I guess you have to like "pertsovka" (pepper-flavored vodka, a real thing) to like this.
The garlic isn't necessary, but I like garlic, and the 'sweet garlic' flavor does complement both the pepper zing and the heat.
The garlic gives it a sweet flavor, the black pepper is a complex zing, and the super-hot powdered chili adds the nice Bhut flavor briefly, then a BURN that overwhelms everything else..
The amount of dilution makes it anything from a little "Ha!" to an "OWWWWW!"
I would call it more of an "experience" than a flavor.
>> I'm not a drinker at all
The alcohol is the least important part of the recipe! It just extracts flavor and heat from the ingredients, and maybe it preserves them. You could double or triple the garlic and peppers, then pour only a teaspoon or two into the glass, and dilute with water.
