Dirty Mexican Cocktail Recipe

Dirty Mexican Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:10g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:15g

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 Dirty Mexican is a cocktail that is a twist on the classic White Russian. It was created by bartenders who wanted to add a little bit of spice and heat to the traditional drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a kick in their drinks.

  • The Dirty Mexican is a relatively new cocktail, having been created in the 21st century.
  • It's a popular choice among those who enjoy spicy drinks.
  • The cocktail is often served in a rocks glass over ice.

How Dirty Mexican Tastes?

The Dirty Mexican is a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy cocktail. It has a strong coffee flavor from the Kahlua, which is balanced by the creamy sweetness of the cream. The tequila adds a bit of a kick, while the Tabasco sauce gives it a spicy finish.

Interesting facts about Dirty Mexican

  • The Dirty Mexican is a variation of the White Russian, which is a cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
  • The name 'Dirty Mexican' comes from the addition of tequila and Tabasco sauce, which gives the drink a Mexican twist.
  • Despite its name, the Dirty Mexican is not a traditional Mexican cocktail.

Ingredients

Tequila: 1.5 oz

The Tequila acts as the backbone of the cocktail, giving it a strong and distinctive agave flavor that is quintessentially Mexican. It provides the necessary punch and also balances out the sweetness of the Kahlua and cream. Using more than 1.5 oz might overpower the other flavors, while using less could make it too mild. If Tequila isn't your thing, Mezcal could be a smokier alternative, adding a different kind of depth to the drink.

Alex Green

Kahlua: 1 oz

Kahlua brings a sweet coffee essence to the mix, creating a bridge between the harshness of the Tequila and the smoothness of the cream. It enhances the cocktail with a warm and slightly bitter undertone. Less Kahlua would diminish the coffee flavor, more might overshadow the Tequila's kick. A possible substitute could be Tia Maria, offering a similar coffee flavor but with a subtle difference in taste due to its Jamaican coffee origin.

Emma Rose

Heavy Cream: 1 oz

The cream is what gives the Dirty Mexican its luxurious mouthfeel and helps to mellow the bite of the Tequila and the spice of the Tabasco. Too much cream could lead to a drink that's overly thick and bland, while too little might not balance the strong flavors properly. For those lactose intolerant cocktail lovers, coconut cream could be a non-dairy substitute, introducing a tropical twist to the drink.

Mary Mitkina

Tabasco Sauce: 2-3 drops

These few drops are the secret weapon that adds a surprise element to the drink. The heat from the Tabasco creates a spicy contrast to the creamy sweetness, awakening the palate. Too much could be overwhelming, completely dominating the drink, and too little would be lost among the other potent flavors. Other hot sauces could be used, but they should be chosen with care to ensure they blend well with the rest of the ingredients.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Dirty Mexican Drink

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour the tequila and Kahlua over the ice.
  3. Top with the heavy cream.
  4. Add 2-3 drops of Tabasco sauce.
  5. Stir gently until combined.

Pro Tips

  • For a creamier drink, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • For a spicier drink, you can add more Tabasco sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Spicy Appetizers: The kick of Tabasco in the cocktail complements spicy foods such as jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings.
  • Mexican Cuisine: Classic Mexican dishes like tacos or a spicy beef burrito would work well with the earthy notes of the tequila and richness of the Kahlua and cream.
  • Chocolate Desserts: The coffee flavors from Kahlua could be nicely paired with a chocolate fondue or dark chocolate cake, cutting through the sweetness with its alcoholic contrast.
  • Cheese Plate: A selection of aged cheeses could provide a rich counterpart to the cocktail, especially when including something with a bit of spice.

Drink Pairings

  • Ice Cold Beer: A light lager could be the perfect palate cleanser between sips of this creamy, spicy concoction.
  • Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee will continue the Kahlua's flavor narrative, adding a different kind of buzz.
  • Cool Water: To balance the heat of the cocktail, plain or sparkling water is always a good option to have on the side.

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What you could change in Dirty Mexican

  • If you don't have Kahlua, you can substitute it with any other coffee liqueur.
  • If you don't like spicy drinks, you can omit the Tabasco sauce.

Explore all drinks starting with D here

And of course - twists🍹

1. Iced Mexican Mocha

  • Ingredients: Substitute heavy cream with chocolate milk and add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe but replace heavy cream with the same amount of chocolate milk. Add a dash of cinnamon before you stir.
  • Flavor: This version will give you a chocolatey twist on the original, with the spicy notes of cinnamon merging perfectly with the tequila.

2. The Fiery Mexican

  • Ingredients: Double the amount of Tabasco and add a jalapeño garnish.
  • Recipe: Prepare the cocktail as described, but use 4-6 drops of Tabasco. Garnish with a small slice of jalapeño on the rim.
  • Flavor: Expect an extra spicy kick that'll turn up the heat, making this cocktail the perfect choice for spice enthusiasts.

3. Creamy Hazelnut Delight

  • Ingredients: Replace Kahlua with Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) and top with crushed hazelnuts.
  • Recipe: Use 1 oz of Frangelico in place of Kahlua and follow the remaining recipe. Sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts over the top after stirring.
  • Flavor: The nutty flavor of hazelnut will smooth out the tequila's punch, offering a sophisticated and velvety take on the Dirty Mexican.

In case you forgot basics how to make Dirty Mexican

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Dirty Mexican

What type of Tequila is usually used in a Dirty Mexican Cocktail?

While there isn't a specific type of tequila required for the Dirty Mexican, a quality reposado or añejo tequila will bring more depth to the cocktail.

Does the kind of coffee liqueur matter for this cocktail?

While Kahlua is typically used, the type of coffee liqueur can make a difference in the final taste of your drink. Experimenting with different brands may lead to your own unique twist on the Dirty Mexican.

Is this cocktail suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

The Dirty Mexican cocktail is suitable for vegetarians. Vegans would need to find a substitute for the Cream, like a non-dairy cream.

What cocktails are similar to the Dirty Mexican?

The Dirty Mexican is a variant of the White Russian. Other similar cocktails include the Black Russian, Colorado Bulldog, and the Blind Russian, which substitute or add different ingredients for a variety of flavor profiles.

Can I prepare a Dirty Mexican ahead of time for a party?

You can mix the Tequila and Kahlua together, but for the best taste and presentation, it's recommended to add the Cream and Tabasco Sauce just before serving.

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