Ancho Reyes - Ancho Chile Recipe

Prepare the Ancho Chiles

Remove the stems and seeds from the ancho chiles. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or residue.

Soak the Chiles

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the prepared ancho chiles, garlic cloves, and chopped onion. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes until the chiles are soft.

Blend the Mixture

After soaking, transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding additional water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.

Combine Ingredients

In a large glass jar or bottle, combine the blended chili mixture with 750 ml of vodka, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

Infusion Process

Seal the jar tightly and shake well to combine. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to help dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.

Strain the Mixture

After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle, discarding the solids. Your Ancho Reyes-style infusion is ready to enjoy!