The cocktail-crafting brigade of Wayne’s Peppercorn is packing some serious heat as we ease into the warmer weather—and they’re doing it literally. With word on the street about what nifty creations bartender Matt Levy and his colleagues were shaking and stirring out of the Lancaster Avenue bar, we bellied up, eager to taste-test the latest spice-driven concoction.
Meet the Spicy Pineapple Margarita. Levy’s latest cocktail had started weeks prior to our tasting, as he infused a batch of Espolón Tequila Blanco with fresh slices of jalapenos. By steeping the tequila with jalapenos, the snappy heat of the peppers is tempered, allowing the cocktail’s base to possess an earthy, subtle burn on its finish.
To counteract the spicy foundation of the drink, the savvy mixologist opted to splash in pineapple juice. “The jalapeno’s heat plays off of the tart sweetness of the pineapple,” shared Levy.
The mighty, well-balanced margarita is then finished with the necessary ingredients (sour mix, salt rim) and popped with a few jalapeno slices because, really, why not add one last kick.
It’s tart and smooth, sweet and spicy. It’s become our repeat Friday pick-me-up.
$10. Find Peppercorn at 503 W. Lancaster Ave. in Wayne; phone: (610) 964-2588.
- Photography: Nina Lea Photography
