The Daytona Destroyer! Photo by Dixie Haag

The Daytona 500 is always so exciting. It’s the start to a season, a first look at new teams and paint schemes, and in introduction to new drivers. The big race is also notorious for big wrecks, so sipping on a Daytona Destroyer makes sense. I tweaked the recipe a bit to get it the way I like it, so here’s my version. 

Daytona Destroyer

1 ounce simple syrup

Thinly sliced Serrano chile 

1 1/2 ounces tequila

1 ounce sprite

3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

Tajin 

Rim a tall rocks glass with lime juice and Tajin. Fill with ice. Muddle the pepper and simple syrup in a separate glass using however many slices you wish—I use 3. Strain over prepared glass. Add tequila, sprite and lime juice. Stir using a bar spoon to chill and blend. Enjoy!