Tingling Tequila de Cacao for Cinco de Mayo

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Here’s a little seduction facilitating cocktail in celebration of Cinco de Mayo: the Tingling Tequila de Cacao This drink balances the richness of crème de cacao and agave with citrus juice, and is given additional aroma by the bitters. A special surprise is the tingling sensation the Szechuan Buttons impart. With a slight but noticeable flirtatious tingle on the finish this splendid experience is sure to elicit surprise and delight.

For a full Mexican Cinco de Mayo Seduction Meal pair your Tingling Tequila de Cacao with Grilled Portabello Mushroom Tacos and Guacamole. or try the ever tempting Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon with Pipian Verde Sauce.

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cocktail_and_portobello_mushroom_tacos.jpgSzechuan Buttons (aka Sechuan Buttons, Sichuan Buttons, Toothache plant) are an unusual food in that their primary use is not nutrition or flavor but rather to impart a sensation to food and drink. They possess a slightly bitter, herby flavor that isn’t unusual, but a few seconds after consuming them something very interesting begins to happen inside your mouth:

Eating a few tiny petals from a Szechuan button (pinched off between thumb and forefinger or cut using a knife or shears) will lead to a tingling sensation…almost like mild voltage or bubbles from an effervescent beverage popping on the tongue. It is similar to (but much more intense than) the tingling imparted by Szechuan peppercorns, which is how this flower gets its Chinese name, despite originally being from Africa.
szechuan_buttons.jpgRead More about Szechuan Buttons and their use.

Tingling Tequila de Cacao

Ingredients (per drink)

  • 2oz Silver Tequila
  • 1/2oz Szechuan Buttons
  • 1/4oz Agave Nectar
  • Dash of Grapefruit Bitters
  • 1/4oz Crème de Cacao
  • Twist of Lime & Szechuan Button for garnish

Directions:
Shake all liquid ingredients with ice to chill. Pour into a glass and garnish with a twist of lime and an additional Szechuan button to consume if a stronger tingle is desired.