spicy papaya whiskey

again with the spicy.

i've always thought of whiskey as a cold weather libation, but that changed at hartwood in tulum mexico. our drinks were spicy and fruity, and really hit the spot after a hot day at the beach. one was a spicy grapefruit margarita and one was a spicy papaya whiskey.

fresh papaya juice is thick, like tomato juice. it's color isn't far off tomato juice either, but there's no mistaking it's mildy sweet, melon-y flavor. i think it could give the bloody mary a run for its money in the brunch cocktail department. since heartwood isn't an option at present time, i had to take matters into my own hands.

spicy papaya whiskey

• 2 parts fresh papaya juice
• 1 part whiskey
• 1 lime, juiced
• tiny squeeze of agave
• 3 dashes of bitters
• liberal shake of cayenne, or to taste
• splash of soda

preparation:

• combine all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake the hell out of it. pour over ice and fill the rest of the glass with soda. give it one more stir and garnish with a slice of lime.

makes 2 cocktails