Cocktail Hour! The Silverano, a summer sipper.

It's only April and it's already hot. I was planning to publish this recipe later, but why wait?

First, gotta give credit where it's due. This drink is based largely on one called The Gibbons, designed by my man The Rev. Willie G of ZZ Top. I mean, I've been stealing his guitar licks my whole life, so why should this be any different?


El Gibbons: Engine-Coolant For Your Soul, Supercharged!

Secondly, why the name "Silverano," Pale Rider? It's the joining of the word silver, from the color of the drink, to the Spanish word "verano," which means summer. This baby is designed to be a refreshing summer coolerator (with a bite).

Start with a great blanco tequila. May I suggest one of my current favorites: Pura Vida or Siembra Azul. Pour a fat shot of it over lots of spring-water ice. Add in a couple ounces of Polar Lime Seltzer (or any other lime-tinged sparkling water), and here's the kicker: Drop in a ring or two of sliced jalapeño - you know, the ones that come in a jar. Pale Rider actually also adds-in a couple drops of the jal-juice from the jar. You may ask, "Why would I want a hot-spicy taste in my cooling cocktail?" And I'd reply, "Go ask the Mexicans. They live in the hottest climate in the western hemisphere, and eat blazingly spicy food every day," It's apparently an inverse theory; eating hot food makes the weather seem cooler to the body. I know from life-long personal experience, it works!

That being said, stir it all up real good, add a lime wedge to the edge and you're ready to enjoy a killin' coolin' cocktail - with a kick! The Silverano!

VARIATION: The SILVERANJO!
As above but use Orange Seltzer instead of the lime, and garnish the drink with an orange wheel.