In the Shalek Lab, we bring the same level of commitment and attention to detail we apply to our science to our cooking and cocktails. Here are recipes for 3 pepper-infused mezcals, ranked X, XX and XXX based on their mouth-numbing potential. We also make a 4th, X^X (recipe not shown), which is probably not safe for consumption but we’ve still been known to drink it.

Single X Chipotle-Infused Mezcal – 

Ingredients:

3-4 Dried Chipotle Chiles

500mL Fidencio Clasico Mezcal

Combine dried chipotle chiles along with 500mL of Fidencio Clasico or similar mezcal and allow to infuse overnight. Mezcal can be infused for up to a week before straining for longer term storage.

Double XX Jalepeno/Serrano-Infused Mezcal – 

Ingredients:

3-4 Jalepeno Peppers

3-4 Serrano Peppers

500 mL Fidencio Clasico Mezcal

Combine jalapeno and serrano peppers with 500mL of Fidencio Clasico or similar mezcal and allow to infuse overnight. Shalek personally waits until the mezcal has turned green, but this isn’t for everyone.

Triple XXX Habenero-Infused Mezcal – 

Ingredients:

5-6 Habenero Peppers

500 mL Fidencio Clasico Mezcal

Combine habenero peppers with 500mL of Fidencio Clasico or similar mezcal and allow to infuse overnight. As with the XX, Shalek waits until the mezcal has  turned orange. However, for the rest of us with functioning TRPV1 receptors, 24-48 hours gets the job done and then some.

Shalek Paloma: 

2 oz XXX (or X^X) Infused Mezcal

3/4 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

1/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Shake for 10-15 seconds and serve double-strained over a rocks glass with a single cube and a smoked sea salt rim. Garnish with fresh or flamed pepper rings.