Doritos, the popular American snack brand known for its bold and cheesy flavors, is now venturing into the world of spirits with its latest creation - the Nacho Cheese Spirit. Teaming up with drink company Empirical, Doritos aims to offer customers the iconic Nacho Cheese flavor in a bottle. The limited-release alcoholic drink, which is available for pre-order now, promises to "smell and taste just like the real thing."

To achieve this unique flavor profile, Doritos and Empirical employ a process called vacuum distillation. Real crisps are used, and their essence is extracted at lower temperatures to preserve the flavors. The result is a 42% alcohol spirit that captures the essence of Doritos' Nacho Cheese crisps, complete with hints of corn tostada, umami, and acidity. Empirical describes the Nacho Cheese Spirit as a beverage that will bring a moment of surprise to anyone who tries it.

Lars Williams, the distiller and CEO of Empirical, highlights the freedom they have as an “uncategorized” spirits company, allowing them to experiment with interesting flavors outside the traditional gin, tequila, or whiskey categories. The partnership with Doritos has enabled them to transform the unique and amazing flavor of Doritos into something entirely new.

The Nacho Cheese Spirit has already generated mixed reactions on social media. While some users expressed enthusiasm, claiming that it was long overdue, others found the concept nauseating. However, Doritos remains confident that their innovative approach to disrupting the spirits category will appeal to fans looking for unexpected and bold experiences.

For those interested in trying the Nacho Cheese Spirit, it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Doritos suggests three cocktails: the "Double Triangle Margarita," "Mary Mary," and "Red Bag Old Fashioned." For those with adventurous taste buds, the spirit can also be enjoyed neat or over ice.

The Nacho Cheese Spirit, priced at $65, is now available for pre-order, with delivery dates scheduled for January 2024. Select markets in New York and California will also carry the limited-edition spirit. Doritos' parent company, PepsiCo, has yet to comment on this new venture, but the bold move aligns with Doritos' brand ethos of disrupting culture and offering unexpected experiences.

This isn't the first time a beloved snack has found its way into the world of spirits. Arby's, a Georgia-based fast-food chain, previously released two limited-edition vodkas inspired by its curly fries. The success of Arby's food-infused spirits paved the way for Doritos to explore this unique crossover between snacks and alcohol. As unconventional as it may seem, chip-flavored booze is gaining attention and proving to be an adventurous choice for consumers seeking novel taste experiences.