It’s no secret that Jamie is a huge fan of chillies. He holds a world record for the most chopped in a minute, and he’s professed to preferring a little kick from one instead of coffee in the morning.
It’s unsurprising, then, that they’d be guests of honour in his signature cocktail, the Oliver’s Twist.
We absolutely love this drink; it’s intense but playful, thanks to the combination of gin and beer, and the miraculous chilli-honey infusion and sweet tang of elderflower give it a warming kick – despite it being incredibly refreshing.
The chilli honey is a doddle – at least 3 hours before you’re ready to serve, halve a fresh red chilli, place it in a jar of honey and leave to infuse. Only about a tablespoon is needed for this recipe, but it’ll keep for months – consider using it as a glaze or marinade or, as Jamie suggests, as an incredible drizzle for your porridge.
To make the Oliver’s Twist, begin by halving a lemon, and readying a long glass that has chilled in the freezer for 5 minutes.
Squeeze in the lemon juice, watching out for pips.
Add roughly a tablespoon of the chilli-infused honey and 15ml elderflower liqueur…
…followed by 30 ml dry gin.
Fill with ice…
…top up with roughly 300ml lager and stir to combine.
Have a taste and add a little more honey or lemon juice, if you think it needs it. Using a speed-peeler, peel a strip of lemon zest, then add it to the cocktail with a few slices of fresh strawberry, if you like.
For more great ideas, have a look at Jamie’s brand new drinks channel, Drinks Tube.
