Lately, I’ve been working my way through the classic novels I hadn’t already read. I was reminded of Dante’s Inferno by a classmate that asked “What’s Dante’s last name?” At which point I realized that Dante actually had a last name, and wasn’t mononymous like Plato, or Brutus, or Beyonce–all hail the queen! (His last name is Alighieri, by the way.)
By happenstance (love that word!) I found a copy of The Inferno in Strand Book Store‘s Half-Priced Paperbacks section (love that store!).
In case you haven’t read it since middle school (or ever), it’s a narrative poem about an Italian dude who semi-mistakenly gets sent to hell, and then has to walk through all the different layers of hell to get where he’s supposed to be. There’s lots of allegory and subtweets about 12th century family feuds in Florence. Looks like humanity hasn’t changed a bit in 700 years.
Given that New York in the summer is an actual inferno, cool drinks– cocktails, preferably– are necessary to enjoy reading. Otherwise the humidity will boil your brain, and you’ll never be able to read again. Tragic.
This cooling cocktail is similar to a Negroni, but with a savory, smoky, spicy dimension added.
Here we go:
The Inferno Recipe
You’ll need:
1 ounce Mezcal
1 ounce Aperol
0.5 ounces sweet red vermouth
1 small, red, Thai chili or 2-4 slices of a large Thai Chili, depending on how spicy you want it. I like all my food spicy, so I used 4. But if you go too cray with the pepper you won’t be able to taste the glorious booze.
Ice
How to Prepare:
Muddle the Thai chili in the bottom of an old fashioned glass. Then add 1 large ice cube or 2-3 smaller-ish ice cubes to the glass. Pour the Mezcal slowly over the ice so it gets chilly. Add the Aperol and sweet red vermouth, then stir vigorously with a bar spoon.
Now you’ve made yourself an Inferno to cool yourself off and distract yourself in the midst of the flaming dumpster fire that is 2018. Congrats!
Let me know what you think!
Cheers!
Can I make one with a Habanero? Or that would make too limbo-y?
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This is one of the few classics I haven’t read. I am going to add it to my list. The drink seems interesting too.
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My To-Be-Read list is miles long, but I’d recommend Dante’s Inferno for sure!
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I’ve never tried a spicy cocktail or any alcoholic drink for that matter. I’m very intrigued though. Might just have to try this one out with the hubby.
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You’ll have to let me know what you think then!
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I don’t remember reading this book, but I think my brother did. Cool that you created a drink inspired by it.
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This sounds interesting, I don’t know if I could stand it. Yet I would definitely try it out though.
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It’s just a little spicy, but you could try it it without the peppers! I haven’t tried it without the peppers myself yet
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I haven’t read the book before but I am intrigued now! This drink sounds like something my husband would like, a little hot for me!
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I’ve heard of the book but I’ve never read it. After reading it would you read it again? The drink looks and sounds good, especially since I love a good mezcal and jalapenos.
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I haven’t read the book but it’s cool that you used it to inspire this drink. Jalapenos ad an interesting kick to beverages.
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