocktail would be a regular bourbon lemonade. If omitted: you'd miss the exciting heat. Alternatives: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce could provide different levels of heat and flavor complexity.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Body Heat Drink

  1. Muddle the chili pepper in a shaker.

  2. Add the bourbon, honey, and lemon juice to the shaker.

  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.

  4. Strain the cocktail into a glass and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

  • Be careful with the chili pepper, it can make the drink very spicy.

  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the flavors are well combined.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Barbecue: The robust flavor of bourbon and the heat from the chili pepper complement smoky meats.
  • Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can balance the heat with its bitter and sweet notes.
  • Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, especially aged ones like cheddar or gouda, will match the richness of the bourbon and the sweetness of the honey.

Drink Pairings

  • Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of this spicy cocktail.
  • Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic option that can refresh the palate without competing with the flavors of the drink.

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What you could change in Body Heat

  • Bourbon can be substituted with whiskey.

  • Honey can be replaced with agave syrup for a vegan version.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

The Orchard Heat

  • Substitute honey with apple cider syrup.
  • Add a dash of cinnamon.
  • Garnish with an apple slice. This twist adds an autumnal feel. The apple and cinnamon work well with the bourbon and provide a comforting warmth alongside the chili's kick.

Citrus Spark

  • Replace lemon juice with grapefruit juice.
  • Add a splash of club soda.
  • Garnish with a grapefruit twist. The grapefruit brings a bittersweet edge and a touch of sophistication, while the club soda adds fizz and lightness, contrasting the drink's heat.

Sweet Heat

  • Add a splash of mango nectar.
  • Include a rim of sugar and chili powder on the glass.
  • Muddle a small piece of ginger with the chili. A tropical twist with an extra spicy sweet profile. The mango adds a fruity sweetness, the sugared rim provides texture, and the ginger intensifies the heat.

In case you forgot basics how to make Body Heat

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Body Heat

What is the alcohol content of the Body Heat cocktail?

The Body Heat cocktail generally contains about 20% alcohol, but this can change based on the amount of bourbon used.

Can I change the drink's spiciness level?

Yes, the heat of the drink primarily comes from the chili pepper. You can adjust the spiciness level by using more or less pepper or leaving it out entirely.

What glassware is traditionally used for the Body Heat cocktail?

The Body Heat cocktail can be served in a variety of glassware, but it is traditionally served in a Old Fashioned or lowball glass.

How can I make a mocktail version of the Body Heat?

You can make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail by substituting the bourbon for a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative or simply excluding it.

Can I make the Body Heat cocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can pre-mix all the ingredients except the ice and refrigerate. Before serving, just shake with ice and strain into a glass.

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