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Key Lime-Pear Chile Cocktail and Chile-Infused Vodka

Source of Recipe

Seattle PI


Recipe Introduction

serves 1

List of Ingredients

2 or 3 thin pear wedges

for garnish

Kosher salt

Ground red chiles

1 Key lime, halved

1 teaspoon coarse brown sugar

2 ounces Chile-Infused Vodka (recipe follows)

2 ounces pear juice

Splash of gin



Recipe

Roll the pear slices in salt and chile. Set aside.

In a shaker, muddle lime with sugar, using a pestle to bring out the flavor. Fill shaker halfway with ice cubes, followed by vodka, pear juice and gin.

Cover and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Pierce the pear slices with a stirrer and garnish.

CHILE-INFUSED VODKA

5 or 6 whole chiles, such as jalapeno, serrano, habanero or red Thai

1 (750-milliliter) bottle vodka

Wash and dry chiles. Slit them lengthwise and remove the seeds for less heat, if desired.

Pour some of the vodka off to make room for the peppers, or transfer the vodka to a large jar. Slide the peppers into the vodka and infuse for 7 to 10 days in a dark, cool place.

When ready, strain the vodka through a cheesecloth. Discard the chiles and pour the vodka back into the bottle.