Spice Up Summer Foods!

The heat is on! As the temperature rises, so does the spice level — we’re all about spicy foods and drinks with kick. Using this season’s new recipes as inspiration, we’ve gathered our best ideas for adding some heat to your summer meals. Spice it up!

 

Top it off A drizzle of salsa adds brightness and heat to our favorite summer foods — think tacos and grilled meats and seafood. For an intense spicy-sweet flavor, choose a salsa with fiery habaneros. Try it: Chile con Queso Nachos with Guajillo Short Ribs and Avocado

Infuse your drinks Sure, you can use a spicy mixer and garnish glasses with chiles — and you should! But to really take cocktails to the next level, infuse your spirits with hot chiles before mixing — you’ll love the fresh flavor. Try it: Jalapeno-Lime Coolers with Cucumber-Chile Gin

Char some peppers Toss a few peppers on the grill and cook, turning once or twice, until they are blistered and slightly soft. Then, serve the peppers with grilled steaks or chicken for an irresistible sweet-smoky-spicy side. Try it: Grilled New York Strip Steak with Tomatoes and Peppers

Give burgers a boost Reinvent summer classics like cheeseburgers with surprising new flavors. Incorporate a spicy paste into the patties, and instead of milder cheddar cheese, use pepper jack. Finally, sandwich roasted peppers between meat and buns. Try it: Triple-Chile Burger with Grilled Potato Wedges

Pickle peppers (and more)! In Mexico, escabeche, a mix of spicy pickled vegetables, is almost as expected on the table as salsa. Jalapenos give the rest of the veggies (cauliflower, carrots and onions) a welcome kick. Try the mix as a topping for grilled foods, in tacos or on burgers. Try it: Pickled Cauliflower, Carrots and Jalapenos

Do a drizzle Add a bold, zesty note to traditionally non-spicy foods with a spicy chile oil. Drizzle it on top of pizzas, pastas, seafood dishes or fresh, seasonal vegetables. Try it: Margherita Pizza

 

See our chile guide for more ways to spice up summer!