Date: April 28, 2019 | Photography: Jonathan Stiers | Producer: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
Northwest Arkansas native and all-around taste aficionado Jonathan Stiers shares his recipe for a sweet-and-spicy concoction perfect for Cinco de Mayo
Q. What was your inspiration for this cocktail?
A. I’m a huge fan of pineapple, so any cocktail with it in the mix is a winner in my book. A vodka pineapple makes me think of summer—of being on the beach or by the pool. I love the addition of jalapeño here; it brings some nice heat to this fruity drink.
Q. If you’re not at the beach (which is obviously preferable!), where would you sip this drink?
A. I love enjoying a cocktail in my living room. It gets so much light, and it’s great to enjoy cocktails with friends while listening to music—one of my favorite cocktail playlists is “French Pop Radio” on Apple Music.
Q. Do you have any advice for people at home trying their hand at mixology?
A. I think if you’re just starting out, you have to play around with your portions. An extra half ounce of alcohol can really change the taste of your drink. The same can be said for additives. If the Pineapple Jalapeño Smash is too spicy, try starting off with one or even half of a jalapeño slice. It’s all about finding the right balance that tastes right to you.
Pineapple Jalapeño Smash
SHOP
5-6 fresh pineapple chunks, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 slices jalapeño
½ lime, juiced
2 ounces vodka
3 ounces pineapple juice
Ice cubes
PREPARE
(Makes 1 cocktail)
In a cocktail shaker, combine pineapple, jalapeño, and lime juice. Muddle together until completely smashed. Add vodka, pineapple juice, and a few ice cubes. Cover and shake. In an old-fashioned glass, add a few ice cubes and pour cocktail over them. (If preferred, you may strain to remove pieces of fruit.) Garnish with pineapple or jalapeño slices as desired.
Jonathan shares more mouth-watering recipes year-round at jonathanstiers.com and on Instagram (@jonathanstiers).
