Many of us crave Doritos after a night of drinks, but starting soon you can cut straight to the chase. The chip brand today unveiled a collaboration with Empirical with its Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit.
This limited edition release offers a spicy take on both Doritos and alcohol. To create the flavors of corn tostada and umami, the essence of Doritos Nacho Cheese is extracted through Empirical’s production process, using real chips and retaining their essence through vacuum distillation. Unlike traditional distillation methods, vacuum distillation operates at lower temperatures, thus preserving the full spectrum of flavors.
“Doritos is all about disrupting culture and bringing our fans unexpected, bold experiences,” said Tina Mahal, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Frito-Lay North America. “We’re always pushing our fans to try new things, so we figure it’s time we disrupt the spirits category by offering our iconic nacho cheese flavor in a bottle.”
“Empirical is an ‘uncategorized’ spirits company, so it allows us the freedom to experiment with really interesting flavors and not have to be stuck in a gin box or tequila box or whiskey box,” added Lars Williams, Chef/Distiller & CEO, Empirical. “And we can take something that has a unique and amazing flavor, like Doritos, and evolve it into something completely new.”
If you’re wondering what cocktails you can make with the spirit, check out three recipes below.
Limited-edition bottles of Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit will be available in January for $65 online and in select New York and California markets. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, December 13 here.
Double Triangle Margarita
- 1 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
- 1 oz blanco tequila
- .75 oz fresh lime juice
- .75 oz agave syrup (3:1)
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a Tajín salt rim and a lime wheel.
Mary Mary
- 1.5 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
- .5 oz tequila
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1 barspoon lemon juice
- 1 barspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Big pinch of celery salt
- Big pinch of cracked black pepper
- Tiny pinch of cayenne
Build all ingredients in a Collins glass. Add ice and pass a barspoon through the drink 3 to 4 times. Garnish with pepperoncini, seasoned celery and a pickled onion.
Doritos Bangarang
- 2 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
- 1 pinch smoked sea salt
- 1 squeeze fresh grapefruit (or citrus of choice)
- Top with Pepsi
Fill Collins glass with ice. Add Empirical x Doritos® Nacho Chip Spirit, sea salt, grapefruit and top with Pepsi. Stir 3 – 4 times. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
