Look, I’m the sort of guy who likes it spicy. Hot wings, spicy drinks… Bring it on. But I’m not Sean Evans, host of Hot Ones, who has made his name with hot food and hotter talk, thanks to the hit celeb talk show that makes your faves cough, sputter, and sweat. And now he’s added yet another extension to the hit YouTube show line thanks to New Amsterdam Vodka: Heat Check, a vodka with hot pepper flavors.
“Hot Ones is bringing the heat to fans yet again with the launch of Heat Check, a not-too-spicy, not-too-mild, but just right pepper-infused spirit in partnership with New Amsterdam Vodka,” said Hot Ones host Sean Evans via a press release provided to Guilty Eats. “I’m thrilled to invite spice lovers to see if they can handle the heat, from celebrating with a spicy shot, to poolside sipping on the official cocktail of summer, the Heat Check Spicy Scorched Lemonade.”
I’m going to have to find out more about that particular drink, because: yum. But let’s break down what we know about the vodka. The limited-edition liquor costs $10.99 for a 750ml bottle, and has an ABV of 35%. So like Evans noted, it’s not the strongest drink in the world, but it will pack at least two kicks: the alcohol, and the spice.
As for that spice, Heat Check has a blend of hot pepper flavors: Serrano, Fresno, and Habanero.
“At Spirit of Gallo, we believe in crafting innovative spirits that not only taste great, but also spark cultural conversations,” added Brandon Lieb, VP of Spirits at Gallo. “Heat Check invites
drinkers to embrace the thrill of bold flavor, all with the stamp of approval from the discerning masters of spice in Sean Evans and the Hot Ones brand.”
Some suggested pairings for the Heat Check Vodka, via the brand, include a blood mary or a martini, of course, as well as some signature cocktails: Sizzlin’ Sunrise, Cucumber Heat Wave, and the aforementioned Heat Check Spicy Scorched Lemonade. Given “supporting content” will be running on the Hot Ones and First We Feast platforms, as well as sponsoring an upcoming episode of the show, we’ll presumably know more about these delectable sounding cocktails soon.
Heat Check will be available nationwide this month.