The startup ecosystem in Cincinnati is something truly special. We didn't quite appreciate this when we launched our business; we just happened to live here. But from our earliest days we have benefitted immensely from being rooted in this hub of entrepreneurship. People have gone out of their way to help, encourage, and support us, and as we grow, we're always on the lookout for ways to give back.
So, when we were approached by the Young Professionals Choral Collective of Cincinnati (YPCC) to help sponsor one of its concerts this past season, we jumped on board. YPCC is the largest young professionals choral organization in the nation, and Jen (a music major in college) has previously sung with the group. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of YPCC's rehearsals have been virtual, or, weather permitting, outside. One such outside rehearsal took place last Spring in the parking lot of Karrikin Spirits Company, a craft distillery located on Cincinnati's east side. We set up a table inside the distillery where the singers could sample and purchase both Mixicles and Karrikin's spirits, beer, and sodas.
One of the most popular cocktails featured that night combined Jalapeño Citrus Mixicles with Karrikin's Blaze agave spirit and Keylime sparkling spirit. (Although Blaze is made from 100% blue agave imported from Mexico, it can't be called tequila because the spirit isn't produced in one of the five Mexican states that comprise the Los Altos highlands region.) To make their Keylime sparkling spirit, Karrikin blends Blaze with real lime and lemon juice and then adds carbonation. It's the perfect topper for this cocktail. Cheers!
Sparkling Jalapeñorita
Ingredients:
- 2 Jalapeño Citrus Mixicles® cubes
- 2 oz. Karrikin™ Blaze agave spirit (or substitute your favorite tequila)
- Karrikin™ Keylime sparkling spirit (or substitute lime seltzer)
How to Mix:
Pop the Mixicles® cubes into a rocks glass rimmed with salt. Add the agave spirit and top with the sparkling spirit. Add ice if desired, and stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge.