Sparkling Lightning in a Bottle

A sensory explosion in your mouth, this refreshing spritzer combines the numbing, effervescent sensation of Szechuan buzz buttons with the hot and fruity Timut Pepper of Nepal.

Ingredients

Procedure

Liquid Lightning

1. In a container, combine hot water, citron tea, timut pepper, buzz buttons, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Refrigerate overnight.
2. Strain liquid with a fine-mesh sieve into another container. Hold refrigerated for service.

Service

1. For each serving, fill cocktail shaker with ice, 2 ounces liquid lightning, 1 1/2 ounces gin and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
2. Pour into champagne glass and top with 2 ounces seltzer.
3. Garnish with 1 buzz button, 1 lemon peel on a cocktail stick, and serve immediately.