Ancho chile liqueur can definitely be quite spicy, depending on the amount and type of chiles used in the liqueur. Ancho chiles themselves have a mild to medium heat level, rated around 1,000-2,000 Scoville heat units on the spicy scale. However, when made into a liqueur, the amount of spiciness can vary greatly depending on the recipe.
Quick answer
In short, ancho chile liqueurs can range from mildly spicy to very hot and intense, depending on the amount of chiles used and how they are prepared. Some ancho chile liqueurs aim for balance between chile heat and sweetness, while others emphasize the spiciness more. It’s a matter of personal preference. When in doubt, start with a small taste to assess the spice level before drinking a larger quantity.
What is ancho chile?
The ancho chile, also known as poblano when fresh, is a popular medium heat chili pepper originally from the state of Puebla, Mexico. It is one of the most commonly used chiles in Mexican cuisine. The ancho chile is a dried poblano pepper. The drying process concentrates the natural sugars and imbues raisin-like, fruitier flavors, while also intensifying the heat of the chile slightly compared to the fresh poblano.
When dried, poblano peppers turn a dark reddish brown color, wrinkly, and heart-shaped. They measure about 4-5 inches long. Ancho chiles have an earthy, mild heat flavor with notes of raisins, plums, and figs. They range from 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville Heat Units, considered a mild to medium level of spiciness.
Ancho Chile Flavor Profile:
- Earthy
- Mild heat
- Raisiny
- Prune-like
- Slight sweetness
How is ancho chile liqueur made?
Ancho chile liqueur is made by infusing dried ancho peppers into a clear spirit like vodka or tequila. Whole dried peppers are used so they can impart flavor, subtle heat, and a rich red-brown color to the liqueur. The peppers are left to infuse in the spirit for a period of time, anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on desired intensity.
A simple syrup of sugar dissolved in water is then added to balance and complement the heat of the chiles with sweetness. Additional flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa nibs, coffee, or citrus zest are also commonly added to enhance the flavor profile.
The pepper-infused spirit is then strained, combined with the simple syrup and other ingredients, rested for a final period, then bottled. Some ancho chile liqueurs are aged in oak barrels as well to add woody, vanilla hints.
Basic Ancho Chile Liqueur Recipe
| Ingredients: | |
| 6-8 dried ancho chiles | Chile heat and flavor |
| 750ml vodka or silver tequila | Clear base spirit |
| 1 cup water | Thin out syrup |
| 1 cup white sugar | Simple syrup sweetener |
| 1 vanilla bean, split | Add vanilla complexity |
Instructions:
- Combine ancho chiles and alcohol in a glass jar. Infuse for 1-2 weeks.
- Simmer water and sugar until dissolved. Let simple syrup cool.
- Add vanilla bean to infused spirit and let sit 1 more day.
- Strain out peppers and vanilla. Combine infused spirit with simple syrup.
- Bottle finished liqueur. Allow to rest 2 weeks before drinking.
Factors that determine spiciness
There are a few key factors that impact how spicy an ancho chile liqueur ultimately turns out:
Amount of chiles used
The more dried ancho peppers that are added in the infusion process, the spicier the final liqueur will become. A liqueur made with only 2-3 anchos will have very mild heat, while one with 10+ chiles will have prominent spiciness.
Preparation of chiles
Leaving the chiles whole results in a milder heat infusion than if the peppers are cut open, sliced, or ground, which exposes more capsaicin oil. The seeds and inner membranes of chile peppers contain the most heat compounds, so removing those prior to infusing reduces spiciness. However, leaving them in increases the intensity of the liqueur’s spice.
Infusion time
The longer the chiles are allowed to steep in the spirit, the more of their flavor and heat is extracted. A week yields moderate spiciness, while infusing for a month produces a much spicier, more intensely flavored liqueur.
Abv of spirit
The higher the alcohol by volume (abv) used, such as overproof tequila or rum, the more efficiently it will extract the spicy components from the peppers. So a liqueur made with 80 proof (40% abv) spirit will have less heat than one made with 100 proof (50% abv) alcohol.
Balancing with sugar
The amount of sugar syrup used helps balance out and complement the spiciness. More sugar dilutes the heat and masks it with sweetness, making the liqueur seem less spicy. Less sugar allows the chiles’ fire to take center stage.
Other flavorings
Ingredients like cocoa, coffee, citrus, and warm baking spices can complement, accentuate, or distract from the perception of heat. They add complexity but also reduce the prominence of the chile flavor/spice specifically.
How spicy are commercial ancho chile liqueurs?
There are a variety of commercial ancho chile liqueurs available, which demonstrate the wide spectrum of spiciness levels possible in these liqueurs depending on recipe formulation and chile usage.
Mildly Spicy
- Tapatio 110 Proof Tequila – subtle chile spice
- Patron Ancho Reyes – mild, slightly sweet
- St. George Chile Vodka – gentle chile warmth
Moderately Spicy
- Ancho Reyes – balanced heat
- Ancho Verde – robust chile flavor
- El Silencio Mezcal Ensamble en Barrel – noticeable tingle
Very Spicy
- Ancho Reyes Verde – intense pepper kick
- One With Life Ancho Reyes – mouth burning heat
- Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila – fierce pepper spice
As these demonstrate, spiciness can vary drastically between products from subtle to quite overpowering. Even liqueurs from the same brand, like different expressions of Ancho Reyes, can have wildly different levels of heat depending on the recipe.
Cocktails and food pairings
The spiciness of ancho chile liqueurs makes them very versatile for cocktails and food pairings. Here are some suggestions:
Cocktails
- Margarita – bring some heat to a classic
- Bloody Maria – spice up the classic brunch cocktail
- Ancho Mule – substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow Mule
- Paloma – use instead of grapefruit soda
- Mexican Manhattan – spike this cocktail with some south of the border flair
Food Pairings
- Spicy Mexican dishes – tacos, enchiladas, tamales
- Mole sauce
- Grilled meats – skirt steak, chicken
- Chocolate desserts – balances heat with sweet
The ancho chile liqueur’s blend of subtle heat and fruitiness complements these foods and cocktails wonderfully.
Should you refrigerate after opening?
Ancho chile liqueurs are shelf stable at room temperature before opening. However, refrigeration after opening is recommended to help retain the best flavor and prevent oxidation. The sugar content and alcohol make it resistant to spoilage.
Store the opened bottle upright in the refrigerator. The chilled temperature will also make the spiciness seem slightly more muted.
If not refrigerated, the liqueur may gradually start to lose some vibrancy and the pepper flavors can dissipate quicker. So for maximum taste and quality, refrigeration and timely consumption is best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ancho chile liqueurs can definitely range from mild to extremely spicy depending on the specific chiles used and way it is formulated. The many factors involved in infusion strength, dilution, and flavor balancing determine where on the spiciness spectrum the final liqueur ends up. When trying a new ancho chile liqueur, start with a small taste and work up from there to determine its unique level of heat and how to best use it. Follow proper refrigerated storage after opening to maintain quality and flavor. With their versatility and unique chile flavor, ancho liqueurs make an excellent addition to any home bar.
