Love & Spice: The Best Drinks to Pair with Spice-Orb-Infused Meals

Valentine’s Day is all about romance, great food, and the perfect drinks to match. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or a fun gathering with friends, pairing the right beverage with your meal can elevate the experience. With Spice Orbs adding bold, authentic flavors to your dishes, selecting a complementary drink enhances every bite. From cocktails to mocktails, here’s how to pair your favorite drinks with Spice-Orb-infused meals for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration.

1. Jalapeño Margaritas & Al Pastor Tacos

A jalapeño margarita is the perfect balance of heat and citrusy refreshment. It pairs beautifully with Al Pastor tacos made with the Al Pastor Spice Orb, which features a sweet and smoky profile with hints of pineapple and chile.

How to Make It:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ¾ oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• ½ oz agave syrup
• 2-3 slices of jalapeño
• Tajín or salt for rimming the glass
• Pineapple slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with Tajín or salt.
2. In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with lime juice and agave syrup.
3. Add tequila, orange liqueur, and ice. Shake well.
4. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a pineapple slice.
5. Enjoy alongside Al Pastor tacos topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and grilled pineapple.

2. Mexican Hot Chocolate & Mole Chicken

Mole chicken, made with the Mole Spice Orb, is rich, earthy, and slightly sweet, making Mexican hot chocolate the ideal drink pairing. The creamy, spiced chocolate mirrors the deep cocoa notes of mole sauce, creating a warm and cozy combination.

How to Make It:

• 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne over medium heat.
2. Heat until warm but not boiling.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and pour into mugs.
4. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
5. Serve with mole chicken and warm tortillas.

3. Spicy Paloma & Carne Asada Quesadillas

The citrus-forward Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail that complements the smoky and charred flavors of Carne Asada quesadillas made with the Carne Asada Spice Orb. The tangy grapefruit and lime cut through the richness of the grilled meat.

How to Make It:

• 2 oz tequila
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Sparkling water
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with salt.
2. In a shaker, mix tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well and pour over ice.
4. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
5. Enjoy with carne asada quesadillas loaded with melted cheese and served with guacamole.

4. Hibiscus Agua Fresca & Pozole Rojo (Mocktail Option!)

For a non-alcoholic pairing, hibiscus agua fresca is a refreshing and slightly tart drink that complements the deep, rich flavors of Pozole Rojo, made with the Pozole Spice Orb. The floral and tangy notes brighten the dish, making each spoonful even more delicious.

How to Make It:

• 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup honey or sugar
• Juice of 1 lime
• Ice and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add dried hibiscus flowers.
2. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and stir in honey (or sugar) and lime juice.
4. Chill and serve over ice with lime slices.
5. Pair with a warm bowl of pozole garnished with cabbage, radishes, and avocado.

5. Strawberry Mezcal Mule & Spicy Birria Tacos

The smoky depth of mezcal pairs exceptionally well with Spicy Birria tacos, made with the Spicy Birria Spice Orb. Adding fresh strawberries gives this mule a fruity twist that balances out the heat.

How to Make It:

• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 fresh strawberries, muddled
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Mint and lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle strawberries in a glass.
2. Add mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Fill with ice and top with ginger beer.
4. Stir and garnish with mint and lime.
5. Serve with spicy birria tacos and a side of consommé for dipping.

Final Thoughts

Pairing the right drink with your Spice-Orb-infused meal enhances flavors and creates a more immersive dining experience. Whether you prefer a bold jalapeño margarita with Al Pastor tacos, a comforting mug of Mexican hot chocolate with mole chicken, or a non-alcoholic hibiscus agua fresca with pozole, these pairings will make your Valentine’s Day meal unforgettable.

Get your Spice Orbs today and celebrate love with bold flavors and perfect pairings!