Jalapeño Gin Fizz w/ Pedro Goncalves, Oceana (Video)

Oceana in Midtown New York is best known for – you guessed it – it’s fish fare. But Wine and Beverage Director Pedro Goncalves might tempt you to think about it in another way.

Raised in Portugal, he was crushing grapes (for wine!) as early as age three – and he remembers the purple stains on his legs, too.

Essentially living off the land, his childhood dinner table served the items grown near his home, until he was 12 and relocated to London. But, the beverage story really begins when Pedro finally came to the United States in 1989 to pursue Martial Arts.

Hi-yah!

While chasing his dream, he waited tables and kicked butt offering wine suggestions to diners, and after five years at NYC’s Gramercy Tavern, Pedro jumped ship for Oceana, where he’s been since 2002.

He may not be crushing grapes between his toes (and staining his legs) on the daily, but instead, he’s mixing up brag-worthy beverages. Check out Pedro’s Jalapeño Gin Fizz for a spicy sip!

Jalapeño Gin Fizz Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 oz.
 Applejack
• 1 oz.
 Peach Schnapps
• 1 1⁄2 oz.
Greenhook Ginsmiths Beach Plum Gin
• 3 tiers
 Bitters
• Cava
• Lemon juice
• Fresh jalapeño

Steps:

1. Chop fresh jalapeño, add to glass.

2. Combine Applejack and fresh jalapeno.

3. Muddle.

4. Add Peach Schnapps and Greenhook Ginsmiths Beach Plum Gin.

5. Add a little lemon juice.

6. Add three ties of bitters.

7. Shake and serve in a high ball glass with ice.

8. Top with Cava
Garnish with a slice of jalapeño.

Head to our Recipes section for more delicious recipes.

What’s your favorite jalapeño drink? Do you take it with gin or prefer a margarita? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!