Bossy Italian Killer B

Ladies and 'gents get your shakers ready! Today I have a great drink for you guys that isn't too sweet, but is more a kick in the pants (in all the right ways!)

When it comes to drinking, I am a savory kind of gal. I fancy a bloody mary over a sweet cocktail any day, which presents some challenges, I do have to admit. I mean, there aren't a ton of savory cocktails out there. That was why I was SO excited when I came across the Killer B recipe on Saveur's website.

Now, the original recipe called for a pepper I couldn't find locally and it also involved gin. I'm a vodka fan, so I figured I would just make my own version of the recipe!!! It turned out really well....though I will say that I wished for a little more heat in my drink. But the flavors were good and for savory drink peeps like me, this drink--overall--is a big winner!

The most complicated thing about the drink is the simple syrup...which by definition, is supposed to be simple. But you have to let it sit overnight which means this cocktail takes a bit of planning.

Any-who, let's start with that syrup.

Let's start by cutting up some peppers. You are gonna need two spicy peppers...I have no idea what kind these are. Anyone got a clue for me? 

Also, I would like you all to take a moment to appreciate the irony of this picture. I used a green cutting board and a green knife to cut a green pepper...then I took a picture.

Simple syrup: 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water. Bring it to a boil and boil until the sugar dissolves. 

Lightly crush some peppercorns. 

I realize, of course, that it looks like I am using a giant nail to accomplish this task. It only looks that way. This is actually an oyster tool meant to look like a nail. If anyone would like to send me a mortar and pestle, I would be really grateful. 

Put your pepper and your peppercorns in a vessel (I used my measuring cup) and pour the hot sugar water over top of them. 

It's pretty, no? 

Cover, allow it come to room temperature, and then refrigerate overnight. 

The next day, when you are ready for that drink, juice one lemon. 

In a shaker filled with ice, pour a big ole shot of fancy vodka. I used an ounce and a half, but hey, I'm telling you what to do or anything. 

Now, you can use a half ounce of your simple syrup...and if you want to strain your peppers and peppercorns, it wouldn't be a bad idea. Me? I suffer from a chronic impatience, so I skipped this step. Que Sera! 

Half ounce of lemon juice! 

And it's time to..... Shake your groove thang, shake your groove thang yea yea!!! 

(Show 'em how we do it!) 

And pour. 

And *sigh*

And enjoy! 

'Cause this is one KILLER drink!!!! 

Bossy Italian Killer B 

{Adapted from Saveur Magazine}

Time: Overnight + 10 minutes | Serves: 1 | Difficulty: Easy 

You Will Need: 

Simple Syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon peppercorns
2 hot peppers (I wish I could tell you what I kind I used...but I can't)

For the drink:
.5 ounces of the simple syrup
1.5 ounces of Vodka
.5 ounces of lemon juice (fresh squeezed)

Method:

Crush the peppercorns a bit and cut the peppers in half lengthwise. Place them in a cup or small bowl.

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil and allow it to boil until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot sugar water over the peppercorns and peppers. Allow it come to room temperature and then cover and put it in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, you can run the simple syrup through a sieve to get out the peppers and peppercorns. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, and vodka. Shake it up really well! Pour into a glass and enjoy!