[The Sip Advisor has been growing his liquor collection for a decade plus. It is something I’m very proud of, my children before kids and my legacy to leave to this world. I’d like to share what I’ve curated with all you little sippers via this project.]

After sticking around a few extra days than the Sip Advisor could spare following our group trip to Ireland in fall 2016, Mrs. Sip brought home this bottle for me as a sort of consolation surprise. She may have purchased it at the airport Duty Free prior to her flight home.

The product – from Hughes Craft Distillery in Lisburn, Ireland – is comprised of an Irish grain spirit paired with whole chilli peppers. In fact, there’s a pair of the little bastards floating in the bottle. The result is a decent burn that can add an extra element to cocktails and shots.

Serving suggestions include adding the liqueur to Tomato Juice to up a Bloody Mary or simply pouring the cordial over ice. If adding it to any cocktail, the recommended measurement is 25ml or between 0.75-1oz.

Other products from RubyBlue included Blackcurrant, Cranberry and Blueberry, each using real fruit in the distilling process.

Bottle of the Month #5: Red Hot Santa

• 1.25 oz Vanilla Vodka
• 0.5 oz RubyBlue Chilli Pepper Liquer
• 0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
• Splash of Lemon Juice
• Dash of Simple Syrup

I’m well aware we’re nowhere near the Christmas season, but this is one of the few recipes I could find directly from the distillery. As best I can tell, RubyBlue doesn’t exist anymore, so I’ll enjoy what’s left of my liqueur.