Hot Charlotte Cocktail Recipe

Hot Charlotte Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:25g

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 Hot Charlotte cocktail is a lesser-known gem that is loved by those who appreciate a good balance of heat and sweet. It's a modern cocktail, created in the 21st century, and it's perfect for those who like to experiment with their drinks. The cocktail gets its name from the use of jalapeno, which adds a spicy kick to the sweet and sour mix of flavors. It's a great choice for adventurous drinkers and those who like their cocktails with a bit of a twist.

How Hot Charlotte Tastes?

The Hot Charlotte is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and spicy. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and simple syrup is perfectly balanced by the sourness of the lime juice, while the jalapeno adds a spicy kick that is sure to wake up your taste buds.

Interesting facts about Hot Charlotte

  • The Hot Charlotte is a modern cocktail, created in the 21st century.
  • The cocktail gets its name from the use of jalapeno, which adds a spicy kick to the drink.
  • It's a great choice for adventurous drinkers and those who like their cocktails with a bit of a twist.

Ingredients

A few good options for Hot Charlotte are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Pineapple Juice

The pineapple juice brings a tropical sweetness that balances the heat from the jalapeno. Its tartness also complements the lime juice creating a refreshing profile. Using less might make the cocktail too subtle, while more could overpower the other elements. Alternative: Mango juice can be used for a different fruity twist.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is your sweet counterpart, it mellows out the acidity and heat, giving the drink a smoother taste. Without it, the cocktail might lean too close to tart and spicy chaos. Alternative: Agave syrup can be a substitute, adding a slight earthy note.

Emma Rose

Lime Juice

Lime juice adds the necessary zing and keeps the cocktail bright and lively. Getting the amount right is key to a harmonious mix - too little and the sweetness takes over; too much, and it becomes mouth-puckering. Alternative: Lemon juice can work too, but with a slightly different citrus profile.

Mary Mitkina

Jalapeno

Jalapeno brings the heat and a green, herbaceous flavor that gives the cocktail its signature kick. Using more can lead to a fiery experience, while skimping might leave it too tame. Alternative: Serrano peppers can up the ante with even more heat if you're brave enough!

Alex Green

Gin

Gin, with its botanical notes, creates a lovely aromatic complexity that plain vodka just can't match. The right amount fuses all flavors without turning the drink into a booze bomb. Reducing gin makes it more juvenile, while overpouring overshadows the delicate balance. Alternative: Tequila could switch things up for a more Mexican-inspired vibe.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Hot Charlotte Drink

  1. Muddle the jalapeno in a shaker.
  2. Add the pineapple juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and gin to the shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with a slice of jalapeno.

Pro Tips

  • Muddle the jalapeno gently to release its flavor without making the cocktail too spicy.
  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Serve the cocktail in a chilled glass to keep it cool and refreshing.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Grilled shrimp or lobster: The smoky flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of the cocktail.

Tacos

  • Fish or chicken tacos: The acidity from the lime juice and the kick from the jalapeno amplify the freshness of these tacos.

Salads

  • Tropical fruit salad: Complement the pineapple juice in the cocktail with a salad containing mango, papaya, and cucumbers.

Cheese boards

  • A selection of mild cheeses: Avoid overpowering the drink's flavors; think mozzarella or mild gouda.

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What you could change in Hot Charlotte

  • If you don't have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice instead.
  • If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving sugar in an equal amount of water.
  • If you don't have a fresh jalapeno, you can use a dash of hot sauce instead.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Charlotte

Replace Gin with Mezcal for smoky notes, and add a dash of orange liqueur to complement the tropical flavor. Shake and garnish with a flaming jalapeno for drama!

Green Garden

Infuse the gin with cucumber and basil before mixing to introduce fresh, aromatic layers. Swap simple syrup for honey syrup to add a rich sweetness. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Berry Hot Charlotte

While muddling the jalapeno, add some fresh raspberries. Use blackberry-infused gin and top the drink with soda water. The berries add sweetness and depth, challenging the fiery kick.

In case you forgot basics how to make Hot Charlotte

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

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 Hot Charlotte

Is the Hot Charlotte cocktail suitable for vegans?

Yes, all ingredients of the Hot Charlotte cocktail are suitable for vegans.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Hot Charlotte cocktail?

You can make a non-alcoholic version of the Hot Charlotte by replacing the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or additional pineapple juice.

What type of glass is best for serving the Hot Charlotte cocktail?

This cocktail can be served in a highball glass or any tall, narrow glass.

What other cocktails share similar flavor profiles to the Hot Charlotte?

Cocktails that have a similar mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors include the Margarita and the Paloma.

How can I add more heat to my Hot Charlotte?

You can add more heat to the cocktail by using more jalapeno or adding a dash of cayenne pepper.

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