Beni’s Inferno: An Easy Homemade Smirnoff Ice Cocktail Recipe You'll Love

3 min read

By Benedicta Ngwu

October 4, 2024

Prep time:	Mix time:	Serves:	Level:
10 Minutes	2 Minutes	3 Servings	Intermediate

Four glasses of Beni's Inferno, a Nigerian cocktail recipe with Gordon's London Dry Gin — Four Glasses of Beni's Inferno

Our cocktail for this week is Beni's Inferno! Beni's Inferno is an easy homemade Smirnoff Ice Cocktail recipe that you will love. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful cocktail recipe featuring Smirnoff Ice with a blend of unusual ingredients. Trust me, you’ll want to make this your go-to weekend treat.

Introducing: Beni’s Inferno, Your Easy Homemade Smirnoff Ice Cocktail

This cocktail strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The dates and pineapple juice provide a natural sweetness, perfectly complemented by the tartness of Chapman. The coconut cream adds a luscious texture, making the drink smooth and creamy, while the ata rodo peppers deliver a surprising kick that keeps you coming back for more.

I tried it out and it didn't taste like what I expected at all - Faith Ossai

Ingredients

a basket of hot green, yellow, and red peppers on a wooden table. — A Basket of Different Peppers

6 oz (180 ml) Smirnoff Ice Vodka
3 oz (90 ml) Chapman
1.5 oz (45 ml) Pineapple Juice
2-3 tablespoons of Coconut cream (optional)
3-4 pieces of Dates
3 fresh Ata rado peppers
3 mint leaves for garnish
Cucumber Wheels (optional)
ice

How to Prepare Your Beni’s Inferno With Smirnoff Ice Vodka

Step 1

Blend your dates and peppers with pineapple juice and strain it. When I make mine I usually just crush the peppers a little bit and blend only the dates so the drink doesn't come out too spicy.
If you don’t want it too spicy, you can also soak whole ata rodo peppers in vodka for about 30-40 minutes beforehand.

Step 2

In a shaker, combine the Chapman, coconut cream, pineapple juice, blended dates syrup, and ata rodo peppers. Mix everything together.
You don't need to add the peppers in the shaker if you pre-soaked them.
If you crushed the ata rodo peppers instead, they should be the last thing you add.

Step 3

Add Smirnoff Ice Vodka to your ice-filled glass.
Pour in your mix, and top it off with you mint leaves.
Sometimes, I like to add cucumber wheels because I love the flavour.

I poured myself a glass and chugged down the whole thing 'cause I was so thirsty. It had a kick to it but it was so refreshing. - Simi Oluwamusan

Nigerian Foods You Can Pair With Beni's Inferno

a white bowl of fruit salad with pineapples and watermelons on a kitchen table, resting beside a whole pineapple, watermelon cuts and an apple. — A Fruit Salad Bowl

Fried Pastries

Puff-Puff: The light, fluffy sweetness of puff-puff pairs well with the spicy and tangy notes of Beni’s Inferno, offering a delightful contrast between sweet and heat.

Chin Chin: The crunchy texture and buttery sweetness of chin chin balance the cocktail's fiery kick, making it a pleasant snack to enjoy alongside the drink.

Fruit-Based Desserts

Fruit Salad with Watermelon and Pineapple: The refreshing sweetness of watermelon and the tangy zing of pineapple enhance the cocktail’s spicy and fruity elements.

Roasted Plantain (Boli) with Groundnuts: The caramelized sweetness of roasted ripe plantain complements the peppery heat and sweet notes of Beni’s Inferno.

Cakes and Puddings

Nigerian Coconut Cake: The rich coconut flavour and subtle sweetness of the cake provide a creamy balance to the cocktail’s spice, creating a well-rounded pairing.

Red Velvet Cake: The savoury sweetness of moi moi and the creamy texture of custard create an unexpected yet delightful pairing with the zesty and peppery cocktail.

Conclusion

If you enjoy cocktails with bold, unique flavours, Beni’s Inferno offers a refreshing twist that stands out. This Nigerian-inspired concoction blends vibrant local ingredients with a global favourite like Smirnoff Ice, creating a drink that’s both exciting and delightful.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Smirnoff Ice and Smirnoff Vodka?

Smirnoff Ice is a malt beverage, while Smirnoff Vodka is a distilled spirit. Smirnoff Ice has a lower alcohol content than Smirnoff Vodka.

What is the best mixer for Smirnoff?

The best mixer for Smirnoff Vodka depends on your taste, but popular options include soda, tonic water, and fruit juice. You can experiment to find your preferred combination.

Can I mix Smirnoff Vodka with water?

Yes, you can mix Smirnoff Vodka with water. This can help dilute the alcohol while still enjoying its flavour.

Is vodka better than whiskey?

Whether vodka is better than whiskey depends on personal preference. Some prefer vodka’s clean taste, while others enjoy whiskey’s rich flavour.