Lidocaine
/Summary: During a recent, incredibly vivid dream, I concocted a cocktail of coconut milk infused with hot pepper and mixed with vodka; it was called the Lidocaine. Tonight, having opened some coconut milk to make peanut sauce, I decided to make the dream. Nice!
Yield: 2 cocktails
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- generous 1/4 teaspoon peeled and chopped fresh ginger
- generous 1/4 teaspoon seeded and chopped habanero
- generous dash of cinnamon
- 2 demerara sugar cubes
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 teaspoon Cognac, divided
- 2 half-inch strips orange zest
Instructions:
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, place the coconut milk, ginger, habanero, cinnamon and sugar cubes. Heat until the milk starts to bubble around the edges, the sugar cubes have dissolved, and the milk is warm throughout, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside for another 10 minutes.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass vessel and chill for 15 or 20 minutes (or until you want to use it).
When ready to make your cocktails, pour the chilled coconut milk into a strainer, add the 2 ounces vodka and 5-6 ice cubes. Put the top on and shake, HARD, several times.
Strain into two coupes, splash 1/4 teaspoon of Cognac into each and then garnish with the orange zest.
I cannot adequately describe my love for this tart nor am I willing to tell you how many I make and eat during plum season. Suffice it to say that this is a truly outstanding, scrumptious, perfect, should-be-your summer dessert!