An Asheville specialty with global inspiration, this cool cocktail still brings the heat. For the base spirit, Benne on Eagle’s Anthony Auger is partial to gin from local South Slope distillery Chemist, balanced with the mild spice of a homemade Thai chile and lemongrass syrup.
Chili + Lemongrass
For the Cocktail
1½ oz. Chemist gin
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
¾ oz. Chili and Lemongrass Syrup (recipe follows)
For the Chili and Lemongrass Syrup
16 oz. sugar
16 oz. water
2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
2 Thai chiles
Preparation
- Simmer ingredients for syrup together for 15 minutes. Strain and let cool. Combine with gin and lime juice. Remaining syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
Recipe from Anthony Auger of Benne on Eagle in Asheville, North Carolina