Buzz
The culinary craftsmanship behind a bag of Doritos often goes unnoticed. Over the years, the recipe has been refined to encapsulate the essence of nachos in a single chip. Now, that bold flavor can be savored in a drinkable form.
According to Food & Wine, Doritos has partnered with Empirical Spirits to launch its nacho cheese flavor as a liquor. This 84-proof clear spirit, reminiscent of a cheesy, corn-infused vodka, is crafted using a base of distilled malt pilsner. Through vacuum distillation, real Doritos are steeped at low temperatures to extract their intricate flavors. The final product boasts an umami-rich, tangy nacho cheese aroma, evolving into deep corn notes and finishing with a subtle saltiness, as described in the tasting notes.
Empirical is no stranger to infusing unique flavors into spirits. Their portfolio includes unconventional ingredients like plum kernel, cacao husk, and oolong tea. While the Doritos liquor may seem gimmicky, the distillers approached this collaboration with the same dedication and innovation as their other offerings.
The Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit will launch in limited quantities in January 2024, with preorders opening on Empirical’s online store from December 13. It will be available online and at select liquor retailers in New York and California, priced at $65. For those unsure how to enjoy it, Empirical offers a variety of cocktail recipes on its website, such as a cheesy margarita and a bloody Mary garnished with a chip.
