The Spicy Rebujito is an intoxicating highball concoction that delivers a punch of nutty, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. This refreshing cocktail is composed of crisp manzanilla sherry, lemon-lime soda, and a special twist of mint and serrano chili, served over crushed ice in the traditional highball style.

Sprouting from the cultural heart of Andalusia, Spain, the foundational rebujito highball features dry-style sherry, like the light and nutty manzanilla, mixed with lemon-lime soda or sparkling lemonade. This reinterpretation by Katie Button, renowned chef and proprietor of Asheville, North Carolina's Cúrate, is akin to the spice-loving palette found in American cuisine.

Button’s unique touch adds serrano peppers to the mix, instilling a controlled heat which, she claims, "Impacts the palate but does not throw off the essence of the drink." Though adding serrano chili to the drink is not customary, this spin mirrors Button's approach to blending the best of Spanish and American cuisines.

Preserving the classic 1:3 base to mixer ratio commonly used in highball cocktails, the Spicy Rebujito offers a complex flavor profile of citrus, flowers, and nuttiness. The manzanilla sherry selected by Button is complemented by the soda's citrus notes, with sophisticated hints of toasted almonds and white florals.

In this upgraded Rebujito, Button recommends muddling mint with thinly-sliced serranos, which unlocks the bright aromas of both. The harmonic duo contributes a fresh, grassy pop to the cocktail. The tangy lemon-lime soda counterbalances the chili's sweet heat and enhances the drink's simplicity.

Here is how you can create this delicious concoction: Start with two sprigs of mint and a teaspoon of seeded and thinly sliced serrano chili. Muddle them together in a highball glass until the mint aroma is noticeable. Then pour in 2 ounces of manzanilla sherry and fill the glass with ice. Top it off with 6 ounces (or 3/4 cups) of lemon-lime soda, gently stir, and voila! You have yourself a Spicy Rebujito.

The Spicy Rebujito, designed by Katie Button and creatively styled by Jennifer Causey, Emily Nabors Hall, and Stephanie L. Yeh, is not just a cocktail – it's a sweet and spicy experience that leaves an unforgettable impression.