The evening started with the Slow Burn.
Unlike my last relationship, this slow burn actually had a satisfying finish.
Made with Brewmaster's Honjozo Premium Sake, Aperol, Hakutsuru Nigori Yuzushu, jalapeño, grapefruit, Ruffino Prosecco, soda and lemon, my first thought was, "There has to be Tajín in this."
There isn't.
The bright citrus notes grab your attention first, while the jalapeño slowly works its way in. The heat never overwhelms the cocktail or tries to prove a point. It simply builds with each sip, making the name less of a clever title and more of an accurate warning.
It's balanced, refreshing, and just spicy enough to leave you looking forward to the next sip.