To get fully in the Machete mood, I ordered the Hot Mess ($8.50), a margarita made with tequila that had been infused with habanero and serrano peppers, then mixed with lime, agave and Cointreau. But the result was so mild, it was like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Since Machete had just opened on Cinco de Mayo (and then closed for more renovation work before reopening in mid-May), I thought that the tequila might not have had enough time to absorb the heat of the pepper - although when I suggested this to the waiter, he said the drink tasted the way it was supposed to.
Disappointed, I ditched the Hot Mess for a Spicy Rico's Rita ($9.50), made with Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau, agave and muddled fresh jalapeños, cilantro and lime. While this drink, too, lacked heat, at least it had the refreshing bite of fresh jalapeños and cilantro.
While the drinks may not be hot, this spot certainly will be this summer. In Cherry Creek, Machete is definitely a cut above.