Doritos unveiled a collaboration with global flavor innovator Empirical: Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit. This limited-release offers a multi-sensorial, delicious beverage experience that smells and tastes just like the real thing – bringing the iconic flavor of Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips into the spirits aisle.
The partnership marks a first-of-a-kind innovation for both brands and brings fans a truly new experience. To create the flavor, the many flavor layers of Doritos Nacho Cheese are extracted through Empirical’s innovative production process, using real Doritos chips and retaining their essence through vacuum distillation. Unlike traditional distillation methods, vacuum distillation operates at lower temperatures, preserving the full spectrum of flavors derived from Doritos.
Limited-edition bottles of Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit will be available next month for a suggested retail price of $65.00 (42% ABV, 750ml) online and in select New York and California markets. Pre-orders begin December 13, 2023 at doritos.x.empirical.co. For more information, visit empirical.co and follow along @doritos.
Tasting Notes: Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
- Flavor: Nacho Cheese, corn tostada, umami, hint of acidity
- Enjoy In a Margarita, Bloody Mary, Old Fashioned, neat or over ice, or any way Doritos fans like!
- Experience the indulgent flavors of your favorite snack in liquid form. The spirit opens with umami and tangy aromas of nacho cheese, moving to the deeper, corn-forward flavors of the chip to finish on a soft salty note.
Cocktails: Empirical x Doritos® Nacho Cheese Spirit
Double Triangle Margarita
- 1 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
- 1 oz blanco tequila
- .75 oz fresh lime juice
- .75 oz agave syrup (3:1)
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a Tajín salt rim and a lime wheel.
Mary Mary
- 1.5 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
- .5 oz tequila
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1 barspoon lemon juice
- 1 barspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Big pinch of celery salt
- Big pinch of cracked black pepper
- Tiny pinch of cayenne
Build all ingredients in a Collins glass. Add ice and pass a barspoon through the drink 3 to 4 times. Garnish with pepperoncini, seasoned celery and a pickled onion.
Doritos Bangarang
- 2 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
- 1 pinch smoked sea salt
- 1 squeeze fresh grapefruit (or citrus of choice)
- Top with Pepsi
Fill Collins glass with ice. Add Empirical x Doritos Nacho Chip Spirit, sea salt, grapefruit and top with Pepsi. Stir 3 – 4 times. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.