The profile of this drink is inspired by the spicy mangos sold on the street in Mexico (you can also find them here in NYC–especially in the summer!). The first time I had a Ziploc bag full of mangos, lime, salt and hot sauce was the first time I opened my eyes to the wonder that is spice and fruit! For spicy and fruity drinks, I love using habanero peppers for their lingering fruity flavor. This cocktail combines habanero-infused tequila with mango and a touch of coconut, making a beautiful cycle of spicy and cooling that insists you come back for more. The tajin on top adds a necessary salty element for flavor enhancement and another layer of “cool spice” for depth. I encourage you not to use a straw for this one, just sip straight from the glass and let the tajin linger on your lips.

By Nicole Kanev, bartender and founder of Inspired Curated Cocktails

Instructions

Combine all cocktail ingredients except the tajin into a shaker. Add a few pebbles of ice (or 1 cube) and whip shake for only 5 seconds. Pour into your empty glass, no strainer. Top with heaping crushed ice and sprinkle the top *generously* with Tajin. No garnish necessary!

**Habanero-Infused Tequila Instructions

Slice the peppers into quarters and include the seeds, just leave out the stems. In a glass jar, combine 8 fl oz (1 cup) of blanco tequila and 2 habanero peppers. Cap the jar, give it a shake and let it infuse for approximately 1 hour, shaking occasionally if you think of it.