Absolut Peppar Cantaritos

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Absolut Peppar Cantaritos is a new drink inspired by the classic Mexican Tequila-based cocktail, the Cantaritos.  

The Absolut Peppar Cantaritos uses the exact same recipe as the Cantaritos but substitutes Tequila for Absolut Peppar, our incredible and spicy Pepper-Flavored Vodka.

“You get the crisp flavor of cracked Black Pepper (from Absolut Peppar), which is immense and works phenomenally. I wouldn’t be disappointed if I got this Vodka version instead of Tequila, even in Mexico,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

Now we’ve got you curious, huh? Let’s make the Absolut Peppar Cantaritos!

How To Make an Absolut Peppar Cantaritos

What You’ll Need

• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Boston Shaker
• Cup (x 3)
• Citrus Elbow 
• Citrus Press
• Paring Knife
• Cantaritos Pot (or Collins Glass)
• Plate (for the Tajin Spice)

How to Mix

1. Pour Tajin Spice onto a Plate.
2. Rub a Lime Wedge around the rim of your drinking vessel (a Cantaritos Pot or Collins Glass) and dip it into the Tajin Spice.
3. Cut a Lime, Grapefruit, and Orange in half using a Paring Knife, saving two Lime Wedges for later.
4. Use a Citrus Elbow to squeeze Lime Juice into a Cup and set it aside.
5. Use a Citrus Press to juice the Grapefruit and Orange, placing each into separate cups.
6. Use a Jigger to measure and pour Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Orange Juice, and Absolut Peppar into your Cantaritos Pot or Collins Glass.
7. Add Ice Cubes and top off with Grapefruit Soda.
8. Garnish with a Lime Wedge, placed directly on top of the Ice Cubes.
9. Sip and enjoy!

The History of the Absolut Peppar Cantaritos

The Absolut Peppar Cantaritos was created in summer 2024 by Bartender and Absolut Global Ambassador, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan.

After making a classic Cantaritos for the ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’ series, Rico, as always, decided to experiment by using Vodka instead of the drink’s original spirit. He chose Absolut Peppar (Pepper-Flavored Vodka) and, well, it was a success!

The original Cantaritos, on the other hand, is believed to have been invented sometime during the Mexican Revolution (1910 – 1917), in the state of Jalisco, the heartland of Tequila production.

Tips for Making the Perfect Absolut Peppar Cantaritos

• Pink Grapefruit
  Pink Grapefruit is Rico’s top choice for both the Absolut Peppar Cantaritos and the original Cantaritos. The truth is though any fresh Grapefruit Juice will do. However, it’s important to know that different varieties will affect the sweetness and acidity.
• Always juice fresh…especially Grapefruit
  Whatever cocktail you’re making, “Always try and get that juice directly from the fruit, especially when it comes to Grapefruit Juice” advises Rico. Trust us, it makes a world of difference to your drink.

• The right amount of sweetness
  The sweetness of fruit changes not only with the seasons but also varies from country to country.

  If you find that your drink is too tart or isn’t sweet enough, add a touch of Simple Syrup, which will balance out your drink.
  
  

• Choose your favorite Grapefruit Soda
  Choose your favorite sparkling Grapefruit Soda. “Whether it’s white or pink, it doesn’t matter”, says Rico. 

Variations of an Absolut Peppar Cantaritos

Cantaritos
Being that the Absolut Peppar Cantaritos is a variation of the classic Cantaritos, it’s only fair that we cite the original, of course!

The Cantaritos is a Tequila-based cocktail originating from Mexico and could be seen as a cousin to another Tequila-based classic from Mexico, the Paloma.

A traditional Cantaritos combines Tequila, fresh citrus juice, and a splash of Grapefruit Soda, then garnished with a Lime Wedge. In other words, it’s the taste of Mexico in a glass…or rather, a clay jug. Here’s our recipe for a classic Cantaritos.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for the Absolut Peppar Cantaritos

Not many cocktails have a dedicated drinking vessel (think Margarita or Martini), but the Cantaritos does. A traditional Cantaritos is served in a clay cup or jug known as an Cantaritos de Barro. 

Therefore, to keep things as close to the original as possible, we recommend serving your Absolut Peppar Cantaritos in a Cantaritos de Barro as well. Alternatively, a Collins Glass works well too. Check out this article to learn more about the different types of cocktail glassware.

To garnish the Absolut Peppar Cantaritos, Rico suggests rimming the outside of your drinking vessel with Tajin Spice instead of Kosher Salt and then garnishing with a Lime Wedge. Tajin Spice and Absolut Peppar? Oh yeah! Spicy!