Easy Jalapeno Simple Syrup Recipe for Lemonade & Cocktails
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Take your favorite drinks to the next level by making a batch of this jalapeno simple syrup recipe using just three simple ingredients: fresh jalapeño peppers, water, and sugar!
After finding a great deal on jalapenos, I decided to make a bunch of different recipes! I worked my way through them all, removing the pith and seeds. After realizing just how much food I was throwing away, I decided to use those pepper guts to infuse a simple syrup.
This sort of approach is key in your zero waste kitchen! The pith and seeds still have so much flavor and heat – they make this simple syrup hot! Don’t worry – you don’t have to do it this way, though. You can absolutely use a regular jalapeno instead if you prefer.
Why you’ll love this jalapeno simple syrup recipe
- DELICIOUS: With a sweet kick, this jalapeño simple syrup is the perfect way to add a spicy flavor to your favorite drinks. It makes the best spicy jalapeño margaritas but can also be used in other recipes for a little sweet heat!
- SO EASY: This simple recipe is as easy as it can get with only 3 ingredients and minimal kitchen utensils. You’ll be sipping deliciously spicy cocktails (or mocktails) in no time!
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: Kick up your cocktail game with this spicy simple syrup recipe. You can also add it as a garnish or a spicy drizzle for some yummy apps!
What is jalapeno simple syrup?
Jalapeno simple syrup is made by heating up a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar with one sliced jalapeno pepper (or the membranes and needs of 2-3) until the sugar crystals dissolve. After cooling and straining the mixture, you’ll have a handy liquid sweetener you can use to add a little heat to literally any recipe!
It’s so easy to make your own simple syrup, and the peppers add a nice kick and a subtle flavor of the jalapeno. This jalapeño syrup is the easiest way to add some heat to your favorite drink recipes, and you’ll love the spicy burn on the way down!
Equipment
To make this spicy homemade simple syrup, you will need to gather these supplies:
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh sieve
- Pint mason jar
- Canning funnel (optional)
Ingredients
- Jalapeno: Since you only need one pepper for this small batch of simple syrup, it’s best to use a nice, plump jalapeno. You can even use frozen jalapenos!
- Sugar: You can use the sugar of your choosing – brown or cane. White sugar is standard, but brown will add a rich, caramel flavor.
- Water: Regular tap water works great for this!
How to Make Jalapeno Simple Syrup: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Remove the stem from one jalapeno and slice it open lengthwise. Cut it into small pieces.
- Add the jalapeno to your saucepan and cover with water and sugar.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Using a strainer, strain out the jalapeno pieces and pour the syrup into a jar.
- Refrigerate for up to 2-3 weeks. Enjoy!
Storing Suggestions
Once the syrup has cooled to room temperature, strain out the pepper pieces and store the spicy & sweet syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. You can safely store the syrup in the fridge for 3–4 weeks. Don’t forget to date your container!
Tips & Variations
- If you are working on other jalapeno recipes, like dehydrating them or making this jalapeno sugar, don’t waste a jalapeno! Use the seeds and pith from 2-3 jalapenos (approximately ¼ cup) instead.
- For a thicker, rich simple syrup, increase the sugar to 2 cups.
- Make a double batch. Simple syrup recipes are so easy to double because they use equal parts water and sugar. Just double everything or use the multiplier in the recipe card to make a big batch for your next party!
- If you prefer a more complex flavor, consider replacing the cane sugar with brown sugar.
- Jalapenos are spicy! Wear gloves or avoid touching your eyes or other sensitive areas.
- For a milder syrup, use half of a pepper.
- Peppers vary in heat, so taste and adjust the heat level as needed to get the perfect balance. You can always add an extra 1/2 cup of sugar and water and reheat it if your syrup is too spicy.
- The membranes and seeds are hot! I used the pith and seeds from 3 jalapenos, and this syrup was spicy!
- For a spicier syrup, add a second pepper or more of the membranes.
- This particular recipe would taste lovely with fresh herbs, like a little mint or lemon balm.
How to Use Jalapeno Simple Syrup
This sweet and spicy homemade syrup will add a little sweetness and a little kick of heat to your favorite drink. I especially enjoy serving it in lemonade!
Jalapeno Lemonade Recipe
To make my favorite jalapeno lemonade, combine these ingredients together in a large pitcher, stir, and serve over ice.
- 1 batch jalapeno simple syrup
- 1 cup of lemon juice (fresh or concentrated)
- 2-3 cups of water (to taste; sparkling or still)
- Garnish with jalapeno slices
You can also substitute lime juice for the lemon juice for a delicious jalapeno limeade!
Jalapeno Simple Syrup Cocktails
What do you do with jalapeno simple syrup? Try these cocktail recipes will show you just how many uses there are for this spicy jalapeno syrup recipe!
- Jalapeno Margarita – This twist on a classic cocktail will have you reaching for the pitcher to pour another. The hints of the tequila and sweet and spicy from the jalapeno syrup will have your taste buds dancing as you sip this spicy margarita!
- Spicy Paloma – This classic tequila and grapefruit cocktail is seriously refreshing. The way the sweet, spicy syrup mixes with the sourness of the grapefruit is a taste you cannot miss.
- Spicy Watermelon Frosé – Looking for the perfect brunch cocktail or summertime sip? This luscious frozen treat has rose wine, watermelon, and jalapeno syrup for a a little heat!
- Spicy Martini – This barrage of flavors will have you coming back for seconds. From sweet and spicy to perfectly sour, this drink has all the elements you are looking for in a drink!
- Spicy Jalapeño Gimlet – This spicy drink will wake your tastebuds up! You’ll just need this syrup with fresh lime juice and gin. Perfect for happy hour!
FAQs
Simple syrup has a couple uses! Most of the uses are drink-related, either making cocktails or mocktails. However, you can use this as a drizzle over some savory or sweet recipes as well.
For example, you can brush it on your cake layers before icing to lock in moisture and add a little heat. It could even be used to candy bacon for a sweet-salty-spicy flavor
experience spice lovers will absolutely love!
There are quite a few things you can do with leftover seeds. The simplest way to preserve them is to dry the seeds and save them to plant in the spring.
You can also use them to infuse flavor and the perfect amount of heat into other recipes. Try steeping jalapeno pieces into a standard simple syrup for a spicy kick. You could also add them to vinegar to add a little bit of heat in your homemade salad dressings.
Simple syrups can typically last for about a month, assuming the container is nice and clean. When you add other ingredients like fresh jalapeño slices
or mashed fruit, that timeline shrinks as the fresh ingredients can go bad. Simple syrup made with fresh jalapeños can typically last about 3 weeks, so you can make it once and use it to add a delicious jalapeño flavor to your drinks for weeks!
Related Recipes
If you love infusing and tinkering in the kitchen, you’ll love these other simple syrup recipes!
- Lemon Balm Syrup
- Homemade Earl Gray Syrup
- Blackberry Infused Vodka
- Cardamom Simple Syrup
- Homemade Blueberry Syrup for Cocktail
- Quick & Easy Blackberry Simple Syrup
- Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe
Jalapeno Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Pint mason jar
- Canning funnel optional
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced into pieces
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Remove the stem from one jalapeno and slice it open lengthwise. Cut it into small pieces.
- Add the jalapeno to your saucepan and cover with water and sugar.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Using a strainer, strain out the jalapeno pieces and pour the syrup into a jar.
- Refrigerate for approximately 3-4 weeks. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you are working on other jalapeno recipes, like dehydrating them or making this jalapeno sugar, don’t waste a jalapeno! Use the seeds and pith from 2-3 jalapenos (approximately ¼ cup) instead.
- For a thicker, rich simple syrup, increase the sugar to 2 cups.
- Make a double batch. Simple syrup recipes are so easy to double because they use equal parts water and sugar. Just double everything or use the multiplier in the recipe card to make a big batch for your next party!
- If you prefer a more complex flavor, consider replacing the cane sugar with brown sugar.
- Jalapenos are spicy! Wear gloves or avoid touching your eyes or other sensitive areas.
- For a milder syrup, use half of a pepper.
- Peppers vary in heat, so taste and adjust the heat level as needed to get the perfect balance. You can always add an extra 1/2 cup of sugar and water and reheat it if your syrup is too spicy.
- The membranes and seeds are hot! I used the pith and seeds from 3 jalapenos, and this syrup was spicy! For a spicier syrup, add a second pepper or more of the membranes.
- This particular recipe would taste lovely with fresh herbs, like a little mint or lemon balm.
