March 1, 2024
Who doesn’t like to spice things up once in a while? If you’re tired of the same ol’ flavors from the seltzers currently on the market, chances are you’ve been looking high and low for your new favorite canned cocktail. Something that offers premium vodka mixed with flavors that will tickle your tongue and go down smooth. We’re here to tell you the buck stops at Kickstand’s premium canned cocktails, especially if you want to include a little more spice in your life.
As the only canned cocktail company dedicated to spice, you can definitely expect something adventurous with all four of our incredibly drinkable (and pairable) bevvies. You know that these cocktails are crushable, but did you know that they’re super easy to pair with food as well? In honor of National Hot and Spicy Food Day, we thought it would be helpful to give you some of the most popular foods to enjoy alongside any one of Kickstand’s Cocktails.
We’re going to cover:
Not all canned cocktails are created the same. There’s a lot of options out there, but many fall short when it comes to flavor, drinkability, and quality ingredients. Not to mention some of those flavors don’t sound like they’d pair very well with snacks, let alone a meal! Well, you don’t have to worry about that when you drink any of Kickstand’s four flavor options and spice levels. And don’t let the spiciness intimidate you, there’s a heat level for everyone! Whether you’re looking for something with just a little intensity, or you want something that has a bit more kick 🥵, there something for every palate.
Regardless of the flavor and spice you choose, all Kickstand beverages:
We like to refer to our cocktails as highly “crushable,” which means they’re smooth and you can enjoy one, or more than one, easily. Not to mention the flavors are anything but bland, and would compliment all kinds of cuisines.
Kickstand beverages are fantastic all on their own, but sometimes you’re craving a little more. Whether you’re hanging out with some friends or throwing a party, it’s always a good idea to have some food on hand, especially if it compliments what you’re drinking! If you’re planning to celebrate National Hot and Spicy Food Day, or even if it’s not a national holiday, check out our favorite ways to pair some yummy food with one of our spice-centric flavors.
Spice level: Mild
The mild spice level of the Roasted Jalapeno Cucumber means that it’s incredibly easy to pair with your favorite dish that offers just a hint of spice. It also has the cooling flavor of cucumber that helps to balance a dish that offers a little more spice. We have a couple options that would work well paired with this flavor profile and spiciness.
This is a super easy recipe that’s perfect if you’re chilling at home solo, or you just want to throw together an easy lunch or dinner. Grab your favorite kind of ramen noodles (or soba, or rice noodles!) and cook according to the package directions. Then, add on a few dashes of your favorite sriracha sauce and mix it together well. Sprinkle on a few green onions to balance the sriracha heat and crack open your Kickstand cocktail!
We love when there’s options when it comes to the level of spice you want in your drink, or in your food. You can choose what type of chorizo you use with this recipe, whether it’s a spicy Mexican version, or a more smoky Spanish version. The spice level of the Mexican chorizo will mix well with the lower level heat of the Roasted Jalapeno Cucumber cocktail, but regardless of the chorizo you choose, the tomatoes will complement the flavor perfectly.
Heat the oil in a large skillet and saute the onions until translucent. Add the spices and stir until fragrant, then add the tomatoes, capers, olives, salt and pepper, and cilantro and stir together until well mixed. Set the sauce aside and prep your grill for the chorizo. Place the sauce into an aluminum grill pan and nestle the sausages alongside. Simmer the sausages in the sauce for around 20-25 minutes. Then remove the chorizo and grill on the grates for about three minutes. Transfer the sauce and meat to a plate and serve.
Spice level: Medium
If you’re ready for a flavor that brings a little more heat to the table, then consider trying the Smashed Raspberry Serrano cocktail that settles in at the medium spice level. While it offers slightly more heat than the mild, it’s not so overwhelming that you won’t enjoy all the flavor notes. Raspberry and serrano might just be one of the best flavor combos out there! Try it with this version of Nashville chicken that allows you to scale the amount of cayenne pepper you put in either up or down, depending on how spicy you want it.
Toss the chicken with salt and pepper and let rest in the fridge. Mix together the eggs, milk, and hot sauce, and in another bowl mix the flour and salt together. Heat the oil in a large pan or Dutch oven. Pat the chicken dry and dredge in the flour mixture, then the milk mixture. Dredge in the flour again and working once piece at a time, fry until the outside is golden brown. Whisk together the cayenne, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika and mix in enough oil to make a sauce. Brush the fried chicken with the spicy oil.
Spice level: Medium
Another great option that’s still at medium level heat is the Charred Pineapple Poblano. The pineapple flavor and poblano heat bring a different experience, and would pair well with an Asian-inspired dish that can complement the flavors, without being overwhelming.
Mix together all the ingredients and marinade the drumsticks in a ziploc bag for a few hours, or ideally overnight. Turn occasionally. When you’re ready to cook, prepare the grill and place the drumsticks on and cook on direct heat until they’re done, around 25-30 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes. Remove from the grill and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Spice level: Hot
If you’re ready for a drink like none other you’ve tasted before (and you can handle the spice), then you’ve got to try the Torched Peach Chipotle flavor. Although its spice level is hot, you don’t have to worry about this being undrinkable, on the contrary, it’s flavorful, refreshing, and easy to have more than one. You’ll want something that adds something cooling to the spicy dish you're pairing with it, like this taco recipe, especially if you’re enjoying it with a beverage that has its own kick.
Cooling avocado crema
Saute the ground beef in a skillet until cooked through, and add the spices. Add the beef stock and bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 20 minutes. Build your tacos the way you like them, then top with the cooling avocado cream sauce.
Those are just some of the options you have available to try on National Hot and Spicy Food Day, or any day of the week. Which one is your favorite?
