Doritos Debuts Nacho Cheese Flavored Spirit: Yes, For Real

A whole new way to crave…

Let’s be honest, when it comes to chips, nothing hits quite like a bag of Doritos. But for those those who can’t get enough, the iconic snack brand is serving up a special treat for imbibers.

Doritos has 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.

“Doritos is all about disrupting culture and bringing our fans unexpected, bold experiences,” said Tina Mahal, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Frito-Lay North America. “We’re always pushing our fans to try new things, so we figure it’s time we disrupt the spirits category by offering our iconic nacho cheese flavor in a bottle.”

The partnership marks a first-of-a-kind innovation for both brands and brings fans a truly new experience. To create the taste—which includes nacho cheese, corn tostada, umami and hint of acidity—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. 

“Empirical is an ‘uncategorized’ spirits company, so it allows us the freedom to experiment with really interesting flavors and not have to be stuck in a gin box or tequila box or whiskey box,” says Lars Williams, Chef/Distiller & CEO, Empirical. “And we can take something that has a unique and amazing flavor, like Doritos, and evolve it into something completely new.”

And for real, the end result tastes just like the iconic chips 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.

Limited-edition bottles of Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit will be available next month for a suggested retail price of $65 online and in select New York and California markets. Pre-orders are now available on doritos.x.empirical.co

So what’ the best way to enjoy the Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit? Check out three cocktail recipes below!

Double Triangle Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
  • 1 oz Blanco Tequila
  • 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 0.75 oz Agave Syrup (3:1)

Method: 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

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
  • 0.5 oz Tequila
  • 3 oz Tomato Juice
  • 1 barspoon lemon juice
  • 1 barspoon Worcestershire auce
  • Big pinch of Celery Salt
  • Big pinch of Cracked Black Pepper
  • Tiny Pinch of Cayenne

Method: 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

Method: 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.