The Spicy Fifty cocktail is a true masterpiece of modern mixology, perfectly balancing spicy, sweet, and citrus notes. It feels both fiery and silky, instantly awakening the senses. Thanks to the combination of vodka, honey syrup, lime, vanilla, and chili, the drink delivers a distinctive harmony and a bold flavor experience with every sip. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add an exciting twist to familiar flavors.
CAUTION! Use extreme care when selecting and measuring chili peppers!
Story
The story of the Spicy Fifty cocktail is closely tied to the iconic Fifty Bar in London’s St. James’s district, once home to a casino. Salvatore Calabrese, the bar’s renowned mixologist, created the drink in 2005. The name “Fifty” refers to the venue itself, while “Spicy” highlights the cocktail’s vibrant, piquant character. Since then, the Spicy Fifty has gained popularity in modern cocktail bars and has become a respected classic around the world.
Ingredients
1 ⅔ oz (50 ml) vanilla vodka
½ oz (15 ml) elderflower cordial
½ oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
⅓ oz (10 ml) honey syrup
2 thin slices of red chili pepper
IMPORTANT!!! (The chili pepper should have a maximum heat level of 10,000 SHU (Scoville scale), such as jalapeño or Fresno chili.)
How to Make a Spicy Fifty Cocktail
First, fill a shaker with ice. Then add the vanilla vodka, honey syrup, lime juice, and elderflower cordial. Next, add the chili slices. Shake well to properly combine the ingredients and chill the drink. Finally, strain into a chilled glass for a clean and elegant presentation.
Serving and Garnish
The Spicy Fifty cocktail is typically served in a martini glass. For garnish, place a whole chili pepper on the rim of the glass. This adds a striking visual element, as chili is rarely used this way in cocktails. However, do not consume the garnish.
Calorie Content
One serving of a Spicy Fifty cocktail contains approximately 150–170 calories, depending mainly on the type of honey syrup and vodka used. The elderflower cordial does not significantly increase the overall calorie content.