Would you Drink Doritos?

Doritos is the #1 chip brand in America, and they’ve taken the fanfare to another level with a nacho cheesy adult beverage that’s only available in New York and Los Angeles. Find out what it is, where you can find it, and what it actually tastes like to Drink Doritos right here!

What is the Empirical x Doritos® Nacho Cheese Spirit?

Empirical is a Copenhagen-based spirits brand that would rather be known as a “flavor company.” Inspired by olfactory moments like your mother’s home cooking, they are passionate about distilling tastes and creating new beverages. They are an uncategorized spirit company, which allows them the freedom to play around in exciting new ways.

The idea to drink Doritos came about when an Empirical team member returned from their lunch break with a bag. Founder Lars Williams took one look and knew it had to be distilled.

Where can you find the Nacho Cheese Spirit?

At first, it wasn’t available to the public and was only used in the Empirical distillery to quiz chefs who happened to be visiting. It’s since received a wider but still exclusive run in the retail markets of New York and California.

The bottle retails for $65, and you can use this link to see where your closest store or bar might be that carries it. The items sold out in a matter of hours online in December of 2023 when it was first released, but due to its popularity, they’ve since added more inventory.

If you’re lucky to live in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Palm Springs – don’t sleep on the chance to try this spirit.

What does it taste like to Drink Doritos?

The flavor profile of the Empirical x Doritos® Spirit is “nacho cheese, corn tostada, umami, and a hint of acidity.” Much like sampling a fine wine, I sat down with the bottle and prepared to smell and do a taste test of a small amount straight up.

The smell is undeniably Doritos when you can get past the 42-proof alcohol that it’s submerged in. As for the taste, it’s surprisingly cheesy and dangerously strong.

I went ahead and made one of the suggested cocktails that were created for this unique collaboration: The Double Triangle Margarita. This spirit blends very well with Bloody Marys, Margaritas, and even Old Fashioned Cocktails, although I prefer it over ice.

I can’t think of a better party game on Super Bowl Sunday (February 11th, 2024) than a blindfold and a “Guess what chips you’re drinking?” contest. The winner gets a bag of Doritos.

Empirical x Doritos® Nacho Cheese Spirit Double Triangle Margarita

Serving Size:

1 Glass

Time:

5 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

Ingredients

• 1 oz Empirical x Doritos® Nacho Cheese Spirit
• 1 oz blanco tequila
• .75 oz fresh lime juice
• .75 oz agave syrup (3:1)

Directions

1. Add all your ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
4. Garnish with a Tajín salt rim and a lime wheel.