Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic12.3% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 6 ingredients, shaken drink, requires rimmed glass, requires shaker
Best for: Chocolate, Desserts, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- 2.0 ozLime WedgeGarnish
- 2.0 ozCoarse SaltGarnish
- 2.0 ozBlanco TequilaBase
- 2.0 ozPeppermint SchnappsModifier
- to tasteGrapefruit JuiceCitrus
- to tasteSimple SyrupSweetener
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrainTop
- Rim old-fashioned glass with lime and salt.
- Fill with ice.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Shake remaining ingredients with ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks — it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Hot Pants?
- The Hot Pants is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 12.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 382 calories.
- What does a Hot Pants taste like?
- Hot Pants has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet, Tart, Grapefruit. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Hot Pants?
- Hot Pants pairs well with Chocolate, Desserts, Mexican Cuisine. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Hot Pants?
- The Hot Pants has an ABV of approximately 12.3%. That's approximately 2.17 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 382 calories, 32.8g sugar, 40.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Hot Pants typically served?
- Hot Pants is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Hot Pants?
- If you enjoy Hot Pants, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Hot Pants at home?
- Yes. The Hot Pants uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Hot Pants with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.